Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-21
THE AFFAIR DEPL0RED
Officials Reticent Regarding
Swettenham's churIishness.
AWAITING DAVIS REPORT
international Unfriendliness il Not
Apprehended.
WILL TAKE ACTION
Believed That the Governor General
Will Be Reproved or
Disciplined.
WAITING DAVIS REPORT
ENGLAND WILL TAKE ACTION


States relief expedition from Kingston is
the principal topic of conversation in diplo-
matte and military circles today. Although
the incident is almost universally deplored
the. feeling is general that it will not inter-
fere with the cordial relations existing be-
tween the governments of Great Britain
and the United States.
1t seems clear from the press reports that
the American admiral withdrew his squad
ron from Kingston at the request, clearly
implied If not actually stated. of the British
governor, and that the latter acted solely
on his own initiative and without instruc-
tions from London. In view of the I'M
friendly reception Of his humane efforts to
assist the distressed and relieve the situa-
ton 1t Is said that Admiral Davis was per-
fecty justified in withdrawing his squadron
when he did.
officials Of the State and Navy departments
decline to discuss the matter for publica-
ton at this time. From their private con-
versation. however. 1t appears that they
simply issue between Gov Swettenham
and Admiral Davies, but that Great Brit
ain and the United States eventually, when
the facts are officially reported, will be re-
CURED to approve or disapprove the actions
of their respective representatives.
SO far as press advices have made
known. the British government has shown
Keen appreciation and gratitude to the
Kingston with relief supplies, and is there
fore most likely to reprove and discipline
the governor general of the province for his
alleged churlish treatment of the American
sailors
Confidence is freely expressed that the
British government will promptly and fully
disavOw the act of Gov. Swettenham in
curtily informing Admiral Davis that he
was fully capable Of handling the situa-
ton himself and didn't desire any outside
assis lance.
Gov. Swettenham's Sarcasm.
No one undertakes to justify Gov SWEET
tenham's sarcastic letter to the American
admiral which resulted in the withdrawal of
the American squadron, but it Is conceded
that his course might have been justified
if the American admiral had totally ignored
the provincial authorities and landed armed
forces without permission and in spite Of
the governors statement that he did not
need any assistance.
In partial explanation of the landing Of
the bfuejackets without observing the usual
formalities, it is said that Admiral Davis
action might have been justified by the ext
gencies of the case. He was acting in the
cause of humanity ana may have taken 1t
for granted that his course Of action was
entirely satisfactory to the Jamaican gov
eminent.
Official judgment will be suspended until
all the facts have been disclosed. The re-
port of Rear Admiral Davis in regard to
the, affair has been sent to this city by
mail and viii not be available for several
days. 1t Is more than probable that Gov.
'Swettenharfl will be called on by the. Lon
don authorities to cable a report in ex-
plana ton of his conduct as a basis for
official action in his case.
Return of Admiral Davis.
souri, and Indiana and the cruiser Yankton
arrived at Guantanamo yesterday from
Kingston. The future movements Of the
vessels will be governed by Rear Admiral
Evans, commanding the Atlantic fleet
The situation is somewhat complicated
by the fact that the naval supply ship
Celtic arrived at Kingston yesterday de-
spite Admiral Davis efforts to intercept
her before her arrival at that port. It
was reported from Kingston that Admiral
Davis had countermanded the President 8
order for the Celtic to go to Guantanamo,
but SO far no such information has
reached the Navy Department.
1t remains to be seen whether the Celtic
will leave the jamaican capital at once or
whether she will unload her supplies, in
accordance with her original orders.
Acting Secretary Bacon's View.
Acting Secretary of State Bacon, who last
night so emphatically denied that any I'M
pleasantness had occurred between Admiral
Davis and Gov. Swettenham. today was in
c!ined to believe there was some founda-
ton for the stories published this morning
He felt, however. that when both sides
are heard. the case will present a different
aspect. He was at the White House early
and had a conference with the President
and while no statement would be made re-
garding his call, 1t Is believed that it had
to do with the International phase of the
case.
1t is pointed out that while this incident
was taking place at Kingston, Secretary
Root was receiving cordial welcome in an
other British province as the guest of the
governor general Of Canada. Admiral Da-
Wis represented this government as U. S.
commissioner to the International commits
sion of inquiry on the North sea incident
which met in Paris in 1904-5: commanded
the cruiser Dixie during the Spanish war;
and later had the command of the battle
ship Alabama before he was made division
commander.