Munsey's Magazine, September 1914

# Naval Officers in the Public Eye

This Munsey's Magazine article by William Everett Hicks profiles prominent U.S. Navy officers, establishing that naval commanders serve both martial and diplomatic functions. The feature includes biographical sketches and portraits of several rear-admirals and captains.

Rear-Admiral Henry T. Mayo, whose demand for an apology at Vera Cruz precipitated the Mexican crisis, comes from Vermont and served during the Spanish-American War. Rear-Admiral Charles J. Badger, Atlantic Fleet commander-in-chief, participated in the 1884 Greely Arctic relief expedition. Rear-Admiral Thomas B. Howard, commanding the Pacific Fleet, served in Manila Bay with Admiral Dewey in 1898 and subsequent Philippine operations. Rear-Admiral Frank F. Fletcher, born in Iowa, commanded shore operations at Vera Cruz.

Additional officers profiled include Rear-Admiral Frank E. Beatty, ordnance expert; Rear-Admiral William H. H. Southerland, who rose from naval apprentice; Naval Constructor R. M. Watt, chief of construction; Captain Albert Gleaves, naval historian and commandant of New York Navy Yard; Captain John J. Knapp of the Connecticut; and Captain Albert P. Niblack, commanding the Michigan, who saw extensive action in Cuba, the Philippines, and China. Other captains featured include Hugh Rodman (Panama Canal superintendent) and Augustus F. Fechteler.