New-York tribune., 1920-06-20
Gusts Barnett
As Chief of
Marine Corps

Awards sustained the Secretary's judg-
ment.
Senator King, of Utah Democratic
member of the Senate Committee on
Naval Affairs, said the change had
been a great surprise to him.
"As | anticipate that the matter will
be made the subject of an investigation
by either the Senate or House Com
mttce on Naval Affairs" Senator King
said. ~ feel that should refrain from
comment. | may say, however, that 1T
was a matter of great surprise to me"
"If Congress was now in session an
immediate investigation would be de
manded by me" said Representative
Britton, Of Illinois, Republican Nom
ber of the House Committee on Naval
Affairs. He announced that he would
introduce a resolution for a searching
investigation of the case at the open
ing of Congress in December.
The request tor the resignation Of
General Barnett comes at the end of
glorious career, and from my point
of view it is national disgrace" Rep
resentative Britton said IF there is
any justice whatever in the request
of Secretary Daniels for General Bar
nett's resignation, he should at the
same time request the return Of the
Distinguished Service Medal which he
approved for the Commandant.
"If it were possible | would summon
Secretary Daniels and General Barnett
before the Committee on Naval Affairs
to explain either that an injustice has
been done to a deserving officer or that
an injustice was done the service when
Secretary Daniels awarded General
Barnett with the Distinguished Service
Medal
Confidence that the President was
not fully conversant with all the facts
was expressed by Mr.. Britton.
"lt would not surprise me if Presi-
dent Wilson had not been properly in
formed of the situation," he said.
when the facts are developed, as they
will be by congressional investiga-
tion, believe it Will be found that the
President in approving the action Of
Secretary Daniels did not understand
the conditions and circumstances. |
am sure that the President would not
approve Of Secretary Danieis's course.
| feel the utmost regret that this sum-
mary action was taken
81 have known for more than six
months" Mr.. Britton continued. that
Secretary Daniels was looking for some
excuse to oust General Barnett and the
lame one that he desires a commandant
who has seen over seas service is the
Genera Bane1t commands the admi
ration Of the military men of this
country, and, indeed, Of other coun-
tries, for the work he has done in
bringing the Marine Corps up to its
present high standing, and this demo-
tion VIII have a serious effect upon the
morale in the Marine Corps, as we'll as
in the navy itself. where General Bar
nett commands respect and affection
for his solderly qualities and long
distinguished SERVICE
Secretary Daniels said that he de-
cided while in Europe to give the posi-
OF marine commandant to General Lee
jeune.
81 decided then" Mr.. Daniels said.
that the highest honors in the serv-
Ice should be given to the officer who
gave such distinguished service on the
field of battle and | made up my mind
while in Europe that Lejeune should
be promoted to the post of command
ant. | thought it wise and consdcrais.
that General Barnett should be re-
tanned until he could wind up the ar
fairs of the Marine Corps for the fs-
cal year, ending June 30"
Of General Leieune> Secretary Dan
I iels said:
"He has the confidence and the ad
miration of the great body of fighters
IN the Marine Corps, in the navy and
the army. He has experience, iudg-
ment and poise. He is an officer who
won his spurs in war and will be a
mc del major general commandant of
the Marine Corps