Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-24
CAPPS, I'LL, QUITS
SHIPPING BOARD
Removed From Duty as General
Manager at His Own
Request.
PRESIDENT lAUDS HIS WORK
Reports of Friction With Hurley
Said to Have fastened De-
cision to Retire.
PRESIDENT LAUDS HIS WORK

WASHINGTON. November o3.-Rear-
Admiral Washington L. Capps. general
manager OF the Shipping Boards EnIcr-
gency Fleet Corporation, was relieved
from duty in that position tonight by
President Wilson at his own rcoues,
because of III health. and with cxpres-
3!ons OF deepest regret by the CHIEF
Executive. His successor has not been
named. bit Chairman Hurley. OF the
SoaSd. wa. known to favor appoint
ment OF a man trained in the same
service.
Although Admiral Capps3 physician
has advised him that TO continue at
work. either on the feet corporation
or IL any other capacity would i'm
peril his life. there were reports that
friction between the admiral and
Chairman Hurley. OF the Shipping
Board. fastened the formers decision
to retire. The recent action OF the
Shipping Board in rcorsanlzing the
feet corporation with Charles a. P!ez
as vice e-pres!dent in virtual charge OF
the ship construction program. was
said to have influenced the admiral to
Withdraw without more delay
There was much discussion tonight
President OF successor to Admiral
Capps. Homer L. Ferguson. president
and general manager of the Newpor:
News Ship Building and Dry Dock
Company. and formerly a naval con-
structor. Is known to have declined the
post when offered it by Mr.. Hurley. In
letter to Secretary Daniels. made
public tonight. Chairman Hurley .ug
cd thIf val nr
s,ructor Re named. Tie secretary and
I-. Hurley conferred ;o-nigh. on the
matter, but SO far "a was made known
they reached no decision.
There hav, been reports that +. T.
Bowles. former head o. the Fore River
Shiphuliding Company and also for
merly CHIEF constructor OF the navy.
would retire with Admiral Capps.
whose chief assistant he has been since
the latter appointment. but no an
nounccment was made tonight.
PRESIDENT WRITES
LAUDATORY LETTER
Prcsiden, Wilson tonight wrote a
laudatory letter to the admiral as fol-
lows:
'It Is with rom ching moro than re-
sret that I have received through the
Secretary OF TIE Navy your letter in
forming me OF tbc necessity you are
under to relinouish your duties In con-
nection with the Emergency Fleet Cor
poration. have admired the work
You have done there most warmly. 70.
l have kept inft rmcd concerning 1t. and
know with what devotion and intclli-
Sence you have cone It. II will be a
very great loss to the Emergency Fleet
Corporation that you must withdraw.
and II particularly distrcsscs me to
know that the cause Is your impaired
health.
"Of course. will yield to your de-
sire and assign you TO other duties as
soon rs yolr health will permit you
10 undertake thcm, but ! want you to
know with what reluctance I do SO.
and with what genuine personal esteem
and confidence. realize now That you
have remained longer at your present
pos: than your strength justified. and
know that YOU have done so from
m motives of patriotism. May not cx-
press my obligation 10 you as a pub
lie servant"
The letter written by Admiral Capps
20 the President said:
with regret ] beg TO inform that
the physical disability under which
luboreG at the time OF my assignment
to duty with the Emergency Fleet Cor
poration has increased 20 n serious OK
teat. and my medical adviser has stated
that / cannot continue my present duty
without very serious impairment Of
health. the Developments during the
pas; month having been especially un-
satisfactory"
ALREADY TAKEN UP
WITH SECRETARY DANIELS
The admiral SAID the matter already
had been brought to the attention Of
Chairman Edward y. Hurley, Of the
Shipping Board. and Secretary OF the
Navy Daniels. He added:
May add. in conclusion. how deem
- appreciate the trust and con-
ildence you have at all times rep,seG
In me. especially as shown In my pres
cnt assignment to duty al general nan
aser Of tho Emergency Fleet Corpora
ton. and ! shall look forward to the
privilege of giving such further ser.
vice as may be within the limits OF
my physical capacity as soon ms I have
had the opportunity to recuDe-nt,
somew hat from the recent strain"
Denial was made this afternoon By
Chairman Hurley that there had bcen
friction between himself and Admiral
CIpps. And attached to the letters
from the President and from Admiral
Capps was given out another from the
hartman. in which Mr.. Hurley soid
the nava! officers work had won tho
admiration Of the officers and trustees
of the Emergency Fleet Corporation.
mo consideration" added hr. IYur.
ley. other than personal concern for
his health. could bring us to Join in
his request for transfer to work less
arduous."
WARNED by GRAYsoN
TO GIVE UP WORK
DR.. Cary Grayson. tho Presidents
physician. told Mr.. Hurley. the chair
man said. some weeks ago that II was
very doubtful IL Admiral Capps would
be able to continue his work,
"We have been building up tho or
3anization." said Mr.. Huriey's letter.
3. CONTINUED on Fourth PaEe.)
y e,fs. ~ y s. ~ Il.