The Washington herald., 1919-05-11

have three children-a daughter,
Carol. now the wife of Frank
Brooks, jr-. a captain of artillery.
who is somewhere in France: twin
sons, Phelps and Barnes. aged "a.
have been in the service OF their
country since the United States en-
tered the war. There are four
grandchildren, two small Brooks
boys. a baby daughter Of Lieut.. and
Mrs. Barnes Newberry. and an in
fant son of Maj and Mrs. Phelps
Newberry.
When, in April. 1917. President
Wilson declared a state OF war ex-
isting between the United States
and Germany, the former Secretary
of the Navy Immediately offered
his services to his country. He
asked for service abroad. desiring to
get as near the scene of activity as
possible. But this was denied him.
After two months effort to break
in, Mr.. Newberry was accepted for
naval service. His previous expert
ence and great business and execu-
tive ability were recognized to the
extent that Secretary Daniels gave
him the rank of lieutenant COM
mander. the highest rank ever con-
ferred by the United States Navy
Department on a civilian.
For a month Com. Newberry's work
kept him in Boston. the headquarters
of the fourth naval district. In July
he was transferred to New York and
appointed aide and assistant to Rear
Admiral n. r. Usher, commandant
of the third naval district. In this
capacity Com. Newberry was desig-
mated personnel officer. with active di-
rection of more than 1000 men. In
cluded in the third district are the
ports of New York>and Brooklyn, the
Brooklyn navy yard and every naval
activity and coast defense from New
London, Conn. to Barnegat, N. j.
His appointment to this position is
highly significant from the fact that
the vast majority of the United States
armed forces now fighting in France
have begun their journey overseas
from the third naval district. All ac-
tivity Of transportation of troops. sup
plies, munitions, food and equipment
is carried on through this district
In the nineteenth months Com
Newberry has been on duty at naval
headquarters. 80 Broadway, New
York City. he has been at his home
in Detroit just one day. He works
elsnt 10 Twelve nOurS every week.
day and has never missed a forenoon's
work at. his Office on Sundays and
holidays.
Perhaps the best illustration of
Commander Newberry's interest in
and sympathy for the general per-
sonnel of the navy can be found in
a trip to his New York Office. There
one would see the ante-room outside
literally jammed with men of all
ranks in the navy. The gold lace
of Junior commissioned officers and
the floppy wide trousers of the ordi-
nary 'gob" rub together as they
await the word that will let them
inside the railing of the information
desk. They are all there for the one
purpose. to get in ito see Comman-
der Newberry for just a minute" to
thank him for some favor he has
done them in the past, or to crave
his assistance in their work of
preparation for efficient service in
our naval fighting force.
And none of them are ever dis
appointed. Commander Newberry
never refuses to see anyone. 1t
may take time. when the crowd is
thick, but eventually every one of
them will get in to confront the
blue-clad figure on whom 50 much
of their welfare depends. and event.
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