The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1907-01-22

Stench OF Decayihg Deao, anu NON'
ernor Says Their Burial Is Merely
One Of Convenience.
Kingston. Jamaica, Jan. p. - Rear
Admiral Davis mission of mercy to
stricken Kingston came to an abrupt
and painful conclusion in consequence
of Governor Swettenham's objection 10
the presence of American sailors en-
gagged in the work of clearing the
streets. guarding property and succor-
ing the wounded and sick, eliminating
in a letter to the admiral peremptorlly
requesting him to re-embark all parties
which had been landed.
Admiral Davis was greatly shocked
and panied and paid formal visit TO
Governor Swettenham, informing him
that the United States battleships Mis-
souri, and Indiana and the gunboat
Yankton would sail al once.
The friction between the governor
and the admiral began with the ar
rival 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 a new earthquake. He
also declared there was no necessity
for American aid-that his govern
ment was fully able TO preserve order,
tend the wounded and succor the
homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis. however land
ed parties OF bluejackets. who pa
trolled the streets. cleared the debris.
RACED ruins. attended many of the
wounded and won the highest praise
from citizens and military officers for
excellent work.
On the afternoon of the salute incl
dent Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov
ernor Swettenham as follows:
ernor Swettenham. apologizing for the
salute and offering to render any as
sistance possible to the stricken PEG
pie.
Asked to Re-Embark Marines.
Governor Swettenham responded
Friday as follows
Dear Admiral-Thanks very much
for your letter. your kind call and all
the assistance given OF offered us.
While | most heartily appreciate the
very generous offers OF assistance. ]
feel it my duty to ask you 10 re-embark
the working party and all parties
which your kindness prompted you TO
land
If in consideration OF the American
vice consul's assidious attentions 20 his
family at his country house the Ameri-
can consulate needs guarding in your
opinion. although he was present and
il was not guarded an hour ago / have
no objection to your detailing force
for the sole purpose OF guarding but
the party must have no firearms and
nothing more offensive than clubs or
slaves for this function.
q find your working party was help
ing Mr. Crosswell clean his store.
Crosswell was delighted that the work
was done without cost II your excel
lency should remain long enough, ] am
sure almost all the private owners
would be glad Of the services OF the
navy to save expense
1T is no longer a question Of hui
manity: all the dead died days ago
and the work OF having them buried Is
merely one of convenience.
Il believe the police surveillance OF
the city is adequate for the protection
of private property. may remind your
excellency that mot long ago ii was
discovered that thieves had lodged IN
and pillaged the residence OF some
New York millionaire during his alb
sence in the summer; but this would
not have justified a British admiral
landing an armed para and assisting
the New York police
81 have the honor to be. with pro
found gratitude and the highest re-
spect. your obedient servant.
ALEXANDER SWETTENHAM.
Governor.
supply.ship Orders Countermanded.
When Rear Admiral Davis called at
headquarters house to bid farewell
to Governor Swettenham, he waited ID
minutes. He then informed the gov
ernor's aide that he would wait no
longer. and requested him TO tell the
governor that in consequence OF his
attitude in not desiring American aid.
he had cOuntermanded President
Roosevelts order, dispatching the sup
ply ship Celtic. laden with beef, for
the relief of Kingston.
Governor Swettenham arriving at
that moment. there was a brief prl-
vate meeting. and the governor escort
ed Rear Admiral Davis to his carriage.
Solicitations were exchanged, and the
governor, replying to Rear Admiral
Davis regret that he was unable to
do more for Kingston, said. "All the
more to your honor adding a deep
bow. evidently in reply to Admiral
Davis reference to his departure. and
meaning that he would do the same
II in the admiral's place.
Rear Admiral Davis told the Asso
ciated Press that he deeply regretted
the governors attitude. He was still
convinced that the governor was un-
equal to the task of relieving distress,
that this was evident from the fact
that the American field hospital had
tended many sick and wounded, and
others were constantly arriving. hav-
ing been unable to gain admission to
the government hospital
Governor Swettenham's attitude to-
ward a friendly American officers as
T0pANH0