Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1907-05-24
Tribute to vermont's Third Admiral.

Admrals Dewey and Clark have been
famous figures in the past nine years
and now the public attention is focused
on Nermonts third admiral in the United
states navy, Rear Admiral George A.
Converse, through the remarkable tribute
to his efficiency and service paid by Secrc-
tary Of the Navy Metcalf Last Saturday
when Admiral Converse relinquished the
place OF chief OF the bureau Of naviea-
ton which he had heId since March 20.
1903, he was appointed president Of the
board on construction. This is a place
practically created for him, although he
had discharged its duties in fact as an
incident to his work as chief Of the bureau
Of navigation.
Secretary Metcalf stated that he was
impelled to make this appointment because
he regarded the admiraTs services as
almost indispensable 60 the navy. in view
Of bis detailed knowledge Of almost every
branch Of the service. line and staff. and
his complete devotion 20 the development
of the navy II was owing in a large part
90 Admiral Converse's planning that tho
navy was able TO assemble at Hampton
Roads at the opening Of the jamestown
exposition the greatest fleet Of armored
ships that has ever foated in American
waters and tho most formidable in con-
mage and offensive power Of any fleet
commanded by a single naval officer
As president Of the board on construc-
tion, Admiral Converse will be able TO
continue to work out the details of the
general plans for the construction Of the
two 2O.ooO-ton battleships. for the build
ing OF which proposals have already been
invited.
Secretary Metcah stated that in addi-
tion TO the recognition he had accorded the
admiral through his appointment. Pres
ident Roosevelt had addressed to the
officer a personal letter in which he ex-
pressed his deep regret at the necessity
of relieving him Of the duties Of chief Of
the bureau Of navigation and paid high
tribute to the work he had accomplished
in behalf Of the navy during the time he
had filled that post
Admiral Converse was born in Nor
wich. Vt. MAY o. 1874 He was appointed
to the naval academy by Senator Justin
;. Morrill, and graduated oct 10. 1865.
He had varied experiences at home and
abroad previous TO the Spanish American
war, during which he commanded the
bureau of ordnance in 1903.
The Burlington Free Press. in review
ing Converse's career said: Unlike
Dewey. Converse had no battle Of Manila.
nor did he command an Oregon in time of
great excitement and danger but to
some must be left the doing with
care. decision and foresight Of those
things which while they do not create
heroes whose names are irrevocably
stamped upon public memory, make
possible the greatest achievements Of the
nation. Admiral Converse was easily at
the head Of the navy. An ordnance ex-
pert, skilled in torpedo work and familiar
with high explosives. much Of his duty
was along this line Of work He pos
sessed in a marked degree the power of
handling men and Of administering affairs
with fairness and justice. This ability
was recognized by the President when he
was called upon in the later years Of his
service to act successfully as chief OF the
bureau Of equipment, chief Of the bureau
Of ordnance, and then, on the death OF
Admiral H. c. Taylor 10 become chief OF
the bureau Of navigation, from which po-
sition he has Just retired. This is the ex-
perience Of no other officer Of the navy"