The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1907-01-24
JAMAcA'S GOVERNOR
SPuRNS AMERICAN AID
Protests Against Marines Land
ing and Says People Can Take
Care Of Themselves.
SUPPLIES ARE HELD UP
Admiral countermands Presidents Or
ders Giving to Governors Attitude
Distress .Gity Is Wide
spread.
SUPPLIES ARE HELD UP

SRrtaQs N3eF
washington, D. c.. Jan. 22.-Acting
Secretary Of State Bacon last night,
when shown the dispatch from Kings
ton regarding Governor
attitude toward Rear Admiral Davis,
who went to Kingston with two battle
ships, a cruiser and torpedoboat de-
stroyer to administer aid to the strtck-
en- people. at nee declared 1t was not
true. He declared the newspapers We're
trying to make trouble etween Ad-
miral Davis and Governor Swettenham.
'sThere is no truth in it." he said,
emphatically. II know what l am talk
ing about. There is not the slightest
kind of trouble or foundation for 1t in
any way, shape or manner. The ships
have not sailed. 1 know exactly what
happened and repeated, there is no
foundation for it in any manner. This
is perfectly straight. If you are look
ing for the facts these are the facts"
Mr.. Bacon would not disclose the
source of his information, but indicated
u possibility of official advices.
Kingston, Jamaica, Jan. 23.-Rear
Admiral Davis mission of mercy to
stricken Kingston has come to an
abrupt and painful conclusion in con-
sequence of Governor Swettenham's OBJ
lection to the presence of American
sailors engaged in the work of clearing
the streets, guarding property and sue
coring the wounded and sick. cullni-
mating in a letter to the admiral, per-
emptorily requesting him to re-embark
all parties which had been landed.
Admiral Davis was greatly shocked
and panied, and paid a formal visit to
Governor Swettenham Saturday, in
forming him that the United States
battleships Missouri and Indiana and
the gunboat Yankton would sail that
afternoon.
Declines All American Aid.
TIC the Associated Press Admiral
Davis said that Immediate comliance
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 warships, when the governor
objected TO he firing Of 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 ne
cessity for American aid-that his own
government was fully able to preserve
order, tend to the wounded n succor
the homeless.
Rear Admiral Davis, however, land
ed parties of b~luejackets who pa
troled the streets, cleared the debris,
RACED ruins, attended many of the
wounded and won the highest praise
from citizens and military officers for
excellent work.
AdmiraI's Letter to Governor.
On the afternoon Of the salute in
cident, Rear Admiral Davis wrote
Governor Swettenham as follows:
My Dear Governor: beg you to accept
my apology for the mistake of the salute
this afternoon. My order was misunder-
stood. and the disregard of your wishes
Of my order. +! trust the apparent disre-
gard of your wishes will be overlooked.
l landed working parties from both
ships today to aid in clearing the various
streets and buildings, and purpose landing
parties tomorrow for the same purpose un-
less you expressly do not desire it. ]
think a great deal may be done in the
way of assistance to private individuals
without interfering with the forces OF
yourself and the government Of the island
The only object of my being here is tc
render such assistance as I can. I trust
that you will justify me in this matter fol
the cause of common humanity.
I had a patrol Of six men ashore today
to guard and secure the archives Of the
United States consulate, together with q
party Of ten clearing away the wreckage
This party, after finishing its work at the
consulate, assisted a working party te
catch thieves, recovering from them 6
safe taken from a jewelry store valued
at 5000. From this / judge that the pc.
lice surveillance of the city is inadequate
for the protection of private property.
Actuated by the same motive, namely
common humanity, / shall direct the med
ical officers of my squadron to make al
efforts to aid cases of distress which per
haps do not come under the observation
of your medical officers.
I shall have pleasure in meeting you a
the hour appointed, 10 a. M, at headquar
tiers house. / trust you approve of my ac.
ti0n in this matter Snlr nbG11Gnt EoT
ant C. II. Davis,
Rear Admiral.
Gets a Chilly Reply.
Governor Swettenham responded Frida,
as follows:
Dear Admiral: Thanks very much 70
your letter, your kind call and all tn,
assistance given or offered us. While
most heartily appreciate the very gener
GUS offers Of assistance, ] feel it my duty
to ask you to re-emhark the working part,
and all parties which your kindnes!
prompted you to land.
If in consideration for the vice consul
assiduous attentions to his family at hi
country house the American consulate
needs guarding, in your opinion, although
he was present and it was not guarded al
hour ago, I have no objection to your de
failing a force for the sale purpose o
guarding, but the party must have no fire
arms and nothing more offensive thai
clubs or slaves for this function.
l find you working party was thi
morning helping Mr.. Crosswell clean hi
store. CroSSWell was delighted that tn
work was done without cost. If you
excellency should remain long enough
I'm sure almost all the private owner
would be glad of the services of the nav,
to a expense.
1t is no longer a question of humanity
all the dead died days ago, and the worl
of giving them burial is merely one 0
convenience.
I would be glad to accept delivery of tn
safe which 1t is alleged thieves had pos
session of. The American vice consul ha
no knowledge cs it, the store IS close t
a sentry post, and the officer of the pos
processes ignorance of the incident.
l believe the police surveillance of tn
city is adequate for the protection of pr
vate property. / may remind YOU ez
c~elleilcy that not long ago it was discov
cred that thieves had lodged in and pi
LACED the residence OF some New York mi
Lonaire during his absence N the sunme,
CHE WIRES.