Arizona republican., 1920-01-21
MAYO D|SACREES WITH SIMS ON Z DISPUTED POINTS
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1

WASHINGTON, Jan 20.-Direct is sue with Rear Admiral William :. Sims on the two leading controyertei points in the naval decorations dis pute was taken today by Rear Ad- miral Henry T. Mayo, war time com mander of the United States fleet. in testimony before the senate sub-c com mittee Investigating the medal award controversy.
 Reading his letter to Secretary Dan iels, giving his views on the decora- tions awards, which views he said were not presented as a protest, Ad miral Mayo first disagreed with Ad- miral Sims as to the relative impor- tance of sea and shore duty. AdmiraN Mayo explained to the committee that he wrote to Secretary Daniels because he did not believe the Knight board of awards or Mir. Daniels had given sufficient consideration to the impor- tance of the duties performed by of ficers who served at sea with the At lantic fleet. Admiral Sims in his testimony and also in his letter to Sec retary Daniels. declining the distin- guished service medal, contended that too much importance was attached to the service of officers who served at sea as compared with those who ad- ministered important posts on shore.
 Mayo UphoIds Awards
 The second point on which Admiral Mayo differed with Admiral Sims was the question of award of medals to the commanding officers of ships sunk or seriously damaged by torpedo attack on mines. While stating that a broad general policy along that line would not be a good thing for the service. Ad- niral Mayo declared that in cases where the commanding officers con ductwas Of an especially meritorious character proper reward should be given. Admiral Mayo approved, with out qualification, the action of the Knight board and Secretary Daniels in awarding distinguished service medals to Captain Christy of the cruiser San Diego, sunk by mine, and Commander P. W. F'oote of the transport President Lincoln, sunk by a torpedo Admiral Sims severely criticised the action of Secretary Daniels in insisting on awards to the commanding officers of ships sunk by the enemy.
 The naval award controversy. late in the day reached the floor of the senate through presentation of reso- lution by Chairman Hale of the sub committee to authorize employment of counsel and a clerical force to aid in the investigation. Although final ac- tion was prevented by absence of quorum, there was considerable dis cussion. Senators Thomas, Colorado; King Utah, and Phelan, California, democrats. questioning the necessity of counsel. Chairman Hale, in reply said the resolution had been approved unanimously bv the subcommittee and Senator Lodge of Massachusetts. re- publican leader. supporting the reso- lution said the charges made by Ad miral Sims had made the investiga- tion virtually an inquiry into the con- duct of the war by the navy.
 Names Investigating Board
 Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt, during the day. announced that personnel of a board of inquiry to investigate conditions at the New port, R. L. naval station, which led to charges by John R. Rathom of the Providence. (R. I), Journal, of inn morality in the navy. The board which was designated 10 days ago. is of Rear Admiral Herbert O. Dunn commandant of the first naval district: Captain J. F. Hines. Captain D. E. Theleen and Ensign Henry F. judge advocate.