The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1907-01-25
OUR AID Rejected
Extraordinary Action by the Gov
ernor of Jamaica
OFFENDS UNITED STATES

Unfortunate and Regrettable In
cident Resu is AnAdmiral Davi
Withdrawing Warships Which
Had Been Performing Act
OF Mercy
Kingston, JAM, Jan. 21.-Rear AID
miral Davis mission Of mercy t.
stricken Kingston came to an abrup
and painful conclusion Saturday IN
consequence of Governor Swetten
hams objection to the presence OF
American sailors engaged in the WORK
of clearing the streets, guarding prop
erty and succoring the wounded ana
sick, eliminating in letter to the ao-
miral peremptorily requesting him to re-
embark all parties which had been
landed.
Admiral Davis was greatly shocked
and panied, and paid formal visit to
Swettenham yesterday, informing MIN
that the battleships Missouri and In
diana and the gunboat Yankton would
sail in the afternoon. To The Asso-
ciated Press Davis said that immedl-
ate compliance with Swettenham's re-
quest 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 war vessels, when the
governor objected to the firing OF sa-
Lutte in his honor on the ground that the
citizens might mistake the firing for
new earthquake. He also declared
there was no necessity for American
aId-that his government was fully
able to preserve order, tend the wound
ed and succor the homeless;
Admiral Davis. however, landed par
ties of bluejackets, who patrolled 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.
When Admiral Davis called at head
quarters house yesterday to bid rare
well to Swettenham he waited 10 min
utes. He then informed the governors
aide that he would wait no longer and
requested him to tell the governor that
in consequence of his attitude in not |
desiring American aid he had counter
manded President Roosevet's order |
dispatching the supply ship Celtic,
laden with beef, for the relief of Kings
ton.
Governor Swettenham arrived at
that moment, there was brief private
meeting and the governor escorted
Davis to his carriage. Solicitations were
exchanged and the governor. replying
to Davis regret that he was unable to
do more for Kingston, said: "All the
more to your honor" adding a deep
bow, evidently in reply to Davis refer
ence to his departure, and meaning
that he would do the same IL in the ad-
miraPs place.
Governor Swettenham and the local
medical men were greatly opposed to
the American hospital, insisting that
there was no necessity for it. as all the
wounded already had been attended to.
Surgeon Ames said the local medical
men were very ready to accept medical
supplies, but wished no American in
reference with the wounded. Conse-
quently there was much suffering
which the American officers, in the
name of humanity, were anxious to re.
l!eve. A party of American sailors
worked at repairing the hospital build.
ing to the last moment, when they
hauled down their flag, the Jesults TAX
ng charge. and returned to their ships,
The Yankton sailing at o'clock, fol
owed by the battleships at 4.