The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-21
TURNS HIS BACK.
Governor of Kingston Declines
All Offers of Help.
Objects to the Presence of
American Warships.
IN NO NEED OF HELP.
Admiral Davis Announces His
Immediate Departure.
Order for ShipIoad of Provisions
Is Countermamded.

New York. Jan. 21.-The feature of the
news from Kingston, Jamaica, today is
the leelination of Sir James Alexander
Sweetenham, the governor of Jamaica,
to accept American aid and the depar-
ture in consequence OF the American
warships under command of Rear Ad-
miral Davis. A dispatch from Santiago
today stated that the cruiser Marietta
which arrived last night at Santiago
from. Guantanamo had sighted Davis
ships making for Guantanamo Sunday
afternoon. The vessels probably arriv-
ed Sunday night so that official dis
patches of the American rebuff should
soon be Forthcoming.
Sweetenhams actions appear to not
have met the views of the people and
city officials of Kingston.
1t is reported that the city council
met after the incident became known,
promptly disapproved the English gov
ernor's action and not only sent let
ter of regret to Rear Admiral Davis,
but asked him to reconsider his decision
to leave and to, remain with the Ameri-
can ships as every aid was still urgently
needed.
Davis replied that he had no aIterna-
tive. but to go in accordance with the
desire of the constituted authorities.
English newspaper comment on the
incident is unanimous in regrett1ng the
occurrence and in expressing the hope
that the good relations existing between
the United States and Great Britain
Will not be endangered thereby.
No official American comment had
been forthcoming up to an early hour
today inasmuch as the American gov,
eminent had not been officially inform
ed of Sweetenham's action.
Governor Sweetenham's explanation
of his course and the outcome of the
incident are awaited everywhere with
keen interest.
Story of the Trouble.
Kingston. Jamaica, Jan. 21.-Rear
Admiral Davis mission of mercy to
stricken Kingston came to an abrupt
and painful conclusion in consequence
of Governor Swettenham's objection
to the presence of American sailors
engaged in the work of clearing the
streets. guarding property and succor-
ing the wounded and sick, eliminating
in a letter to the admiral perem ptoriIy
requesting him to re-embark all par
ties which had been landed.
Admiral Davis was greatly shocked
and panied, and paid a formal visit to
Governor Swettenham informing him
that the United States battleships Mis-
souri, and Indiana and the gunboat
Yankton would sail at once.
Admiral Davis said that immediate
compliance with Governor Swetten-
hams request was the only course
consistent with the dignity Of the
United States.
and the admiral began with the arri-
val of the American warships, when
the governor objected to the firing or
a salute in his honor on the ground
that the citizens might mistake the
firing for a new earthquake. He also
declared there was no necessity for
American aid-that his government
was fully able to preserve order, tend
the wounded and succor the homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis, however, land
ed parties of blue jackets. who patroll-
ed streets, cleared the debris, RACED
ruins, attended many of the wounded
and won the highest praise from citi-
zens and military officers for excellent
work. On the afternoon of the salute
incident Rear Admiral Davis wrote
Governor Swettenham as follows:
Admiral Davis Explains.
MY Dear Governor: 1 beg you to |
accept my 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. I !
trust the apparent disregard of your |
wishes will be overlooked. I landed |
working parties from both ships today |
to aid in clearing the various streets |
and buildings, and purpose landing |
parties tomorrow for the same pur- /
pose, unless you expressly do not de- !
sire 1t. I think a great deal may be /
done in the way of assistance to pri-
vate individuals without interfering I
with the forces of yourself and the 4
government officials. AS the only OBJ |
ject 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.
II held a patrol of six men ashore |
today to guard and secure. the archives |
of the United States consulate togeth- /
er with party of ten clearing away +
wreckage. This party after finishing
its work at the consulate assisted a |
working party to catch thieves recov-
ering from them a safe, taken from a !
jewelry store. valued at $1,000 From /
this 1 judge that the police surveil- I
lance of the city is inadequate for the |
protection of private property. Actua-
ted by the same motive, namely, conf
mon humanity. shall direct the medi-
cal officers of. my squadron to make all I
efforts to aid causes of distress which
perhaps do not come under the obser-
walton of your medical officers.
Your obedfent servant,
&C. H. DAVIS. Rear Admiral"
The Governors Reply.
Governor Swettenham responded 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 reembark
the working party and all parties which
your kindness prompted you to land.
RRsiduous attentions to his family at his
country house the American consulate
needs guarding in your opinion, al