The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-01-20
ADMIRAL Dewey IS DEAD.
GEORGE DEWEY, HERO OF MA
Mia BAY, sUCCUMBS no
BRIEF ILLNESS.
Victory Over Montoj0s Fleet Turning
Point I'm American History-Dcad
Sailor Very Popular With His Coun-
trynncn.

Washington. Jan. 16.-Admiral
Dewey. the nations Spanish war hero
and by priority of grade the ranking
naval officer Of the world. died at his
home here tonight In his SOth year.
He had not been conscious since yes
tcrday. when he lapsed into cema,
still believing that In q few days he
would be back at his desk in the navy
department.
general breakdown, accompanied
by arterio sclerosis incident to old age,
was the cause Of death. The disease
had been gradualy spreading it's hold
upon his powerful body for year and
half. but the admiral. proud of his
physical vlgor had fought it Off and
even kept its existence secret from
most Of his intimate friends. Last
Wednesday he was at his office ap-
parently hale and hearty. The next
day he collapsed as he was preparing
to leave the house and the beginning
of the end was at hand.
Mrs. Dewey and the admiral's only
son. George Dewey. Jr, were at the
bedside tonight. They had known
since yesterday there was no hope.
The admiral died at 5:56. o'clock.
PrcsidentsWilson and Secretary DAN
iels were notified at once and the
news was flashed by wireless to Amer
lean naval vessels and stations oil over
tho world. The message carried or
ders that all flags be half masted.
The president will confer tomorrow
with Secretary Daniels and Rear Ad-
miral Badger and arrange for the
funeral. which probably will take
place Saturday. Burial will be at Ar
llngton National cemetery.
Only two other rasn-Farragut aud
Porter--have held the rank OF tho adj
RlFal q ne American navy, ana vlncs
~ War Of Secession no other
man has heen SO popular an Dewey.
HIS death ended 62 years of active
service. Ills baptism Of fire came In
the War Of Secession, through which
ne served with distinction. Promotion
followed promotion as the years
passed, and he was commodore com.
manding the Asiatic fleet when ,h,
orders capture or destroy the ena-
my's fleet" gave him the first news OF
hostilitics with Spain. and sent him
into Manila bay for the feat that won
undying fame and had farreachinE Of
rect upon the position OF tho United
States as world powtr.
Immediately Dewey was advanced
to rear admiral. and then congress
by special act made him admiral
or the navy. a grade that died with
him. Since 1900 he had been on
duty at the navy department as presi-
dent OF the general board, constant
y In touch with all activities of the
navy. advisor Of secretaries and a
mighty champion Of a greater fleet.
Year after year the general board
Urged the building o: more ships
than congress would agree to, until
Mt the last session q great building
programme based upon its recon.
mendation finally was adopted.
1t was because Of the admirars
Keen aversion to any suggestion that
his health and strength were failing
that tho navy physicians attending
MIN agreed with the family to make
no announcement OF his condition
after the attack Thursday. 1t was
given out that the admiral had 4
cold. and until Sunday even the doc
tors hoped that he might master tho
disease. Yesterday his condition had
become so serious that the facts
no longer could be withheld.
When news of the admirars deotb
was received at the White House
President Wilson's authorized the fol.
lowing statement:
I'm expressing his grief Mt the
death OF Adimarl Dewey, the pres
ioent said the whole nation VIII
mourn the loss OF its most distin-
guished naval officer. n man who has
been as faithful. as intelligent and as
successful In the performance of his
responsible duties In time of peace
as he was gallant and successful m
time OF war. IL Is Just such mtr
that give the service distinction and
the nation just pride In those
who serve t."