DECLINE PROMOTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1899, Page 6

DECLINE PROMOTION.

NAVAL MEN REFUSE TO BE ADVANCED OVE* COMRADES.

A Washington despatch of March 11 says:—Two things have occured recently which, in the opinion of Secretary Long-, are so creditable to the naval service that they deserve to be mentioned. One is the readiest of Admiral Higginson, which is contained, iv the following- leter: — WASHINGTON, March 10, 1898.— Sir: I respectfuly request to be allowed to resume my former number of tic naval list, after Rear-Admiral Kerapffi. While deeply grateful to the President and yourself for my nomination for work done oft" Santiago, I :do not regard my own services as so conspicuous as to warant my advancement while tie other commanding officers nominated at the same time as myself g;o unrewarded. They were a gallant band of naval officers, and certainly deserved well of their country, and if their services are to o-o unrecognised I desire to share the same fate.—Very respectfully, FRANCIS J. HIGGINSON, Rear-Admiral,. U.S.N. To Hon. John D. Long Secretary of the Navy. Admiral Higginson's name was on the long- list sent to the Senate by the President for advancement for services off Santiago. Probably by inadvertence Admiral Higginson's nomination was confirmed apart from the rest, which the Senate adjourned without confirming. Secretary Long- has addressed the following- letter to the Admiral: Will you let me express my high appreciation of your very handsome and considerate conduct in asking to resume your former number on the Navy list rather than to accept the 'advancement.-which places you above other officers, who, for their.gallantservices in the recent war, deserved recognition, but failed to receive it owing to the failure of the Senate to act xipon the recommendations sent in by the President. The spirit which you manifest is so admirable that I hasten to write you this letter. The other is the .case of Lieutenant Aaron Ward, who was recommended by the Board of Promotion for advancement. On learning of this he wrote to the department decliningpromotion, inasmuch as it gave him precedence over his classmate, Lieutenant Staunton, stating- that he did nst feel that the actions in which his vessel was engaged, were of so greatvalue as to justify him in availing himself of the opportunity. 'It is impossible,' said he, 'for me willingly to accept a promotion which deprives such an officer of a commission in the highest grade.' The recommendation made by the Board of Promotion in the case of Lieutenant Ward was not sent into the Senate, all the promotions recommended by that board having been held back to await the result of those which have been pending since the opening of the session and which the Senate adjourned without confirming. ...