New-York tribune., 1921-06-12
Action Awaits Answer

Admiral Sims has not been de-
tached from command of the Naval
War College at Newport, to which
he was assigned upon his return to
this country after completing his
duties as commander in chief of the
American naval forces in European
waters during the war. Secretary
DENLY indicated to-day that he con-
templated no change in Admiral
Slms's status until he had received
from the Admiral complete state
ment and any justification he might
offer for his apparent failure to re-
spond to the previously cabled in
curry respecting the accuracy OF
published reports of his speech of
last Tuesday.
The order directing the Admiral ia
return at once to Washington, secre.
tary DENLY said, was not preeipitsted
by the passage of the resolution bv tba
Senate authorizing an investigation Of
ADMIRAL Slms's speech on the Irish
question. Neither was it based on anv
olrectlon from the White House. The
action was deemed necessary by the
Naval Secretary because of his desire
to clear up the incident and to impress
Admiral Sims with the seriousness with
which the Navy Department considers
the remarks he is quoted as making.
Recall Regarded as Rebuke.
The drastic move taken to-day by the
Naval Secretary is regarded in naval
circles as in itself a rebuke They ex-
pressed the belief that it would be fol-
lowed by an official reprimand. These
officers assert that the failure of Ad-
mlraa Sims to reply Immediately to the
first cablegram sent by Secretary
DENLY might easily be interpreted by
Denby as an atfront and constitutes a
breach of discipline and propriety.
That this view is partly shared by Sec
retary Denby was indicated to-day wheY
he said that his recent decision to re
woke the gag" rule in the navy may bs
held up for the time being. Mr.. Denba
desires TO remove all restrictions
against navy men writing for publica
tion if they win file with the department
a copy of their writing properly signed,
and he has given directions that the
greatest leeway will be given to officers
who desire to write for publication.
The order, however, has not actually
been promulgated, and SECRETARY DENLY
said it might be necessary to modify 1t
in such way as to discourage utter
ances by navy officers which might be
considered Incorporate.
1t was said to-day at the Navy De-
taf A Il NOT
be expected to change his announced
plans of returning to this country on
the Olympic, which sails June Is.
Cabled dispatches from London have
quoted Admiral Sims as saying that
/ next Wednesday was the earliest book
ing he could make for his return pas
sage
Senator's May Summon Sims
The Senate Naval Affairs Committee
may summon the admiral before the
committee when he returns The com
mittee will meet soon to decide what
steps shah be taken under the Harrison
resolution, instructing it to investigate
Admiral Sims's utterances.
Acting Chairman Poindexter. after
refusing to comment on Secretary
Denby's recall of Admiral Sims. said
he did not yet know whether the
committee.
! THAT is matter which the COM
mittee itself viii have TO decide" said
Senator Poindexter.
Senator Mccormick, who protested IN
the first place to the White House and
to Secretary DENLY against Admiral
Sims's ''jackass" speech, said when it,
formed that the Admiral had been re-
called:
II ana not surprised"
] Senator Reed, Of Missouri. Democrat,
/ said
81 don't know whether it's better To
bring him back here or leave him over
there
! Talk about the Senate is that there
is not likely to be any severe action,
II any, by the Senate against the Ad-
nirak, The purpose of Senator Ne
Cormiek. It is understood, is not. to
nave Admiral Sims punished, but to
induce silence on the part of the Ad.
~