The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-04-04

WARRINGTON. April 3.--Secretary Of
the Navy Daniels brought tho hearings
before the House Naval Committee to a
close to-day by administering a parting
broadside of accusation against the fore.
most OF his naval critics. Rear Admiral
Bradley A. Fiske.
The Secretary by implication charged
that the opinions OF his former chief aid
and adviser on the shortcomings Of tho
Administrators naval policy were In
spired not by genuine differences over the
question of preparedness, but by the dis
appointed ambition Of Admiral Ffske.
who. he said. had asked to be appointed
commander OF the Atlantic fleet no many
times that his opportunities became EN-
barrassing. shortly after tho appoint
ment OF Admiral Fletcher TO that COM
mand. he asserted, Admiral Fiske's dis
appointment became manifest.
Secretary Daniele's reply evidently
was carefully arranged by himself ana
the chairman of the committee. Repre-.
sentative Padgett. Just as the hearings
were about to close the latter pro-
| pounded the questions regarding the per-
sonai and official relations between the
Secretary and Admiral Ftske.
Says Dewey Changed Opinion.
Responding to these MIR. Daniels gave
his version OF the controversy between
them. In substance II was as follows:
Rear Admiral Fiske told the com-
mittee he had not been given a place on
the General Board. although Admiral
| Dewey had recommended his appoint
ment. Mr.. Daniels said Admiral Dewey
had made the recommendation. but had
later changed his mind. saying that he
wanted u less theoretical
Admiral Fiske gave the impression
that he had resigned because OF lack OF
sympathy with the Administrations
plans for preparedness. Mr.. Daniels
said that Fiske nae threatened to re-
sign before the question arose at all. q
difference Of opinion occurring between
them as to whether the navy shou'd oe
governed by Old World or American
ideals"
secretary Daniels said that when Ad-
miral Badger was about to retire Al
miral Fiske urged him n dozen times
until II became embarrassing" TO ap-
point him commander In chief or the
fleet. When It was suggested that the
place ought to go TO mira Fletcher
because Of his work at Vera Cruz. the
Secretary added, Admiral Fiske said
that Admiral Fletcher would NOT take
II II 1t we're offered to him. The Sec
rotary wrote to admiral Fletcher, WHO
replied that he would regard II as =
great honor. Accordingly he was APP
pointed.
riske and Wine Order.
Secretary Daniels also asserted tha'
Admiral Fiske appeared to have taker
offence at the wine mess order. sAyNhs
that ~nayal officers. II deprived OF theii
wine. would take to cocaine
This version OF a phase OF the contro'
yersey between Secretary Daniels ana OF
icers Of the navy did not xhHus the
secretary apparent resentment agains'
the critics Of the Department. He refused
in reply to a request by Representative
Rri,ten. 20 submit copies OF correspon'
dence with the General Hoard. Decisr
ing IL was Of a high confidential char'
ac,er bs said that no would chang
he entire personnel OF the board u
he discovered "who was giving GU
these things 10 he hawked about sn'
go<sipped about"
The secretary also denied that he HAD
directed the General Board 10 eii'h'na''
cnrtain recommendations
naval personnel. II never told th'
,i.neral board" he said. 80 do anythih'
in nv life., This statement IL In direc
l GOnnltl WIFI ia VI
testified before the committee some tim
ago that he had personally conveyed tn
, Instructions OF Secretary Daniels direct
/ ing the General Board TO eliminate Ger
/ tain recommendations regarding the IN
crease Of personnel.
HI MiIitarism stand.
That there was a difference or opinio
!. n, long standing between himself an
/, admiral Fiske secretary Daniels ad
l United. He old me not once" said Nj
: Daniels. but five times that II We didn
. follow the principle of militarism an
put men ae the head OF the navy Whoss
! r,,h.rs aud rrandfathers had been In III
, seryice we never would he able to oil
! tain any degree of preparedness
+, Secretary Daniels completed his recon-
! ,nendattons to the committee 10y propoe
. ing an appropriation OF sl'Soo LOT u.
oae Of investigating the feasibilit