The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-14

Washington, Sept H.-If American pa
triotism cannot voluntarily embrace hon
Or and respect for the uniform OF the
United States navy, stringent laws are
10 be asked at the hands of congress TO
compel II. This is the decision announced
yesterday by Secretary OF the Navy Bona
parte on making public the correspond
ence from Rear Admiral Evans, In which
the naval officer made a stirring protest
against the manner in which men of his
battleship squadron recently were treated
In Portland Me.
Admiral Evans complaint, coming so
raj c. NJ. Thomas against the reception
accorded his men at Newport, has thor
pughly aroused the naval authorities.
AS result OF these complaints Secre-
tary Bonaparte declared yesterday that
he will urge congress to pass stringent
laws compelling respect for the uniform
Of the United States jackies.
1t Is also declared at the navy depart
ment that such ports as permit insult
TO naval men will be ignored In the fu-
ture by the fighting craft, and none OF
the war vessels will touch at such ports
except when IT'S presence Is required or
u is compelled to enter on business.
the civil rights act. or such part OF IL as
has not been declared unconstitutional
would meet the conditions that now exist
and is also doubtful about applying a
law designed for a wholly different pur-
pose TO meet conditions which have since
arisen. The secretary believes that law
can be passed which which will protect
the men OF the navy and army against
such treatment as complained OF.
ADMIRAL EVANS LETTER.
The report of Admiral Evans Is dated
on the flagship Maine at Bar Harbor,
Sept. s. and Is as follows:
During the recent visit OF the Iowa,
Indiana and second torpedo flotilla 10
Portland Me, the visit being made at
the suggestion OF the residents OF Maine,
many OF the men OF the Indiana were
treated with great brutality by the police
md by a civilian in the presence of the
police, from which I may infer that he
was a policeman in plain clothes.
These men,who were without doubt,
perfectly sober and going In the direction
of the wharf at which the ships boats
landed, were dubbed and kicked and
knocked down by these police. The CIV
ilian in the presence OF the police drew q
revolver and threatened them.
Nothing but commendation can be
said OF these bluejackets for their mod
Grafton in subrnitting 20 these indigni-
ties without creating trouble, for they out
numbered the police, and without doubt
they could have taken them in charge.
Another indignity to which these liber-
~ men were obliged to submit took place
at skating rink. Tickets were sold TO
them 10 enter the skating rink on Peaks
island, and then skates were refused
them on the ground that they were dress
ed in seamen's uniform. They were re-
fused admittance to other entertainments
hat ala Nf
and to which civilians. regardless OF their
character or OF the condition OF their
clothes, were admitted IL they had the
price OF admission.
'I presume the owners or managers OF
places OF amusement are not compelled to
cell tickets. but II seems a sad comment
on the patriotism OF the citizens OF Port
land TO say that they objected to sitting
beside sober. honest and industrious men.
who are In "A profession among the most
honorable OF any in the world.
STATEMENTS ARE OFFERED.
81 enclose herewith the statements OF
the men concerned, the report OF the COM
rnanding officers and the correspondence
with the mayor OF Portland on the sub
1ect. and have To ask If legal proceed
ings cannot be undertaken by the United
States district attorney I'm Maine against
the policemen who so brutally treated the
men. and the civilian who drew a revol-
|. yer on them.
II have to ask, also, IL not incompati-
bile with the views OF the department.
that such publicity be given to this incl
dent as may tend to bring about a change
in the sentiment of the people, in order
. that more consideration may be shown TO
the men OF the naval service when they
are on shore.
81 have TO inform the department that
except when otherwise instructed by the
department. i shall not permit the ships
under my command TO visit Portland"
The enlisted men. in their statement to
the comanding officer. say that while they
were on the streets of Portland they
were repeatedly ordered to move on, al
though they were simply standing on the
street in conversation.
Those who were present when the In
cdent referred TO by Admiral Evans oc-
Cured say that the policemen ordered
them 10 move on, but without giving the
party time to move the police officers
started 70 club and kick those In the rear
and that they drove them about two
blocks in this manner.
Capt Tilley called the matter to the |
attention Of the mayor of Portland, who |
promised verbally TO investigate IT, The |
day before the ships sHttrt- from Port |
land, he says, the mayor came on board |
the Iowa and stated that he had arranged |
90 that the men should have the privilege |
OF the skating rinks and other places OF |
amusement
Capt Tilley also forwarded a letter |
from the mayor OF Portland, dated Aug. |
20 and saying hes was much disgusted at |