The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1907-01-24
Governor Swettenham Or
ders Naval Comman-
der to Leave.
QUITS AS REQUESTED
Kingston's Executive objected to Sa-
mte Fired in His Honor Fleet
Surgeons Established Hospital and
Aided Many-Ordered Marines to
Embark on Their Ships.

Kingston, Jamaica, Jan. 24.-In
compliance with the request-which
implies the commander Sir James
Alexander Swettenham, Captain
General and Governor-in-C Chief of
the British West Indian Island of
Jamaica, the American landing par
ties have been withdrawn from
Kingston, and Rear-Admiral C. H.
Davis with his relief fleet, consist
Ing of the battleships Indiana and
Missouri and the gunboat Yankton,
has sailed away.
Swettenham had refused the tents
and offers Of assistance made by the
Americans, and practically told them
that their kind offices were not
wanted.
The correspondent saw the Ameri-
can officers Just before they left
They feel insulted and indignant be-
cause of the refusal of their assist
ance, which they saw was highly ne
eessary to the relief of suffering.
The field hospital which the Amer
icans established last Tuesday, and
where scores have been attended,
has been removed, owing to the de-
perture of the Americans. The other
hospitals are still overcrowded.
Indignation Over Governors Action.
Much indignation is manifest be-
cause of the unsympathetic attitude
Of Governor Swettenham. Intensity
ing dissatisfaction is being expressed
by all classes over what Is considered
the unwlse refusal of American as
sistance.
The situation was improving, but
the Governors strange action has
made It worse.
The Americans say that, in com
2arfson. conditions here are much
worse than those resulting from the
San Francisco disaster. The hospi-
tals are running over, doctors and
nurses working without sleep.
Lady Swettenham and her sister
are serving as cooks in the hospitals
The men from the American war
Hbfps gave valuable assistance before
3heir departure.
II was an abrupt and painful con-
.fusion which forced Itself upon
Aear-Admiral Davis and his mission
n mercy.
Governor Swettenham objected to
ne presence Of American sailors en-
saged In the work Of clearing the
areets. guarding property and sue
nrfng the wounded and sick. His
AFFECTIONS were expressed In a letter
% Admiral Davis peremptorily re-
Hesting him to re-embark all par
ses which had been landed.
Admiral Davis was shocked and
aimed. He paid formal visit to the
Governor, informing him that the In
LANA, Missouri and Yankton would
all. The Admiral said privately
nat immediate compliance with
Governor Swettenham's request was
ae only course consistent with the
dignity of the United States.
The friction between the Governor
nd the Admiral began with the ar
wal OF the American war vessels,
ghen the Governor objected to the
ring OF salute in his honor on the
round that the citizens might mis-
AXE the firing for q new earth
4iake. He also declared there was
% necessity for American aid-that
hS Government was fully able to
reserve order. attend the wounded.
nd succor the homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis, however,
snded parties OF bluejackets, who
.atrolled the streets, cleared the
chris, razed the ruins, attended
any OF the wounded, and won the
tghest praise from citizens and milf
AIRY omcers for excellent work.