Evening star., 1917-01-17
ADMIRAL DEWEY
LOSES LAST FIGHT


mi ght master the disease. Monday his
condition had become SO serious that
the facts no longer could be withheld
In official and diplomatic circles and
elsewhere the loss of the country s
most distinguished naval officer was
nlourned today.
American naval vessels and stations
throughout the world received word by
wireless of the admirafs death, with
orders to display flags at half mast.
When news of. the admirafs death
was received at the White House Presi-
dent Wilson authorized the following
statement:
TN expressing his grief at the death
of Admiral Dewey the President said
the whole nation will mourn the loss
of its most distinguished naval officer
a man who has been as faithful. as IN
telligent and as successful in the per-
formance of his responsible duties in
time of peace as he was gallant and
successful in time of war. 1t is just
such men that gives the service dis
tinction and the nation a just pride in
those who serve it,
Mr.. Daniels Tribute.
Secretary Daniels paid this tribute:
up to the very last. Admiral Dewey
kept in touch with every movement OF
progress not only in our navy but
throughout the world. On Wednesday
afternoon last, Just before l. left the
department, he paid me call and look
ed hale and hearty. ] thought he would
be spared to us for many years. His
death is an irreparable loss to oul
country, but the American people will
ever cherish his memory.
His counsel has meant more to me
than words can express. His advice to
me since l have been Secretary Of the
Navy was more like that of father
officer to a government. official"
Death Announced Officially.
The Navy Departments official an
nouncement of the admirals death
issued last evening. said:
Admiral of the Navy George Dewey
died at 5:56 pm. today at his resi-
dence. 1901 Z street northwest.
Capture or destroy the enemy's
fleet were the orders issued to Com
modore George Dewey of the Asiatic
fleet. command Of which he assumed
January s, 1898. At the outbreak of
spring of 1898, he proceeded from
Hongkong toward Manila, with his en-
tire fleet. Here the Spanish fleet, con-
sisting of cruisers and gunboats. were
batteries located at Corregidor Island.
at Cavite and Manila, and early on the
morning of May 1, 1898. he entered
Manila bay. moving through the mine
field safely with his command, attacked
and annihilated the Spanish fleet, cap
tured the arsenal at Cavite. destroyed
the Notifications at the mouth of the
bay and established a blockade of
Manila.
'Tn reward for his highly distin-
guished conduct on this occasion in
conflict with the enemy. he was. under
section 1908 of the Revised Statutes,
advanced one grade. to the grade Of
rear admiral. to rank from May IL.
1898. and also received the thanks of
Congress. Later. by special act Of
Congress. he was promoted to be the
admiral Of the navy, to rank from
March 2. 1899. to remain on the active
list until such time as he might see fit
to apply for retirement. He was re-
lieved from active command of the
Asiatic fleet on October 8, 1899; was
assigned to duty as president of the
general board on March %. 1900. and
had been engaged on this most i'm
portant duty continuously since that
date.