Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-22
ned) ,. "ESME HOWARD
The Supply Ship Celtic.
LETTER OF INSULT.
swettenham's Reply and Admiral Da-
Wis Courteous Note.

The correspondence which has excited 80
much interest Is as follows: -. Z
Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov. swetten-
ham:
my Dear GOVERNOR beg you to accept
my apology for the mistake OF the salute
this afternoon. My order was misunder-
stood and the disregard OF your wishes was
due to a mistake In the transmission of my
order. trust the apparent disregard Of
your wishes will be overlooked. :,
Il landed working parties from both ships
today to aid in clearing the various streets
and buildings. and purpose landing parties
tomorrow for the same purpose unless you
expressly do not desire 1t. 1 think a great
deal may be done In the way of assistance
to private individuals without interfering
with the forces Of yourself and the govern
ment officials AS the only object OF my
being here is to render such assistance as
can, l trust you will Justify me in this
matter for the cause Of common humanity.
had a patrol OF six men ashore today
to guard and secure the archives of the
United States consulate. together with a
party of ten clearing away wreckage. This
party, after finishing its work at the con-
sulate. assisted a working party to catch
thieyes, recovering from them safe. taken
from a jewelry store. valued at 5000. From
this Judge that the police surveillance of
the city IL inadequate for the protection OF
private property.
ACIVaCeU py AumduAIy.
"Actuated by the same motive, namely.
common humanity, L shall direct the med
zeal officers Of my squadron to make all
efforts to aid cases Of distress which. per-
haps, do not come under the observation
Of your medical officers. a.
81 shall have pleasure in meeting you at
the hour appointed, 10 am, at headquar-
ters' house.
''I trust you approve Of my actien in this
matter.
"Your obedient servant.
sc. n. DAVIS.
-''--- Rear Admiral"
Gov. Swettenham responded Friday, as
follows:
Dear Admiral: Thanks very much for
your letter. your kind call. and all the as
sistance given or offered us. While I most
heartily appreciate the very generous offers
of assistance, feel 1t my duty to ask you
to re-embark the working party and all
parties which your kindness prompted you
to land.
Objected to Armed Men.
"If. in consideration Of the American vice
consuls assiduous attentions to his family
at his country house, the American consul
late needs guarding. in your opinion. al
though he was present and 1t was not
guarded an hour ago. I have no objection
to your detailing force: for the sole pur-
pose OF 8uaruings out tDe party must nave
no firearms and nothing more offensive
than clubs or slaves for this function.
II find your working party was this
morning helping Mr.. CrossweH clean his
store Crosswell was delighted that the
work was done without cost. II your ex-
cellency should remain long enough, I am
sure almost all the private owners would
be glad Of the services OF. the navy to save
expense. o.. .<-1,-5
.'It Is no longer a question Of humanity:
all the dead died days ago, and the work
Of giving them burial il merely one OF con-
venience.
II would be glad to- accept delivery of
the safe which 1t IN alleged thieves had
possession Of. The American vice consul
has no knowledge of II: the store IL close
to . sentry post, and the officer OF the post
processes Ignorance Of the incident.
Illustrates HIS Point.
IT bAlieve the police surveillance Of the
city h adequate for the protection Of pri-
waite property :. I may remind your excel
iency that not long ago II ives discovered
that thieves had lodged. In and ptllaged the
residence Of some New York millionaire
during his absence In the summer: but this
would not have justified British admiral
landing an armed party and assisting the
New York police.
al have the honor to be. with profound
gratitude and the highest respect, your
..-'..ALExANDER swErTENHAM. .
Governor"