The Washington herald., 1910-06-12
ADMIRAL STOCKTON'S TASK
New Head of George Washington University Well Fitted
For His Duties.

draw the plans and supervise the equip
ment of the first steam sloop, the Prince
ton, OF unhappy memory, for shortly af-
ter it was commissioned. while carrying
a pleasure party down the Potomac. one
OF its gun, throwing a ball of rs pounds,
exploded, killing FIVE people, among them
two members of President Tyler's Cabi-
net. and wounding seventeen sailors and
stunning many others Of those on board.
Governor of California.
When war was declared with Mexico
Robert Stockton was ordered TO the Pa
cihc coast, where he conquered and took
possession Of California in the name OF
the United States. and where he acted as
governor, or dictator. rather. until he was
relieved by Gen. Riley, and 1t was, Of
course, for Commodore Stockton that the
city of that name and the capital of San
Joaquin County was named. Robert is so
far the most brilliant and interesting Of
all the noted stocktons. for the period in
which he lived furnished abundant oppor-
tunity TO gain distinction. and Robert
Stockton embraced every opportunity that
was offered On his return from the Pa
cific he resigned his commission and was
elected to the Senate, from which he re-
tired after two years service, but not
until he had been instrumental in passing
sveral important measures. among them
the adjustment Of fiogging in the navy.
Commodore Stockton lived in a crucial
time IN the history Of the nation. He
took part in two important wars. that OF
1912 and the Mexican war; he saw the
beginning and end OF the civil contest
and was for years one of the most I'M
portant figures on the national stage. q
| gallant and brilliant officer, and an as
/ tute. far-seeing. and sagacious statesman,
| besides being the ''debonair stockton,
as Sunset Cox dubbed him.
The new president of George Washing
/ ton University is a son OF Rev. w. r.
Stockton. He is not a direct descendant
| Of the signer of the Declaration OF indie
| pendence. but from the same stock. He
| was born IN Philadelphia just sixty-five
| years ago, hence he has been retired for
| three years. but. like all of the Others
OF the Stockton clan. he has not felt that
| his work came to an end with his retire.
ment. In fact, he has been as much en-
gagged in important matters since as be-
/ fore his name was taken from the active
/ list OF the navy, and that he has con
/ scented 10 accept the presidency and re
organize the George Washington Univer-
sity argues well for the future success OF
| that institution.
Graduated I'm 1893.
Admiral Stockton graduated from An
napolls with the class Of 1865. A yea
later be was promoted 10 the rank o
ensign, and in 1859, when he was twenty
four years old. was made lieutenant
! not an unusual age for the officers o
that day TO attain this rank. which faci
should make Senator Hale. who is cred
tied with defeating the BIN to graduate
the midshipmen as ensigns, reflect a bit
for the midshipmen OF to-day have many
more advantages than those Of the SOS
and much superior instruction. They are
too, as a rule better developed than theii
fathers, and should be, II they are not
capable of doing the same work and as
Stunning the same responsibilities as OF
hcers of the same age in the Englisl
and other foreign navies. but this is
depression inspired by the reflection tina
Admiral Stockton at twenty-four enjoye'
rank G.st the naval subalterns Of 70
day do not como ito until they are clos
on to or in the thirties. and Admira
/ CtDthtDu Was HDt an tACtplluu-
1t was twelve years before youn
Stockton was transferred from the grad
of lieutenant commander, and he wa
thirty-six years old on his promotion {
this rank which is about the same az
that the officers of to-day reach tina
! grade. Then followed his promOuo
/ TO commander in 1892 to his eaptainc
in 1899. and 10 rear admiral in 1896 Will
he was stin a student at the Academ
} Admiral Stockton saw bit Of the civ
war. having been on the Macedonia
when it went in pursuit Of the FlOTid
and Tallahassee.
After his graduation Admiral Stockto
went through much the same experienc
that most naval officers pass through
but his bent has been in intellectual d
rections. and he made an especial stud
Of international law, his manual on the
subject being accepted by the service
Of other countries as well as his own.
One Of the most interesting of the ac