The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-15
FLETCHER GETS THE
ATLANTIC COMMAND
Is Designated Over WinslOw's
Head for Effective Work
at Vera Cruz.
EXPECT BITTER FEELING
Friends Of Superior Officer
Tried Hard to Win Coveted
Post for Him.
EXPECT BITTER FEELING

WASHINGTON. June 1i.--Frank r.
Fletcher the hero of Vera Cruz was
designated to-day TO succeed Admiral
Charles ]. Badger az commander in chief
OF the Atlantic feet OF the United States
navy. Admiral Fletcher is now in conf
mand of the first division OF the fleet.
The order becomes effective when Ad-
miral Badger goes on the retired list.
This promotion OF Admiral Fletcher
has been expected ever since the men,
orable events at Vera Cruz. where he
distinguished himself in the occupation OF
the Mexican port and won high praise
from President Wilson and Secretary
Daniels. However. in placing him in com,
mand OF the fleet. the most desirable
berth in the navy at present the Presi-
dent and Secretary Daniels advanced him
over Admiral Cameron McRae Winslow.
who is Fletcher's senior by two numbers
and was at one time generally understood
to be in line for the post of commander
In chief.
As a result there will probably be con-
siderable bitter feeling among Winslow's
friends. who have been making every
effort and pulling all possible ''ires to get
the promotion for him. Winslow is a
popular man In the navy. especially among
the officers He has made an enviable
record In the service and is known as one
OF the heroes Of the Spanish war. having
distinguished himself especially at Glen
fuegos, where as a lieutenant he com
manded the forces that went in that har-
Dor under the Spanish guns and cut the
cable.
But new wars bring new heroes. and
Fletcher made the most of his pportunity
at Vera Cruz. Winslow is now at Vera
Cruz, having been rushed down there In
command Of the new dreadnought, the
New York, but he arrived too late TO
city
The following statement announcing
and explaining the promotion OF Admiral
Fletcher was issued at the Navy Depart
ment tonight:
THE time has not yet been definitely
determined when Rear Admiral Charles
J. Badger shall be relieved as comman-
der In chief of the Atlantic fleet, but.
as Secretary OF the Navy Daniels has al
ready stated in reply to questions. this
will probably be within several weeks. and
at that time he has decided to recon-
mend Rear Admiral Frank +. Fletcher
to succeed Admiral Badger. Since Ad-
miral Badger took the Atlantic fleet to
Mexican waters he has had the whole sit
uation we'll In hand and his services there
have added to his reputation as one Of
the first men OF the American navy.
admiral Fletcher will be promoted
from the command OF the first division of
the Atlantic fleet He has been in Mexico
since the fleets presence in those waters
was first called for and his command of the
situation during the whole time he has
been In charge has been masterful. He
proved himself not only a great Admiral
but a statesman and diplomat as we'll.
His services commended themselves not
only to the Secretary but to the President,
and the latter expressed himself In high
praise when Admiral Fletcher turned over
the command of Vera Cruz to Gen. Fun
ston. Both in the taking OF Vera Cruz
and in tho administration OF the city
government afterward Admiral Fletcher
showed himself man of the highest
abilities"