The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-12-27

Two Theories Advanced as Being sur
Gcient i'm Themselves to Cause Let
ter OF RcSignatiOn-Captai Cam
erOn MGR. Winslow Appointed to
Succeed Admiral BrownsOn-His
Appointment Believed to be Only
Temporary One
Washington, Dec. 24.-Prcsident
Roosevelt received and accepted today
the resignation OF Rear Admiral Will
lard Brownson, as chief of the bureau
Of navigation. The resignation takes
effect imediately and Captain Cameron
MGR Winslow has been appointed to
succeed the admiral. No reason for
the resignation is given for the resig-
nation at the white house.
Diligent inquiry from Rear Admiral
Brownson, from Secretary Metcalf and
at the white house, failed to develop
the reason for the seemingly sudden
retirement of the rear admiral from
the navigation bureau. Admiral Brown
son aK4es the position that the subject
is oneXftr discussion OF his superior
officer.
Secretary Metcalf passes the respon-
sibility for stating the reason of the
resignation to President Roosevelt.
SecretarNLeob, speaking for the lresl-
dent, says that no information can be
obtained from that source.
Two theories have been advaMced as
beine. sufficient in themselves to bring
forth the letter of resignation. oDe
of these reasons is that the admiral
finds himself unable to agree with the
ideas of the president regarding certain
important policies to be pursued by
the bureau of navigation. Such dis
agreement, honestly entertained, would
leave the admiral but one course AID
that to take his place on the retired
list and relinquish the active manage
ment Of the bureau.
The other reason is that the admir-
al being on the retired list of the
naty, may npt be legally confirmed by
the senate TO an appointment to &C
tive 4ty. II is known that the judge
advocates department Of the navy has
been wrestling with this legal question
with special reference to the case or
Admiral Brownson, for several weeks
past. It is also known that an Opin-
ion on the question has recently been
rendered. What the effect OF this
cpinion is can only be surmised.
Those who believe that this is the rea-
son for his resignation say that the
opinion sets forth the law to be that
his confirmation could not be legally
executed by the senate.
Admiral Brownson's appointment as
chief of the bureau of navigation was
made by the president during the re-
cess of congress.
1t is customary fOl the names OF
recess appontees to SO to the senate
Cn it's next ccnveniCS after the ap-
pointments have been made.
In the present case, and because OF
the uncertaintity CT the right of q
retired naval officer to be assigned 70
ac rs. duty, Admiral Brownson' s
mai ND is withheld from the senate pend
ing the rendering Of a legal opinion
in the case. The resignation and its
Acceptance will obviate the raising OF
the question between the legislative
and executive departments of the gov
elment as to the right Of retired Of
fcers to bA appointed to active duty
in the timeF ! peace.
Since Admiral Brownson took COM
mand of the bureau of navigation that
bureau has had to handle the ques-
ton of the cruise Of the Atlantic fleet
to the Pacific, the greatest peace move
ment of the navy during its history.
The resignation of Admiral BroWnson
as chief of the bureau of Navigation
has the effect Of placing him in his
former position On the retired list OF
the navy.
Commander Winslow, who has heer
DESIGNATED to act as the head of the
navigation bureau, has for some time
mast, been assistant Ia Admiral Brown
SON
commander Winslow is anxious tc
90 in command Of the new battlesnll
sMHampshire, so it is believed ina
his present designation is intended te
bridge over an interval during Wmcf
time the president can make the seiec
ton OF another officer.
Among the names mentioned IN ina
connection is that of Captain Rlcnaro