The Washington herald., 1914-06-06

MIDDIES' MISSION
TO teach JACKIES
So Says President and Crea-
ates Small Sensation at
Naval Academy.
PRAISE FOR FLETCHER
Creates Impression that Captor of
Vera Cruz Will Be Next Com
Al
PRAISE FOR FLETCHER
Special to The w.shinsto1 HenId.

Special to The Washington Henld.
Annapolis, Nd. June 5.-After q stormy
voyage down the Potomac and up Chesa-
peake Bay, President Wilson arrived here
today to participate In the graduation
exercises at the United States Naval
Academy. He was given salute Of
twenty-one guns as he left the Presi-
Dental yacht Mayfiower, and was given
q welcome by hundreds Of visitors at the
academy, including scores Of brilliantly
dressed girls. friends and relatives Of
the young midshipmen.
Both President Wilson and Secretary
Of the Navy Daniels made addresses.
after which the President presented the
diplomas to the members Of the graduat-
ing class.
After the commencement exercises
President Wilson and his party were the
luncheon guests of Capt. Fullam, COM
mander Of the Naval Academy.
Just before President Wilson went
ashore from the Mayfiower this afternoon
be received a message from the South
Aperican mediators at Niagara Falls, but
Joseph p. Tumulty, his private seci etary,
refused to reveal its contents.
Teacher. of Enlfstcd Men.
In his speech President Wilson told the
154 midshipmen of the graduating class
that their function In the navy lis to
become teachers of the enlisted men and
to enlighten the whole body and the
spirit Of the navy"
The emphasis which the President laid
upon this idea created a small sensation
and was received with slight applause
for the navy school plan" is unpopular
with the naval officers
Don't get the professional point Of
view." the President told the graduates.
Don't get the idea that all life centers
in your profession because II doesn't"
The President paid high encomiums to
the heroes of Vera Cruz, and gave en-
thusiastic tribute to Rear Admiral Frank
F. Fletcher. who was in command when
Vera Cruz was taken by the Americans.
| 1t was strongly inferred from the Presi-
dents remarks that he had decided upon
Rear Admiral Fletcher as the next COM
mander Of the Atlantic Fleet. succeeding
Rear Admiral Badger.
THE most lasting impression which the
| world will get from the work OF the
sailors and marines at Vera Cruz. said
President Wilson. was their magnanimity
| toward their adversaries and their free
dom from bluff and bluster.
Praise fer Fletcher.
I'VE have used force down at Vera
Cruz" said the President. but 1 pray
God it viii not be necessary to use 1t
! any more"
President Wilson then told the gradu-
ates that they should not get the idea
that their mission in life Is to fight at
| the drop of the hat" He made it plain
that his conception of the use Of the navy
| Is to carry out a higher work than fight
ing. The navy. according to President
Wilson's idea. Is a police force to prevent
disorder without resorting to war.
Further along Mr.. Wilson said: THE
| chief glory of the Americans at Vera
Cruz Is that they will leave the city a
better place than they found IT, The
people Of Vera Cruz who feared the
Americans and despised them. will get
a different impression before the Ameri-
can forces leave that port
Rear Admiral Fletcher was referred to
as "a gallant gentleman by the Presi-
dent.
Il have read Admiral Fletcher's dis
patches with pride. and the admiral has
grown bigger as I read them" said Pres
ident Wilson. Il have tested his temper
and discretion and / know his caliber.'
The President presented the diplomas
Immediately after he finished his speech.
President Wilson left the Naval Academy
grounds at $50 o'clock and Immediately
went aboard the Mayfiower. He was
shown around the Academy after lunch
con by Capt. Fullam and expressed ap-
proval of what he saw.
The President expects to be back in
the White House atf1o o'clock tomorrow.