Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-01-21
MAYO DENIES
That Letter to Daniels
Was a Protest
His Views on Awards Were Diructly
oppnsite Those - Sim-kearty
All His Recommendations Were
Changed or Disappeared = Admits
Knight Board Had Authority

Knight Board Had Authority
Washington, Jan. 20-Direct issue
with Rear Admiral Sims on the two
leading points IN the naval decura-
lions dispute was taken today by
Rear Admiral Henry T. Mayo, war
time commander Of the United States
fleet. in testimony before the Sen
ate subcommittee Investigating the
medal award controversy, Reading
his letter TO Secretary Daniels. CIV
ing his views on the decoration
awards. which he SAID. was not as d
protest. Admiral Mayo first disagreed
with Admiral Sims as 10 the reia-
tive Importance Of sea and shore
duty Admiral Mayo explained to
the committee that ne wrote TO Sec
rotary Daniels because ne did not
believe the knight board Of awards
or Daniels had given sufficient con-
sldera-ion TO the importance of the
duties performed by officers who
SE!NtO "a SSc. Will LAlE iLAS~A~4t
fleet Admiral Sims IN MS testimony
and also IN his letter to Secretary
Daniels, declining the distinguished
service medal commended mat TOO
much Importance was attached 10
the services of officers VINO served
al sea as compared with those who
administered important posts on
shore
The SECOND point on which Ad-
miral Mayo direred with Admiral
Sims was the question Of award of
medals TO the commanding officers
of ships SUNK or seriously damaged
by torpedo attack or mines. While
stating that a broad general policy
along that line would not be d good
thing for the service. Admiral Mayo
declared that IN cases where the
commanding officers conduct was Of
an especially meritorious character
u proper award should be given him.
admiral Mayo approved the actioa
Of the knight board and Secretary
Daniels in awarding distinguish
service medal 10 Capt. Christer Of
The cruiser San Diego sunk by a
mine and Commander P. u. Foot
OF the transport President Lincoln.
sunk by torpedo Admiral Sims
severely criticized the action Of Sec
rotary Daniels in insisting on the
award TO the commanding officers u
ships sunk by the enemy,
Admiral aIavo's testimony wa.
brief and tomorrow the sub-cummit
tee will near Maj. Gen. Barnett. conn
Inandant of the Marine corps. This
naval award controversitv late il
the day reached the floor Of lne
Senate.
Although ma! action was prevent
Cd by absence Of d quorum there
was considerable discussion Senators
Thomas, Colorado; KING, Utah anG
Pheian, California Democrats. CUES
tl0nlng the necessity Of counse!
Chairman Hale 1T reply said tbs
resolution mad been approved unaui-
mousiy by the subcommittee ana
Senator Lodge of Massachusetts
Republican leader supporting thf
resolution SAID the charges made X
Admiral Sims had made the invest
CATION virtually an inquirv into tbs
conduct of the war by the navy.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt
during the day announced the per-
sonnet of a board Of inquiry To inves-
tIGate conditions az the NewDorr. 2
l. naval station winch led To charges
by John Rathom Of the Providence
Journal Of immortality IN the navy
The board which was designated ten
Gays ago. is composed Of Rear Al
rniral Herbert Q. Dunn. comrlandau
Of the first naval district: Cat
Jonn T Hines; Capt David Theieen
and Ensign Henry I. Hynman, judge
advocate.