Perth Amboy evening news., 1907-01-21
MUCH FEELING
OVER LEAVING
OF U. s. FLEET
Governor Of Jamaica Asked Rear
Admiral Davis 10 Withdraw
from the Island.
SAILORS WERE BIG HELP
Governor Declared There Was No
Necessity for American Aid
On the Island.

GUANTANAMO, CuDa. Gan. 21:-
Rear Admiral Davis has returned here
from Kingston, Jamaica, with the
American feet, Governor Sweeten-
ham having refused to accept further
American assistance. The mayor and
city council begged Admiral Davis TO
stay and the relief committee threat
ened to resign when the Americans
were recalled. Patients in the hos
pitfalls wept when the American sur
geons left and Red Cross nurses de-
clared the governors act was Grim
inal.
LONDON, Jan. 21;-The Foreign
Office has cabled Governor Sweeten-
ham for an immediate explanation of
his action In refusing American aid.
Great indignation is expressed here.
KINGSTON, Jama:ca, Jan. 21.--Rear
Admiral Davis mission of mercy TO
stricken Kingston has come to an alb
rupt, and painful conclusion in conse
nuence Of Governor Swettenham's OBJ
lection to the presence of American
sailors engaged in the work of clear
Ing the streets, guarding property and
succ0ring the wounded and sick, cul-
mlnating in letter to the admiral
perempt0rily requesting him to re-em
bark all pnrties which had been landed
| Admiral Davis was greatly shocked
and panied and paid a formal visit 10
Governor Swettenham, informing him
that the United States battleships Mis-
souri, and Indiana and the gunboat
Yankton would sail from Kingston at
once.
Following this. Rear Admiral Davis.
with his relief fleet, sailed away from
Kingston for Cuba
Admiral Davis when interviewed
here said that immediate compliance
with Govehior Swettenham's request
was the only,couise consistent with the
dignity of the United States.
The friction between the governor
and the admiral began with the arrival
Of the American war vessels. when
the governor objected to the firing of
salute in his honor on the ground that
the citizens might mistake the firing
for new earthquake. He also declar-
fed there was no necessity for American
aid, that his government was fully
able TO preserve order, tend the wound
I'd and succor the homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis, however, landed
parties of bluejackets. who patrolled
the streets, cleared the debris, razed
ruins. attended many Of the wounded
and won the highest praise from clti-
Gems and military officers for excellent
work
4 On the afternoon of the salute incl
dent Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov
ernor Swettenham as follows:
81 beg you to accept my apology for
the mistake of the salute My order
was misunderstood, and the disregard
of your wishes was due TO mistake
in the transmission of my order l
| trust the apparent disregard of your
wishes will he overlooked.
"l landed working parties from both
ships to aid in clearing the various
streets and buildings and purpose land
| ing parties for the same purpose unless
you expressly notify me that you do
not desire II. ! think Il great deal
may be done in the way of assistance
to private individuals without interior
Ing with the forces of yourself and the
government officials. AS the only OBJ
ect of my being here is TO render such
resistance as | can, l trust you will
Justify me in this matter for the cause
of common humanity.
| 81 had 4 patrol OF six men ashore to
! guard and secure the archives OF the
United States consulate. together with
party of ten for clearing away wreck
age This party after finishing its
work Mt the consulate assisted a work
ing party TO catch thieves. recovering
from them a safe taken from jewel
ry store valued at $4,000 From this
Judge that the police surveillance Of the
city is inadequate for the protection OF
private property.
"Actuated by the same motive
namely, common humanity shall di-
rect the medical officers of my squad
ron to make all efforts to aid cases OF
distress which perhaps do not come
under the observation of your medical
/ officers.
Il shall have pleasure in meeting You
at the hour appointed, 10 a. m, at head
quarters house.
Il trust you approve of my action in
this matter"
Governor Swettenllam responded as
follows:
"Tbanks very much for your letter.
your kind call and all the assistance
given or offered us While ] most
heartily appreciate the very generous
offers of assistance, feel it my duty
to ask you TO resembark the working
party and all parties which your kind
ness prompted yIpstalFlul
PIT IN ~,e'''nass