The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-01-25

hlHSSLOn, JdIldlcd, January ~, d.
layed-Rear Admiral Davis mission
OF mercy to stricken Kingston came
tC an abrupt ans Ia nful conclusion
today, in consequence of Governor
Swettenham's objection to the pres
ence of American saii,.s engaged in
the work Of clearing the streets,
guarding property n succorins the
wounded and sick.
1t eliminated in a letter to the
Admiral peremptoTliy requesting llm
to re-embark all parties which had
been landed.
Admiral Davis was greatly shock
ed and panied, and paid a formal WIS.
it to Governor SWettenham today, in
forming him that the United States
battleships Missouri and Indiana and
the gunboat Yank.on would sail this
afternoon.
Commenting on the affair SubSe-
quently Admiral Dayis said ini1le-
diate compliance win Governor SWEET
tenham's request was the Only ccurzH
COh-4oiCuU Will Tic uISIIlN OF the
United States.
Friction between he Governor and
the Admiral began with the arrival
Of the American war vessels, when
the governor objected to tho firing
of a salute in his honor, u1 Ire
ground that the citizens might mis-
take the firing for a new earthquake.
He also declared there was no neceS-
SHY for American aid-tlat his gov
eminent was fully able to preserve
order, tend the wounded and succor
the homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis however jauo-
ed parties of bluejackets, Who patrol
led the streets, cleared the debris
razed ruins, attended many Of the
wounded and won the highest praise
from citizens and military officers Tor
their excellent work
On the afternoon Of the salute incl
dent Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov
ernOr SWettenham as follows: !
My Dear Governor. ! beg YOU to
accept my apology for the mistake
OF the salute his afternoon. My order |
was misunderstood and the disregard !
of YOU wishes was due to a mistake
in the transmission of my order. I
trust the apparent disregard of your
wishes will be overlooked.
Il landed working parties from both
ships today to aid in clearing the Va
rious streets and buildings and pur-
pose landing parties tomorrow for tn"
same purpose unless you expressly do
not desire it. l think a graf deal
may be done in the way of assistance
r. r;xof -l:1-;I,,1 - I~ ,-%., |
fering with the forces of yourself and
the government officials. AS the only
object of my being here is to render
such assistance as I can, I trust
you will justify me in this matter for
the cause of common humanity.
Il had a patrol of six men ashore
today to guard n secure the archives
of the United States Consulate, to-
gether with a party Of 10 clearing
away wreckage. This party, after
finishing it's work at the consulate, as
sisted a working party to catch thieves,
recovering from them a safe, taken
from a jewelry store, valued at So
600. From this I judge that the pO-
lice surveillance of the city is in
adequate for the protection of private
property.
"Actuated by the same motive
namely, common humanity-I shall di-
rect the medical officers of my squad
O to make all efforts to aid cases
of distress which perhaps do not come
under the observation of your medical
officers. 4,
Il shall nave the pleasure in meeting ,
you at the hour appointed, 10 a. m
AT ~dOuar hOuSe. q,
II trust o approve of my action
in this matter.
Your obedient servant,
&c. H. DAVIS, Rear Admiral"
Governor Swettenham responded
Friday as follows:
Dear Admiral: Thanks 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, I
feel it my duty to ask o to re-em-
bark the working party and all par
ties which your kindness prompted
you to land.
eff, in consideration Of the Ameri-
can vice consul's assiduous attentions
to bis family at his country house, the
American consulate needs guarding
in your opinion, although he was pres
ent and it was not guarded an hour
ago, | have no objection to your de-
failing a force for the sole purpose OF
guarding, but the party must have no
firearms and nothing moro offensive |