The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-10-02
GREEKS WILL EVACLZATE
EASTERN 7EzRACE AFTER
NEAR EAST CONFERENCE
REAR ADMIRAL CHARLES
f. CLARK is DEAD
Famous vermonter Who Commanded
Battleship Oregon in Famous voy-
age Around South America

Long Beach, Cal, Oct. tBy the As
sociated Press) Rear Admiral Charles
4. Clark, Y. s. n, who, when a cap.
tain commanded the battleship Oregon
on its famous voyage from San Fran
cisco to Key West and later in the bat
tie of Santiago July 3, 1897, in the
Spanish American war, died at the
home Of his daughter here late yester-
day. He was 70 years old.
The funeral of Rear Admaral Clark,
will be held tomorrow afternoon at
the home of his daughter here, with
only a. few intimate friends and high
officers of the Pacific feet present, It
was announced to-day.
Rear Admiral CIark's race against
time on voyage equal to half
way around the world without a
single serious mishap to men or
machinery occurred during the open
ing days Of the Spa anish-American
war in 1898. Clark, then a captain, was
"a years old. He sailed from San Fran
cisco on March 10. Between him and
his destination was the continent OF
South America, the gales and turbulent
waters OF the Straits of Magellan
where a Spanish torpedo boat lurked
also, and feet of formidable Span
ish warships cruising in the Caribbean
sea. On the afternoon of the 9th day
of sailing the Oregon steamed into Ju-
piter inlet on the coast OF Florida nn-
harmed and ready for battle.
1t is the worlds record which prob
ably will never be equalled -it prob
ably will never again be attempted.
The Panama canal removes the neces-
sity. A modern battleship could be
from San Francisco to the
Florida coast in time Of war through
the canal in less than 20 days.
An interesting anecdote is told how
Clark came to be placed in command
Of that difficult and dangerous voyage.
"Has he the stick to-it-iyeness TO
take him clear through" asked naval
Of one Of Clark's friends who
was urging his appointment to the com
mand of the Oregon
"Did you ever see him play chessf@
the friend replied
aWhat has that to do With the case?"
Everything" was the answer. |
Strategy as learned on the chess board |
s not bad training as a preliminary |
q naval tactics" and he continued to
outline Clark's characteristic determi- |
lation, which was noticeable even while
,laying chess, until the appointment |
vas won.
Rear Admiral Clark was born in1
Bradford, VT, in lS43. At the age Of
70 he had been ordered to the West |
5ulf bIockading squadron in the Civil |
var before he had finished his second
ear at Annapolis. A year later he was
ollowing Farragut over the torpedo
,eds and past the forts in the battle Of
fobile bay.
Clark's naval career was varied. He
ras shipwrecked off the coast of Brit
III Columbia in 1868 when the Suwanee
oundered. and through the loss of his
uperior officers became commander of
he 80 survivors. He organized them
nto defensive party TO hold off 400
ostile Indians until rescue arrived.
Ie watched the Spaniards, whom he
ras later to engage in battle, BON
ard Valparaiso and Callao; he served
n the Pacific, West Indies and Asiatic
tations; was attached TO the Brook
yn, Mare island and Portsmouth navy
ards, and instructed class at Annap-
lis. He spent three years in survey
~ the north Pacific coast. and four
ears in inspecting lighthouses.
He, on board the Oregon, helped to
estroy the Spanish fleet at Santiago,
nd was advanced six numbers in rank
Or his distinguished services. At the
ge Of 50 he again was advanced in
ank. seven numbers, and promoted TO
EAR admiral.
Admiral Clark rounded out his career
$ commander Of the League island
avy ward; as governor for three years
the Naval home at Philadelphia: and
! president of the naval examining
nd retiring board He was retired
-om the active service in 1905, on his
I'd birthday.