No Etiquette Breached by Emperor

Secretary Moody received telegrams from newspaper editors and others, inquiring as to the reports that Emperor William’s inspection of the Kearsarge was considered a breach of Naval etiquette. It is long established custom for foreign officials to inspect battleships of friendly nations and is regarded as an honor.
Public domain image of the USS Kearsarge, 1899

No Breach of Etiquette

WASHINGTON, June 29.—Secretary Moody today received telegrams from newspaper editors and others, inquiring as to the published reports that Emperor William’s inspection of the Kearsarge was sharply criticized in the Navy department, and was considered a breach of Naval etiquette. In reply the secretary sent the following telegram:

“No criticism of the Emperor’s inspection of the Kearsarge has been uttered by any responsible person in this department as far as I can ascertain. I am informed, further, by Admiral Taylor, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, that the Emperor’s inspection is in no way subject to criticism, and can be considered in no light other than courteous attention on the Emperor’s part to us. It is long established custom for foreign officials to inspect battleships of friendly nations and is regarded as an honor. Signed, William H. Moody, Secretary of the Navy. - Los Angeles Herald, June, 1903

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