The sun., 1919-07-06

tleship Force 2. made up OF dread
noughts Of the navy. He held this
post until June 80, when on the deck
OF the Pennsylvania he read his or
ders appointing him commander-in-
chief of the Atlantic fleet
Now Commands Great Fleet.
1t should be stated, however, that
despite his efforts, Admiral Wilson was
not able to dodge the honor of for
eign decoration which the whole navy
and the whole army-say he deserves.
few days before his promotion he
was called into the office of Secretary
Daniels at Washington and there Cap
tain Saint Seine, French naval attache
at Washington. In the presence OF the
Secretary, bestowed upon him the rank
of Grand officer OF the Legion OF
Honor. At the same time thirteen
other naval officers were made lesser
officers of the Legion. He exhibited
military qualities of the highest order
and obtained the most splendid re-
suits" so the French Government de-
clared in making the award.
In his new post he is commander
OF sixteen battleships. 108 destroyers,
twenty submarines, a host of sea-
planes and a large number of vessels
of the train, minelaycrs, supply ships.
&c. Eventually he will also command
twelve or more cruisers now busy
carrying troops home from France.
When he learned that he was to
succeed Admiral Mayo. Admiral Will
sons memory went back to his days
on the Kentucky under Fighting
Bob" and he recalled another young
officer. now Rear Admiral Carlo B.
Britain. who was also noted for his
energy and ofiicerlike qualities. He
picked this man, a good officer and q
good friend, as his chief of stan. the
man who will carry into execution his
orders. and In general see that his
ideas are properly carried out
Seeks Highest Type of Non
Admiral Wilson is known to be
greatly interested in getting the high
est type OF man, both for officer and
sailor. in the navy, and in keeping
him contented once he Is aboard ship.
He will no doubt do much in this line,
although his first action on assum-,
ling command was to pass a reassur-
/ ing word about the fleet that no radi.
cal changes ara contemplated at pres
! ent. He intends to study his Job be-
/ fore he alters routine matters. He &;
considered an expert in the navy o.
/ handling men, one of tho reasons VII.
he was believed to be the best man to
command the great fleet
Admiral Wilson is married His wife
was Miss Ada Chapman OF Philadel-
phia. Mrs, Wilson and their two chill
dren. Miss Ruth Chapman, who mad
her debut two years ago, and
twelve year-old son, Henry B. Wise
Jr. make their home during the Wy
ter in Washington, and in the sur
mer at Chelsea, Atlantic City. Both
places are as near as possible to tho
home ports OF the Admiral's wander
ing fleet.
Although he lodges publicity and
glory as much as possible Admiral
Wilson once, at least, failed TO escape
his full share OF II. That was on his
return TO his birthplace at Camden,
\. j., TO see his mother shortly after
he reached this country. The citizens
turned out in his honor, proclaimed a
holiday, and, after he had seen his
mother. gavo him a rouslng reception
at the City Hall and afterward a shad
dinner which Is still one OF the Invest
topics OF conversation in the town on
the Delaware. And Admiral Wilson Is
in even greater peril OF n repetition
lof the celebration when he ventures
ITO sec his mother again