Evening star., 1920-02-07

to be made. or what further action II
to be taken with respect to this deco
American naval oficers should weal
only the decorations awarded by
their own government, Secretary
Chairman Padgett of the House naya-
committee in 1917 to eliminate pro
visions in legislation then oeine
framed allowing naval personnel 10
accept foreign medals.
Failed t. Set Forth Acts.
:Admiral Sims ever made single
Recommendation for decorations IN
Daniels said. He never set forth
any specific act of service OF an
oficer in his recommendations until
the Knight board adjourned. Hls
recommendation just named the men
without any reason.
why did the board pay any atten-
tion to them IL they were not in iegai
form?' Senator Poindexter. republi-
can, Washington. asked.
They looked up the record on the
strength of his report, MT. Danleis
responded, "and then decided on their
own judgment"
II don't see how the Knight board
could act on improper recommends
tions," Senator Hale, republican.
Maine, remarked, "or how you could
consider them afterward. DO you con, n,
slider the action of the Knight poard
on a decoration a citations?
Yes. IL 1 accept it," the Secretary
replied. .
who have incurred penalties Tor vlo-
lation of laws" Secretary McSormiek'
republican. Illinois, observed. AS
sistant Secretary Roosevelt says ne
has probably incurred sss years In
penalties for his violations.
That was probably an after.dinner
speech" Secretary Daniels retorteo'
and there was laughter.
Senator Mccormick asked now
Thomas Addison had secured a dec-
Grafton, saying that no criticism was
implied of the act.
':As head OF the naval consulting
board" Secretary Daniels replied. "he
gave his entire service to the Navy.
and spent most of his time on a naval
ship considering inventions
Worked Against U-Boat.
Did not Mr. Edison contribute some
inventions to the Navy" Senator Hale
asked.
"Mr. Edison and many scientific men
worked constantly at the production
of means to fight the submarine men
ace" Mr. Daniels answered
None of them was perfected in time.
His decoration was for great service
in their development, and wisdom IN
counsel.
"As soon as Mr. Edison saw the ac-
counts of difference over the AWARDS
he wrote me. He said. he had done
everything he could for love OF his
country, and did not want any re-
ward or decorations"
Chairman Hale then read letter
addressed to him by Mr.. Edison, say
ing that "all my work during the war
was directed to the perfection OF a
listening device which would enable
the detection of torpedoes:"
Secretary Daniels said that the
Edison headed. had rendered valuable
There isn't any honor the Navy
could give to Mr.. Edison" he remark
ed Ills own accomplishments and
record gave something to US"
. series Of questions based upon pre-
Admiral Sims has served for
twenty-five years on shore duty.
Secretary Daniels said at one point.
and hi: testimony shows. in my
on shore duty"
'ewsii. didn't stns serve where he
vas erdsredr' snaaor Poinde1ter
y o. cS: yes" Mr:p.s..l: responded.
S:sns no rssist'9S Hs;s sSsS Sy tssd letter.,
written by Secretary Daniels prais-
1ne Admiral Sims highly for his serv-
ice during the war, and Senator Nc
Eormick read testimony compliment
tary 70 Sims, given by Secretary DAN
fels before congressional committees
&urjng consideration Of . bill to make
Rear Admirals Sims and Benson full
1dmirals.
''Slnoe you have produced that" Mr.
Daniels commented. every word that
] have said Of Admiral Sims ability
and bfilliancy in certain lines 10 true.
But if had known what has devel-
oDed since ] shouldn't have recon-
Eended that he be made an admiral
Cor hfe." ICY