Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-01-16
ADMIRAL FORCED TO RETIRE.

A scandal, according to reports,
caused the sudden retirement OF Rear
Admiral Edward B. Barry, commander
| in chief OF the Pacific feet. and his
abrupt decision to yield his command
followed the demand of his subordinate
officers. The demand was made upon
Admiral Barry late Tuesday night,
after an alleged exposure of his con-
duct aboard his flagship, the West
Virginia.
Rear-Admiral Chauncey Thomas
arrived last night under urgent orders,
with the cruiser California. He had
been dispatched from Santa Barbara so
unexpectedly that he was forced to
leave behind half his crew, absent on
shore leave.
Admiral Thomas is under instruc-
tious to assume command of the
Pacific fleet today at noon.
The West Virginia, with Admiral
Berry aboard, left the harbor unex-
pectekly early yesterday morning, but
returned at noon today, when the fleet
passed under the authority Of Admiral
Thomas.
Gossip in naval circles has for some
time been aimed at Admiral Barry,
but his 46 years OF service stood him
in good stead and these rumors we're
not seriously considered by the Navy
Department. Barry was TO retire in
October and the hope was entertained
that he could be retired without a
scandal.
Certain alleged happenings Of last
Tuesday. however, convinced the
officers of Barry's command that his
presence could 10 longer be tolerated.
A meeting OF the officers was held
on board the West Virginia Tuesday,
at which it was proposed that loaded
revolver be sept to the admiral's room,
carrying its sinister suggestion OF one
way out OF the difficulty.
This suggestion was put to vote,
and the decision OF the majority was
that the admiral be given an opportuu-
ity to resign from the service. The
officers who were present at this meet
ing took IN oath to secrecy on condition
that Admiral Barry at once forward
his resignation to Washington.
Instead OF resigning from the service,
Admiral Barry forwarded by telegram
to the secretary of the navy request
for his immediate retirement,
1t was on Tuesday night that En-
sign Sherwood T. Taffinder, the officer
of the deck at the hour, discovered
that an apprentice boy from the crew
was in the admiral's cabin. Ensign
Taffinder summoned Lieut. Com. ID.
]. Ziegmeler, the executive officer OF
the ship, aud reported to him.
Ziegmeler called Commander Victor
Blue, who is chief of staff under Ad-
miral Barry, and the two entered the
admiral's cabin, together with Captain
Orchard.
The rear-admiral-he is 61 years
old-was told by his subordinate
officers that nothing short OF his i'm
mediate resignation would satisfy the
honor Of the navy. The admiral is
alleged to have begged for mercy. He
pleaded his years, He pleaded the
honor OF the service. The officers left
the room in silence.
A formal official report was drafted,
in which the accusations we're written.
This report was addressed to the Sec
retary of the navy.
When he was told of the accusations
which are made against him in detail,
Admiral Barry replied:
1T is founded on fact, but it is abso-
lutely untrue. &
Asked why he should retire in the
face Of these accusations il the charge
was false, he replied:
'The man who is triumphantly vim.
dicated under such circumstances is as
much loser as If the charges were
proved to be true. I believe that BY
! requesting immediate retirement can
save the navy a scandal"
The admiral makes long statement
endeayoring to show that while circum'
stances might point to his guilt, he wa:
nevertheless innocent.
nrFx,Es ~