New-York tribune., 1907-12-25
BROWNSON QUITS POST.
WINSIOW IN HIS PLACE.
Navigation Chief Resigns When
Ri.rey Is Upheld by President.
1Fronn The Trf5un. Bureau. ]

1Fror, The Trf5un. BureauI
Washington Dec. 4--Rear Admiral Willard
II. Brownson rendered his resignation from the
post of chief of the bureau of navigation TO-
day and it has been accepted This event VIII
cause the greatest surprise and regret in the
service. as Admiral Brownson was not only
regarded as one of the abIest and most force
full officers who have recently filed that posi-
sion but known to have number OF plans
for the Improvement of the navy and the pro-
motion of efficiency in the Navy Department
which he had confidently expected TO carry into
effect
Admiral Brownson's resignation is understood
TO be due TO a decision of the President in
which the Executive upheld recommendation
OF Surgeon General Rixey. which was cordially
indorsed by Commander Sims. as against the
earnest recommendation OF the chief OF nav1-
CATION
Surgeon General Rixey has urged upon the
President the expediency Of appointing Surgeon
Charles r Stokes. with the rank of Heuten-
ant commander OF the medical department. TO
the command of the hospital ship Relief, which
ia about to 90 into commission at Mare Island
Admiral Browrson has maintained the
other hand. that the ship should be commanded
by a line officer capable of navigating the YES
sci.
Surgeon General Rixey's contention means
that the vessel must be commanded by staff
officer incapable of navigating her while it will
also have a sailing master who will be the real
commander in ali that pertains to her naViga-
ton. Surgeon General Rixey has supported his
contention with the argument that, under the
provisions of The Hague convention relating 20
hospital ships there must be no fighting men"
on board.
Admiral Brownson has insisted that as chief
of the bureau of navigation he should exercise
the power to nominate the commanders of ships
and has held that any provision which makes
the commander of ship dependent subor-
dinate to navigate the vessel IS impractical
The question has been issue for several
weeks. and when to-day Admiral Brownson
was Informed by the President that he had
decided the case in accordance with the conten-
ton of the surgeon general. the admiral
promptly placed his resignation in the hands OF
the Secretary of the Navy
Admiral Brownson has refused TO discuss tina
case or TO give any explanation, holding that tbs
responsibility for explanation rested with
his superior officer, the Secretary OF the Navy.
The Secretary of the Navy. in turn. has in
sisted that the explanation must come from his
superior officer. the commander in chief. The
President. when asked to give an explanation
declined positively to do
Commander Cameron MGR winslow. now
sistant chief Of navigation. Will succeed Admiral
Brownson. although his appointment Is under
stood to be pro tempore If. however. Commander
Winslow makes good" he will probably become
the permanent successor of Admiral Brownson.
as he is greatly trusted at the White House. Cap
tain Charles ]. Badger. formerly assistant to the
chief of navigation now in command Of the
Naval Academy. has also been discussed for
Admiral Brownson's successor. as Commander
Winslow is regarded as an exceptionally young
man for SO responsible position. but 1t Is not
likely that there will be a change
Some stress has been laid the fact that
Senator Hale has informed the President that.
despite the holding of the law officers Of
the Navy Department to the contrary, Admiral
Brovnson, being the retired list could not
he confirmed by the Senate for the position OF
chief Of the bureau of navigation. This is true.
but II is also true that Senator Hale pointed
out TO the President that. in view OF Admiral
Brownson's special qualifications for the posi-
tfon. he might be retained in his position
indefinitely by series of recess appointments
nrscfselv as DR.. Crum was retained col
Iector of the port of Charleston s c. for a
number of years without action by the Senate
The law provides however. that bureau chiefs
must be selected from officers on the active
list according to it's construction b. the Senator
from Maine
psa, Admiral Willard II. Brownson is q native
of this state, having been born in Lyons. wayne
country In 1si5 He appointed to the United
STATES Naval Academy in 1851 and graduated
fo,,r wears later He became ensign IN. 1866
ter In 1868 lieutenant In 1859 Eeutenant-commander
, 1ss, commander in 1891, captain IN 1899. and o0
tained his present rank in 1895 He retired
for age in July of this year. but was kept
rive dury as chief of the bureau of navigation under
a recess appointment
Rear Admiral Brownson achieved reputation
for daring and galantry when a lieutenant. whiis
cr,is,rv of the wesl coast of Mexico. by cutting
ont and burning a pirate vessel with a boats crew
arrer a sharp engagement, in which a rids-lipmSE
and two sailors were killed
He was in command OF the Detroit IN the Earoor