The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1907-01-21
swErTENHAM's OBJECTION.
Remarkable Correspondence Betwes
Davis and Governor.

Remarkable Correspondence Between
Davis and Governor.
Kingston, Jamaica. Jan. I9--Saturday
Rear Admiral Davis's mission of mer-
cy to stricken Kingston came to an
abrupt and painful conclusion today in
consequence of Governor Swettenham's
objection to the presence of American
sailors engaged in the work of clear
ing the streets, guarding property and
succoring the wounded and SICK. cul-
minating in letter to the Admiral,
peremptorily requesting him to re-em-
bark all parties which had been landed.
Admiral Davis was greatly shocked
and panied and paid a formal visit 10
Governor swettenham today, Informing
him that the United states battleshfps
Missouri and Indiana, and the gunboat
Yanlton, would sail this afternoon.
To the Associated Press Admiral
Davis said that immediate compliance
with Governor Swettenhams command
was the only course consistent with the
dignity OF the United States.
The friction between the Governor
and Admiral began with the arrival Of
the American war vessels when the
Governor objected to theS firing of a
salute in his homer on the ground that
the citizens might mistake the firing
for a new earthquake. He also declar-
ed there was no necessity for Amer
lean aid--that his government was full
ly able to preserve sorder, attend the
wounded and succor the homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis, be..Sever, landed
parties of blue iaas>sss. who patrolled
the streetSe -.eared the debris, RACED
ruins, attended many of the wounded
and won she highest praise from citi-
gems and military officers for excellent
work.
Apology To swettenham.
On the afternoon of the salute Incl
dent Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov
ernor Swettenham as follows:
My Dear Governor-'I beg you to
accept by apology for the mistake of
the salute this afternoon. My order
was misunderstood and the disregard
of your wishes was due to a mistake
in the transmission of my order. L hope
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 the
same purpose, unless you expressly do
not desire it.. l think great deal may
be done in the way of assistance to pri-
vate individuals without interfering
with the forces of yourself and the
government officials. AS the only OBJ
ject of my being here is to render such
assistance as can, / trust you will
justify me in the matter for the cause
of common humanity.
Il had patrol of six men ashore to-
day to guard and secure the archives of
the United States Consulate, together
with party of ten clearing away
wreckage. This party, after finishing
its work at the Consulate, assisted
working parties to catch thieves, recov-
ering from them a safe taken from a
jewelry store, valued at $4,000 From
this / judge that the police surveil-
lance Of the city is inadequate for the
protection of private property
"Actuated by the same motive. name
ly, common humanity 1 shall direct the
medical officers of my squadron to aid
the distress which perhaps will not
come under the supervision of your
medical officers.
Il shall have pleasure in meeting you
at the hour appointed, 10 a. m, at head
quarters house.
II trust you approve of my action in
this matter.
Your obedient servant,
&C. H. Davis,
Read Admiral"
Governor Swettenham replied Fri
day 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. 1
feel it my duty to ask you to re
embark the working party and all par
ties which your kindness prompted you
to land.
IF in consideration of the Ameri-
can Vice Consuls assiduous attentions
to his family at his country house.
the American consulate needs guard
ing, in your opinion. although he was
present and 1t was not guarded an hour
ago, l have no objection to your detail
ing a force for the sole purpose of
guarding, but the party must have no
fire arms and nothing more offensive
than clubs or slaves for this function.
Governors Sarcasm.
II found your working party was
this morning helping Mr., Crosswell
clean his store. Crosswell was de-