Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-01-21

Admiral Davis mission of mercy tC
stricken Kingston came to an abrupt
and painful conclusion today in conse-
quence of Governor Swettenham's OBJ
lection to the presence of American
sailors engaged in the work of clear
ing the streets, guarding property and
succoring the wounded and sick, cul-
minating in letter to the admiral per-
emptorily requesting him to re-em-
bark all parties which had landed. Ad-
miral Davis was greatly shocked and
paid visit to Gov. Swettingham today
informing him that the United States
battleships Missouri and Indiana and
the gunboat Yankton would sail this
afternoon.
TO The Associated Press Admiral
Davis said that immediate compliance
with Gov. Swettingham's request was
the only course consistent with the dig
nifty of the United States.
The friction between the governor
and the admiral began with the arrival
or the American war vessels when the
governor objected to the firing of a sa
lutte IN his honor on the ground tina;
the citizens might mistake the firing
Tor a new earthquake. He also de-
| clared there was no necessity for
American aid-that his government
was fully able to preserve order. ton /
the wounded and Succor the homeless
Rear Admiral Davis however landed
parties of b!uejackets. who patrolled
the streets, cleared the debris, RACED
ruins, attended many of the wounded
ana won the highest praise from citi-
zcns and military officers for excellent
work.
On the afternoon of the salute Incl
Gent. Rear Admiral Davis wrote Gov
SWettingham as folows:s
MY Dear Governor:
peg you to accept an apology for
the mistake of the salute this after
noon. My order was misunderstood
ana the disregard of your wishes was
que TO mistake in the transmission
OF my order. / trust the apparent dis
regard of your wishes will be over
looked
L landed parties from both shins TO.
day to aid in the clearing the yarou.
streets and buildings and purpose land
ing parties tomorrow for the same pur-
pose unless you extremely do not DO
sire II. 1t think g great deal may he
done in the way of assistance to pri-
'ate individuals without interfering
with the forces of yourself and tn.
government officials. AS the only oh
1ect OF my being here is to render such
assistance as I can. 1 trust Won will
justify me in this matter for the cause
of common humanity.
/ had patrol Of six men ashore ia
day to guard and secure the achil e.
OF The United States consulate together
with party of 10 clearing away wreck
age This party, after finishing it's
work at the consulate. assisted a work
ing party TO catch thieves. recovering
Fom them safe, taken from a jewelry
store, valued at $4,000. From this I
Judge that the police surveillance OF
the city is inadequate for the protection
Of private property
Actuated by the same reason, name
ly common humanity, / shall direct
the medical officers Of my squadron to
make an effort to aid cases of distress
which perhaps do not come under the
observation of your medical officers.
II shall have pleasure or meeting YOU
at the hour appointed, 10 A. NJ, at
headquarters house.
Il trust that you approve Of my ac-
ton in this matter
Your obedient servant,
&C. Fl. DAVIS. Rear Admiral"
Governor Swettingham responded
Friday as follows:
Dear Admiral:
Thanks very much for your letter.
your kind call and all the assistance
given or offered US. While I most
heartily appreciate the very generous
offer of assistance, feel it my duty to
ask you to re-embark the working
party ana all parties which your kind
ness prompted you to land.
IF in consideration of the American
vice consul's assiduous attentions to his
family at his country house the Ameri-
can consulate needs guarding in your
opinion. although he was present and
it was not guarded an hour ago, l have
no objection to your detailing force
for the sole purpose of guarding; but
the party must have no firearms and
nothing more offensive than clubs or
slaves for this function.
Il found yOir working marty was this
morning helping Mr. Crosswell clean
his store. Crosswell was delighted that
I he