Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-01-21
SIMS
POSITION FAILS
TO PLEASE MAYO

tsV uoRHIHI JouRnAL SPECIAL LEASED wIRel
Washington, Jan 20.-Direct is
sue with Rear Admiral William S.
Simms on the two leading contro-
verted points in the naval decora-
tions dispute was taken today by
Rear Admiral Henry 7. Mayo, war;
time commander of the United
States fleet. in testimony before
1.-The senate subcommittee investigat-
ling the medal award controversy.
Reading his letter to Secretary
Daniels, giving his views on the
decoration awards, which views he
said We're not presented as pro-
test, Admiral Mayo first disagreed
with Admiral Sims as to the rela-
tive importance of sea and shore
duty. Admiral Mayo explained 20
the committee that he wrote to
Secretary Daniels because he did
not believe the Knight board or
awards or Mr. Daniels had given
sufficient consideration to the i'm
portance of the duties performed
hy officers who served at sea with
the Atlantic fleet. Admiral Sims
in his testimony and also in his let
ter to Secretary Daniels declining
the distinguished service medal
contended that too much import
ance was attached to the service of
Officers who served at sea as com
pared with those who administered
important posts on shore.
The second point on which Ad-
miral Mayo differed with Admiral
Sims was the question OF the award
of medals to the commanding Of
Ificers of ships sunk or severely
damaged by torpedo attack or
mines. While stating that broad
general policy along that line
would not be good thing for the
service, Admiral Mayo declared
that in cases where the command
ling officers conduct was of an
especially meritorious character a
proper award should be given. Ad-
mirai Mayo approved without quail
iflcation the action of the Knight
board and Secretary Daniels in
awarding distinguished service
medals to Captain Christy of the
cruiser San Diego. sunk by q mine,
and Commander p. w. Foote of
the transport President Lincoln,
sunk by a torpedo. Admiral Sims
severely criticised the action of
Secretary Daniels in insisting on
the awards to the commanding Of
ficers of ships sunk by the enemy
The naval award controversy
late in the day reached the floor of
the senate through presentation of
q resolution by Chairman Hale of
the subcommittee to authorize en-
ployment of counsel and, cleri-
cal force to aid in the investiga-
tion. Although final action was
prevented by absence of a quorum,
there was considerable discussion,
Senator's Thomas, of Colorado;
King, of Utah, and Phelan, of Cali
fornia, democrats, questioning the
necessity of counsel. Chairman
Hale in reply said the resolution
had been approved unanimously by
the subcommittee and Senator
Lodge of Massachusetts, republican
leader, supporting the resolution,
said the charges made by Admiral
Sims had made the investigation
virtually an inquiry into the con-
duct of the war by the navy.
Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Roosevelt during the day an
nounoed the personnel of a board
of inquiry to investigate conditions
Mt the Newport. II. l., naval sta
ton, which led to charges by John
r. Rathom. of the Providence OR.
ID. Journal of immortality in the
navy. The board which was desig-
mated ten days ago, is composed of
Rear Admiral Herbert o. Dunn.
corinandant OF the first naval dis
trict. Capt. J. f. Hines, Capt. d.
=. Theleen, and Ensign Henry Z,
asaansp, fudga sdxocats, &C.,,