Los Angeles herald., 1907-05-12

paees. II boasts no smarter turnout than
that over which the veteran sea war
rior handles the reins. Incidentally it
may be remarked that the Admiral con-
tributes to the picture by his own fault
less attire He Is known as one OF the
best dressed men in America, showing
marked preference for clothing In the
various shades of brown, with derby and
gloves to match. For all that, there u
never anything bizarre or faddy In the
costume.
While on this sartorial subject It may
be remarked that there is no more gor-
geous raiment to be found In democratic
America than Admiral Dewey's full-dress
uniform-perfect In cut and heavy laden
with gold ornamentation. The Admiral,
though not a tall man, wears his In
sigma of rank with dignity that any
sixfooter might envy. frequently he
wears with his full-dress uniform the
handsomest of his numerous swords
namely, the $4,000 weapon presented to
"America's most idolized hero" by spe
cial act of Congress- The blade Is In
laid with gold, and the hilt handsomely
ornamented and inlaid with diamonds
The feature of the scabbard Is large
monogram, &c. d." set with frst-water
diamonds second gold-mounted sword
which he often carries was presented to
Admiral Dewey with the proceeds OF
1O-cent popular subscription similar to
that already mentioned in connection
with the great silver loving cup.
1t is no slight chore to care for the
uniforms of any naval officer, and, OF
course, the responsibilities are increased
proportionately when an admiraPs ward
robe Is involved. Accordingly, there Is
especial Significance in the declaration
of Admiral Dewey's friends that he is
the one man who disproyes the adage
that 'no man Is a hero to his own
valet" and thereby hangs tale. When
Admiral Dewey took command OF the
Asiatic Squadron he found on board the
Olympia young Chinaman who had
been valet to the former commander.
Loo All Nav was with Dewey at Manila,
and from that day became the devoted
admirer of the victor. Inasmuch as ne
spoke English fuently and was an expert
cook, the faithful Celestial was well
coined as servitor at the Dewey home
in Washington when the Admiral's term
of sea service was ended.
All of Admiral Dewey's intimates can
find frequent evidence of his fondness
for children, but few Of them know that
a large portion of his voluminous per
sonal mail Is given over to communica-
tions from young people. The American
commander at the Battle of Manila Bay
is pre-eminently the hero of the age In
the eyes of most boys, and the youngsters
write to him on every imaginable subject.
off aft tho limited
States probably who is the recipient OF
SO many requests from juvenile couec-
tors Of autographs.
Like many another veteran naval ON
Ger. Admiral Dewey has never outgrown
his fondness for the sea, and he takes
genuine delight in an occasional cruise.
In his official capacity the Admiral as
rule makes use of the cruiser Mayhower,
which vessel is also employed upon occa-
sions as the Presidents yacht. The May
flower, which Is a graceful steel ship 273
feet in length, was prior to her purchase
by the government during the Spanish
American War the private yacht Of
multimillionaire, and is not only an ex-
cellent sea boat, but is very luxuriousiy
fitted up. The Admiral's old flagship, the
Olympia, has lately been designated as
IQe uaHSulp Ol lAt OAAsc0 RSn~Sc ~'N'c-
Academy Training SQuadron-the feet
of warships on which the midshipmen at
the famous school for future officers
make their annual practice cruise, and
this will enable Admiral Dewey to pay
visit to his one-time stronghold every
time he journeys to Annapolis.
In reply to a recent question as to
whether he was much of reader, Ad-
81 hak NTra
was 'the reader Of the family" Then
he went on to explain that so much Of
his time was taken up perusing reports,
going over records Of new inventions and
otherwise keeping abreast of the times
In naval affairs that he was obliged to
leave 1t to his wife to select his lighter
reading. ''She reads everything" he
added, "and as our tastes are similar that
saves my time" incidentally the Ad-
miral laughingly confessed that he had
never found time to read fraction or
the complimentary notices contained In
the monster album of press clippings that
was presented to him by the shipping
men of New York city.
The multiplicity OF Admiral Dewey's
interests would appal many a younger
man. He has refused as much as $1,000
for brief magazine article on his ex-
periences at Manila, yet he seldom De
clines request to pen letter or state
ment that will aid In arousing interest In
the Navy or benefit the service In any
way. He is one Of the most active mem
bers and an officer of st. Johns Episco-
pal Church, the church attended by Mrs
Roosevelt, and with an absence Of osten-
tation characteristic of the man he has
repeatedly contributed to worthy chari-
ties The present year has especial sig
niicance for Admiral Dewey, for he Will,
r.l... IN..kN -
day anniversary on the day following
Christmas. Indeed, the victor In the
most notable naval battle since Trafal-
ger is perhaps the most famous OF the
long line of distinguished men who win
during the year 1907 reach tho allotted