The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-01-17
HIS DEATH OCCURRED
EARLY LAST EVENING
He Was Third Man to Hold
Title Of Admiral of
American Navy

! Dewey, who died last night in his 80tl
year, were discussed today at confer
cnce between President Wilson, secretar,
Of the Navy Daniels and Rear Admira
Badger The funeral probably will tax,
place Saturday, with interment in tn,
Arlington National cemetery. American
naval vessels and stations throughout tn,
world received word of Dewey's death By
wireless, with orders to display flags Al
half mast.
Admiral Dewey died at his home here
last evening, not having been conscious
since Monday, when he lapsed into coma
still believing that in few days he
would be back at his desk at the navy
department. Mrs. Dewey and the ad-
mirals only son, George, were at the bed
side last night The end came at $3.50.
A general breakdown accompanied by
arteriosclerosis incident to old age was
| the cause of death The disease had been
gradually spreading its hold upon the
powerful body for year and half, but
the admiral, proud Of his physical vigor,
had fought it off and even kept It's exist
enee a secret from most of his intimate
friends. Last Wednesday he was at his
office apparently hale and hearty. The
next day he collapsed as he was prepar-
ing to leave the house, and the beginning
of the end was at hand
1t was because of the admirafs keen
aversion to any suggestion that his
health and strength were gradually fail
ing that the naval physicians attending
him agreed with the family To make no
announcement of his condition after the
attack Thursday. II was given out that
the admiral had cold, and until Sunday
even the doctors hoped that he might
master the disease. Monday his condi
tion had become so serious that the facts
no longer could be withheld.
Despite the aged officers youthful ap-
pearance, 1t became known during the
last few days that the first evidence OF
weakening of his splendid constitution
came about is months ago when he suf
fered slight paralytie stroke. AT that
time the physician who was called to
the house found him sitting in his easy
chair in some distress, and showing
slight thickness of speech and dilated pu-
pills which were at once diagnosed as
symptoms of paralysis.
The attack yielded to treatment, but
ii was deemed unwise to permit the ad
miral to make his usual summer visit to
the New England coast because. of the |
strain of the long railroad trip. Secre- |
tary Daniels placed the naval yacht May
flower at the admiral's disposal and he
returned to Washington after a cruise UP |
the coast and stay at a seashore resort |
apparently in his usual health
Only two other Farragut and /
porter-have held the rank of the ad-
miral of the American navy and since
Civil war days no military figure has
1ed such place as Dewey in the affec-
lion and admiration of the American
people. His death ended 62 years of ac-
i've serviee. His baptism of fire came in
he Civil war, through which he served /.
With distinction. Promotion followed
during the years following.
md he was a commodore commanding
he Asiatic fleet when the orders Cap
ure and destroy the enemy's fleet" gave
lin the first news of hostilities with
spain and sent him into Manila bay for |
he feat that won undying fame and {
lad reaching effect on the position
# the United States as world power.
Immediately Dewey was advanced to
ear admiral, and then Congress by spe- (
ial act made him admiral of the navy, {
grade that died with him. Since 1900
e had been ON duty at the navy depart. [
nent as president of the general board, ]
onstantly in touch with all activities of Z
he navy, advisor of secretaries and a !
nightly champion of a greater fleet. Year Y
fter year the general board urged the {
uilding of more ships than Congress 9
rould agree to, until at the last session I
great building program based on its Il
finally was adopted e
President Wilson'S Statement.
When news of the admiral's death was :
eceived at the White House, President 4
wilson authorized the following state q
ient: In
an expressing his gries at the death of n
NAtoitfhb ifc n
hole nation viii mourn the loss of its q
lost distinguished naval officer, a man 1,
-ho has been as faithful, as intelligent r
nd as successful in the performance of n
is responsible duties in time OF peace as i
e was gallant and successful in time of :,
ar 1t is Just such men that give the y
.rvice distinction and the nation a Just :,
ride in those who serve il" a;
Secretary Daniels paid this tribute: :,
Up 10 the very last Admiral Dewey :,
spt in touch with every movement OF :,
-ooress not only In our navy but y
lrouphout the world On Wednesday "
'ternoon last. just before left the de-
lrtment. he paid me a esll and looked
lie and hearty. I thought he would be n
,srei to us for many years. His death
an irreparsble loss 10 cur country, but
e American people VII ever cherish
; memory. OF
s.His counsel meant mere to me than pi
ords -an express. His advice 10 me ~
nee have been secretary of the navy I'M
in
fCoatinrci On fourth pa-s) a