New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-22
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lutely wrong ana uncalled for. and this censure
is given in spite of the fact that the papers rec
ognize that the admiral also may have been
somewhat blameworthy. THE Standard" says:
Perhaps trouble would be saved If we as
sumed forthwith that Rear Admiral Dovis was
tri1e too energetic. and Governor Swettenham
unduly tenacious of his prerogative
In short, it is held that nothing could excuse
such an amazing letter" except the charitable
view that the writer was suffering from nervous
breakdown
The Daily Telegraph" in an editorial article,
says it is impossible to express in adequate
words the sense of establishment with which
Englishmen read the extraordinary communica-
ton of Governor Swettenham to Admiral Davis.
The paper adds:
We can as little hope to convey 20 the citi-
zens Of the United States just impression of
the pain and utter regret with which national
opinion on this side of the Atlantic regards one
or the most deplorable and unintelligible Incl
dents in the record Of Anglo American relations
That record often has been married by evil acct
dent and perverse misunderstanding. but il
never has been touched by an occurrence more
repugnant TO English feeling than that which
resulted in the rejection Of American assistance
at Kingston and the withdrawal of the American
ships.
Reviewing the circumstances of the incident,
The Telegraph" says Admiral Davis was bound
TO assert the honor of the American navy. He
acted as in all circumstances he was bound to
act, and under necessity which this country
will never cease 10 deplore. his squadron sailed
away.
The Chronicle" suggests that the trouble
arose through the presence of two men "of
great power" on the spot but admits that Gov
ernor Swettenham's letter can only be read as
"a piece Of studied offensiveness"
There is much adverse comment on Secretary
Haldane's unusual course in addressing tele-
gram 10 Secretary Root. THE Daily Graphic"
calls this extraordinary breach OF official
etiquette. oficious. and entirely supernuous
Even The Tribune" government organ, ex-
presses surprise at Mr.. Ealdanes thus setting
a new precedent
THE Tribune" is collecting the signatures Of
public men to a document declaring that far
from involving any Humiliation the offers OF
American aid for the Kingston sufferers call for
the unmixed appreciation OF the British Empire.
and assuring the American government and peo-
pie Of Great Britain's deep gratitude The sig
natures of large number of prominent church.
men. Nonconformist ministers and others al
ready have been appended. Included among the
signers is Bernard Shaw. who, in a characters
tic vein, writes:
Rear Admiral Davis evidently is not accus-
toned to the manners of the English official
classes. Governor Swettenham would naturally
regard an American admiral with certain sus
piciousness, first, q foreigner and a dissenter:
second, as q member OF a naval branch into
which the sons of clergymen and other profess
sional persons enter freely, and finally, as an
officious intruder whose action implied that Eng
land could not cope with earthquake without
assistance. The Governor probably conceived
circumstances OF most presumptuous provoca-
ton.