Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-01-21
OUR AID DECLINED Governor of Jamaica Asks
 Davis to Withdraw.
 RESENT SWETTENHAM's ACTION
American Ships Salute Taken For
 Another Earthquake.
INCIDENT DtPlORED AT KINGSTON

United States warships' Mission of Mercy to Stricken Island City Has Come to nm Abrupt End Through Request From British Governor That All Guards and Working Res- enc Parties Be Withdrawn and Sent Aboard Their vessels-He Declared That There Was No Further Neces- sity For American Aid, as His Cow ernment Was Fully Able to Deal With the situation.
 KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jan. 21.-Rear Admiral Davis mission of mercy to stricken Kingston has come to an ab- rupt and painful conclusion in conse- quence of Governor Swettenham's ob- jection 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 pained and paid formal visit to Governor Swettenham, informing him that the United States battleships Mis- souri and Indiana and the gunboat Yankton would sail from Kingston at once.
 Following this, Rear Admiral Davis, with his relief fleet, sailed away from Kingston for Cuba.
 Admiral Davis when interviewed here said that immediate compliance with Governor Swettenham's request was the only course consistent with the dignity of the United States.
 The friction between the governor and the admiral began with the arrival of the American war vessels, when the governor objected to the firing of salute in his honor on the ground that the citizens might mistake the firing for a new earthquake. He also declar- cd there was no necessity for American aid, that his government was fully able to preserve order, tend the wound cd and succor the homeless.
 Rear Admiral Davis, however, landed parties of bluejackets, who patrolled the streets, cleared the debris, razed ruins, attended many of the wounded and won the highest praise from citi. sens and military officers for excellent work.
 On the afternoon of the salute incl dent Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov ernor Swettenham as follows: q beg you to accept my apology for the mistake of the salute. My order was misunderstood. and the disregard of your wishes was due to a mistake in the transmission of my order. I trust the apparent disregard of your 1 wishes will be overlooked.
 "I landed working parties from both ships to aid in clearing the various streets and buildings and purpose land- ing parties for the same purpose unless you expressly notify me that you do not desire 1t. I think a great deal may be done in the way of assistance to private individuals without interfer- ing with the forces of yourself and the government officials. As the only ob- feet 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.
 "I had a patrol of six men ashore to guard and secure the archives of the United States consulate. together with a party of ten for clearing away wreck. age. This party after finishing It's work at the consulate assisted a work. ing party to catch thieves. recovering from them a safe taken from a jewel " store valued at $5.OOO. From this fudge that the police surveillance of the city Is inadequate for the protection of private property.
 "Actuated by the same motive = namely. common humanity-I shall di rect the medical officers of my squad ron to make all efforts to aid cases oi distress which perhaps do not come under the observation of your medica officers.
 "I shall have pleasure in meeting yor at the hour appointed. 10 a. m., at head quarters house.
 T trust you approve of my action ir this matter"
 Governor Swettenham responded al follows:
 Thanks very much for your letter your kind call and all the assistance given or offered us. While I mos heartily appreciate the very generou offers of assistance. feel 1t my dut. to ask you to re-embark the workinI party and all parties which your kind ness prompted you to land.
 If in consideration of the Americal vice consurs assiduous attentions L his family at his country house tn American consulate need guarding il your opinion. although he was presen and 1t was not guarded an hour ago.
 have no objection to your detailing force for the sole purpose of guarding
 but the party must have no firearm
 and nothing more offensive than club
 or slaves for this function.
 q find your working party was thi
 morning helping Mir. CrossweII cles
 his store. crossweIl was delishte
 that the work was done without cos
 If your exceIlency should remain lon