New-York tribune., 1919-05-13
Tribute Is Paid to Naval
Hero at Carnegie Hall;
Reminded of Rebuke
for Pledge to England
Allies Sunk 2O5 U-Boats
Or. Van Dyke Addresses
oTses to Officer at
Civic Forums Function

When Admiral William S. Sims in
1917 declared that if the British en-
pire ever found itself embroiled in
war the United States would fight side
by side ~ behalf of England he was
officially rebuked. George w Wicker
sham, former Attorney General. re-
minded the admiral of that last night
at the testimonial meeting in Carnegie
Hall arranged by the Civic Forum in
honor OF the man who commanded the
Americsp navy overseas. Mr.. Wicker
sham presided at the public testi-
monial, which attracted gathering of
5000.
tributes were paid to the ADMIRAL
by Henry Clews, Nicholas Murray But
ler and the Rev. Dr. William T. Man
ming. Robert E. Ely read the verses
written for the occasion by Henry van
Dyke.
New York's Greeting to Admiral
BY standing vote the following
greeting was rendered the admiral:
I'VE, the undersigned citizens OF New
York, feel it a privilege and the most
welcome of duties, to express our pro-
found admiration for your inmeasur-
able services in the late war as COM
mander Of the American Naval Forces
IN European waters.
The struggle in which our Allies
and this country engaged in defense
OF freedom and democracy could never
nave resulted SO victoriously without
the vital part played by the British
and American navies.
1T was the great food fortune of the
United States and the Allied cause that
our fleet abroad was commanded by one
who embodied the highest personal AMI
professional qualities. Who can ever
forget the sleepless skill and indomita-
bic vigilance with which men, NUM-
tons and supplies were transported
and conveyed across the Atlantic! Your
share, sir, in this unparalleled and in
credible feat will make your country
and Its sister nations in the combat
forever your debtors.
mo words can add lustre to great
deeds. But your example, sir, as naval
ofhcer, patriot, gentleman, will long
INSPIRE other Americans to give their
best to their countrys service"
2O5 U-Boats Sunk; 6,000 Perished
Admiral Sims responded with a re-
sumo OF the overseas work of the navv.
He said that depth bombs and sub
marines had destroyed a total Of 2O5
German submarines, with a loss of
between 5000 and 1000 of the German
crews. Of these he credited to the
British navy 80 per cent, with per
cent each to tie credit OF the French
and American navies.
His relations with General Pershing
had always been entirely harmonious.
the admiral said.
"4!is was the biggest stunt that has
ever been undertaken since the world
began" the admiral declared. "The
thing detest most since l have re-
turned to America is the nasty little
criticisms that l find being Circulated
about General Pershing from time to
time"
Dr.: van Dykes Tribute
Following are Dr.. van Dykes
Tell US the story. admirai, Of what our
feet has done
10 land two million men in France without
the loss of one,
To keep the ocean highway free, and balk
the pirate Hun.
The navy is a silent force and never likes
to tell;
But now the German feet has gone from
Heligoland to hell
So let hear what our sailors did so
valiantly and well.
I you in London-'twas just two years
ago,
America at last had come TO face the whole
worlds foe
You told me what you mean to do; and
verify it was SOL
Our Union Jack is loyal blue with stars Of
purest white:
And that's the spirit, brave and true, In
which our sailors fight.
They've put another victory through, with
honor. for the right
You'll praise the officers and crew. from
the bridge unto the band,
For that is every seaman's due. And yet
understand
The navy breeds, i
The navy needs.
r.. ag:cars @.-.a gentlemen. ,.--e 49,.
/ To care for the good of every ship and take
the hign command.