The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-25
Brewnson's Resignation Accepted by President
NO REASON IS ASSIGNED
Two Theories Advanced by Those
 Who Know.
Relieved That ouestion of Senate Rat flying Appointment From Re- tired List Figures in
 This Case.

Washington. Dec. 24-Presiden, Roosevelt today received and accepted the resignation of Rear Admiral wil iiard II. Brownson. as chief of the Bu. reau of Navigation. The resignation takes effect immediately and Captain Cameron McR. Winslow has been ap pointed to succeed the Admiral Nc reason for the resignation Is given al the White House.
 Diligent inquiry of Rear Admiral Brownson. of Secretary Mstcalf and al the White House failed to develop the reason for the seemingly sudden re. tirement of the Rear Admiral from the Navigation Bureau. Admiral Brown son takes the position that the subject Is one for the discussion of his superior officers, which would take the inquiry to Secretary Metcaif. The Secretary. In turn. passed the responsibility of stating the reason for the resignation to President Roosevelt. Secretary Loeb speaking for the President. says that no information can be obtained from that source.
 Two theories have been advanced as being sufficient in themselves to bring forth the letter of resignation which Secretary Metcalf presented to the President early this afternoon. One of these reasons is that the Admiral dnds himself unable to agree with the ideas of the President regarding cer- tain important policies to be pnAsued by the Bureau of Navigation. Such a disagreement. honestly entertained, would leave the Admiral but one course and that, to take his place on the re- tired list and relinquish the active management of the bureau over which he has dominion.
 Another Reason.
 The other reason IS that the Rear Admiral being on the retired list of the navy may not be legally confirmed by the Senate to an appointment to ac- tive duty. It Is known that the Judge Advocates Department of the navy has been wrestling with this legal question with special reference to thf case of Admiral Brownson for the pasi I xs,erasss sseek .. 1t fafAiro thought tfa' an opinion on the aiiestion has recent Iy been rendered. What the effect oi this opinion can only be surmised ir view of the action taken by tho Ad- miral today.
 Admiral Brownson's appointment as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation was made by the President during the re- cess It .s customary for the names of recess appointees to go to the Sem ate on it's next convenings. after the appoinsments have been made. Ad- miral Brownson's has been withheld From the senate pSHutu6 NfC uOSAOAcis in the case. The resignation and it's accordance will obviate the raising of the question between the Legislative and executive departments of the Gov ernrnent as to the right of retired officers to be appointed to active duty in time of peace. Since Admiral Brownson took command of the Bureau of Navigation, that Bureau has had to handle the question of the cruise of kn greatest peace movement Of the navy during it's history. The resignation of Admiral Brownson as chief of the Bu- reau of Navigation has the effect of placing him in his former position on the retired list of the navy.
 Commander winslow. who has been designated to act as the head of the Navigation Bureau, has for some time past been assistant to Admiral Brown son and consequently is familiar with the duties of the bureau. However, 1t is known that Commander Winslow is anxious to obtain command of the new battleshir New Hampshire, so it is believed that his present designation is intended to bridge over an interval during which the President can make selection of another officer. Among the names mentioned in that connec- ton is Captain Richardson Glover. at present head of the Board of Inspec- tion and Survey. who was considered for that place at the time Admiral Brownson's term of active service ex- pired. and 1t was supposed that he was to give way to an officer on the active list. Another name. which, 1t is known, has been considered in connec- tion with the vacancy, is that of Lieu tenant Commander William s. Sims. who is one of the Presidents aides. and who has attained special eninence in the navy by his expert work in con- nect.on with target practice.