The New York herald., 1920-01-15
DANIELS CONDUCT
Of NAVY IN WAR
IS NOW ASSA|LED
Conflict Over Award of Medals
Grows Into General Con-
troverSy.
Herald Bureau,
No. 1902 III Street, N. W.,


The differences between the Secretary of
the Navy and Rear Admiral William S.
SIMS growing out of the award OF naval
medals, today assumed the proportions of
a general controversy involving Mr..
Daniels management of naval affairs
during the war
The disclosure was made In official
quarters that the former Comma nder-in
chief OF the American naval forces in
european waters and the Secretary of the
Navy are at loggerheads over naval ad-
ministration. Rear Admiral Sims ha s
4. written to Secretary Daniels a letter in
=. winch he reviewed the departmental policy
IN the light of his experiences abroad
RMS has not been made public but con-
stitutes, ii is understood. not only severe
!, arraignment of Secretary Daniels but a
: criticism of a number of officers entrusted
with important commands Among Other
things II is said to contain the charge
that Secretary Daniels has lowered. if not
destroyed the morale Of officers in the
naval service.
Secretary Daniels has made no formal
reply TO the charges Of Rear Admiral
sims 1t was clearly intimated at the
Navy Department totay. however, that he
does not regard the criticism levelled at
MN as more than the opinion of one Of
many Officers and that Admiral Sims
letter will be given no more consideration
than similar communication from any
other officer.
/. Communication Is Critical.
Mr.. Daniels admitted that he had re-
. ceived from Admiral Sims a voluminous
communication which he characterized as
lessons learned from the war or some
thing of that sort" He said that he had
read no more than the first two pages of
II. which he described as severely crit-
NJ oht ini strot u
not read the remainder of the letter. he
said. until Admiral Sims has appeared be-
fore the Naval Affairs Committee investi-
eating the awards to naval Officers.
Admiral Sims will present to the commit
tee his views on this phase of the con-
troversy with Secretary Daniels next
Friday.
In view Of Admiral Sims criticism of
Secretary Daniels conduct of naval af-
fairs. it is probable that the Senate COM
mittee will broaden the scope of its in
curry and will air the entire controversy.
Other officers who have been summoned
TO appear before the committee will also
be given an opportunity to present their
views on the questions at issue.
Because of Admiral Sims present posi-
ton as president of the Naval War Col
lege and the important position he occu-
pied during the war a. Commander inl
Chief of the American naval forces abroad
bers of both. houses of Congress to weigh
carefully any statements he may make
concerning the naval policy of the United
States and the conduct of naval affairs.
II there is any cause for criticism the
Naval Affairs Committees may be ex-
pected TO find il. For this reason 1t is
probable that the Senate committee will
4sk for copy of the Sims letter as a
basis for its inquiry.
See PigeonhoIe for Letter.
The impression was given at the Navy
Department however, that Admiral Sims
letter VIII go the way of all documents of
that character to which no Importance Is
attached by the present administration.
The suggestion was made that Admiral
Sims was probably sctuated by the same
motives as many other officers who occu-
pied conspicuous naval posts during the
war, and who. now that hostilities are
over are constrained to point out mistakes
that might have been avoided.
The Senate Naval Affairs Committee VIII
begin its hearing on the awards OF naval
medals on Friday, when Admiral Sims Will
appear. Secretary Daniels announced to-
day that Rear Admirals Benson, Knight,
Mayo, Badger. Fullam and Fletcher. to-
gctber with all chiefs OF naval bureaus.
had been summoned before the committee.
Admiral Fullam is in California and Nd
rnirai Fletcher is in Honolulu. They VIII
not appear III person., Dhb VIII iil' '',i
statements with the committee. Neitherl
Admiral Wilson. commander-in-chicf OF
the Atlantic fleet, now in Southern waters.
nor Admiral Hugh Rodnan, commander
in-chief Of the Pacific fleet, has been
summoned.
Commander David Worth Bagley.
nephew of Secretary Daniels, now Naval
Attache at The Hague. has joined the
RANKS of those Officers who decline TO ac-
cept honors because of the fact that they
commanded a vessel sunk in the war zone.
, In caolegram to the Director OF NaVal
Intelligence. dated January 5, Commander
Bagley said:-
~ request that my name be considered
only for such decorations as may De
awarded all captains destroyers In the
war zone" -
This message places Commander Bagley
on the side of Captain X. ID. Hasbrouck:
who also declined the Navy Cross ana
announced his approval of the course
taken by Admiral Sims in protesting
against the action CT Mr.. Daniels.