Evening star., 1932-06-07

The death of Admiral William 8.
Benson, retired has brought forth
many tributes to his conspicuous place
in the fighting organization OF the
country during the World War. HS
personal worth and achievements both
in war and peace, receive notable recog-
niticn, and there is expression OF the
deep regret felt at the passing OF one
who served his country well.
The death of Admiral William
Shepherd Benson, whom all America
hcno-ed brings a sense OF peculiar loss
to Georgia, his native State asserts
the Atlanta Journal as 1t says OF hlm:
Born in Macon 76 years ago, OF a
family distinguished for its sterling
worth. he graduated from Annapolis.
and steered steadily forward from en-
sign to chief of his country's naval
operations in the World War. In that
high command. to which he was ap-
pointed by President Wilson. he did
work of inestimable value to the allied
cause and of lasting influence for the
efficiency of his own ccuntrys sea
forces. When he retired by operation
of law. in the Autumn of 1919" recalls
the Journal, he had been Al years in
active service. Nor was his usefulness
to the Republic then over. As chairman
OF the Shipping Board. he continued to
promote interests CT vital lmportanc .
both to commerce and to national de-
fense, and to the end OF his career was
source Of good counsel and rare IN
spiraticn Georgia numbered him
among her best loved and most chival-
ric sons" The Hartford Daily Times
declares that his death brings public
attention to the memory Of one who
had g splendid war record, and was
among the country's great executives
As to his work on the Shipping
Board, the Portland Oregon Journal
saws: He stayed with the problems OF
shipping until a merchant fleet was
built up. until the trade routes we're in
creased. until the efficiency of the fleet
was tremendously improved until the
cost to the public had been greatly di-
minished, until American vessels were
carrying percentage OF American
products higher than had been known
in a century. until the freight costs to
American shippers had been reduced
and until the shippers were assured
portation is needed" In fact continues
that paper this man of naval affairs
saw the need Of and fought for an
American merchant marine until the
victory was won" As the Houston
Chronicle puts it. Admiral Bensons
services to the Nation as chairman of
the United States Shipping Board after
the war were almost as notable as were
his activities while in the Navy proper.
Retaining his rank, he continued his
peace time work by helping America
develop its merchant marine, q labor
of love for one who wished to see his
countrys flag carried into every port Of
the seven seas"
Another form Of service rendered by
the admiral Is noted by the Nashville
Banner, which states: When the clos
ing days Of the war came, Admiral
Benson was called on to help draw up
the terms Of the armistice, and when
the American Peace Mission reached
affairs He was a splendid citizen.
aside from his excellent service in and
for the Navy, and his memory will
rightly be honored as long as the recol-
lection of the great struggle in which
he played so great part persists" The
Providence Evening Bulletin pays trib-
ute to his tact and understanding"
qualities which he displayed to perfec-
ton in the many diplomatic as well as
naval problems he had to tackle. The
Buffalo Evening News remarks: There
was no question that he was q very
capable man in his knowledge Of all
the technique Of naval matters neces-
sary to develop and direct an efficient
fleet"
In every charge committed to him
he Acquitted himself with distinction,
chiefly, perhaps, because he gave him.
self wholeheaytedly and devotedly to 1t,