Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 80, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 January 1911 — ADMIRAL BARRY IS PUT IN BAD LIGHT [ARTICLE]

ADMIRAL BARRY IS PUT IN BAD LIGHT

b Relieved ot Comnd ol the Pacific Fleet Rear Admiral Thomas, commander of the second squadron of the Pacific fleet, arrived here on his flagship California, after a hurried trip from Santa Barban. Admiral Thomas at once relieved Rear Admiral Edward B. Barry as commander of the Pacific fleet in pursuance of orders received from the navy department Admiral Barry has requested immediate retirement from the service under the rule of more than forty years of service. The cause of Admiral Barry's sudden desire to leave the service after having held the poet of fleet commander for only a few months Is the subject of a great deal of speculation and gossip in naval and club circles here Stories reflecting seriously upon the character of the tetiring admiral are be ng circulated widely and naval officers in port have taken cognizance of them. There is an intimation In these stories that the admiral has been forced to retire. » .

In speaking of these rumors Admiral Barry said: “It is not true that I have been forced to retire. Other men have asked for immediate retirement before. The reasons that have caused me to do this are partly public and partly private. The man who is triumphant ly vindicated under such circumstances is as much a loser as if the charges were proved to be true. Ibe Here that by requesting immediate retirement I can save the scandal In the navy.” The stories concerning Admiral Barry are of a nature reflecting upon his moral character. According to the reports published here the admiral sent his request for immediate relief to Washington following a conference with the staff and line officers on board the West Virginia At this conference, it is reported, the suggestion was made that a loaded revolver be sent to the admiral's cabin, but this suggestion was lost on a vote. The officers present then took an oath of secrecy on condition that Admiral Barry forward his resignation to Washington at once - Instead of resigning the admiral requested retirement. After that fact became known the subject matter of the conference leaked out until all the sailors of the fleet were talking.