GEORGE DEWEY 159 New York where he was greeted by vast crowds desirous of paying homage to the hero of Manila. Commodore Dewey, a man scarcely known to the general public in April, 1898, returned home a little over a year later to find the name of Admiral Dewey on the lips of all. One of the honors conferred by the government was the creation of a special rank to which he was appointed by the President. He was made an admiral of the navy who should not be placed on the retired list except by his own application ; this ofSce to oease to exist when it should be vacated by death or otherwise. John Barrett, special war correspondent with Admiral Dewey at Manila, says that if he were asked what had been the effect on the admiral of his great victory and succeeding fame, he would say that in the realization of the deep, all-prevalent love of the American people for him, he has become gentler in spirit. Since the war Admiral Dewey has been actively engaged in the work of the navy. For some years he has been President of the General Board, which prepares war plans, recommends the types of armaments of ships for the annual building pro- gram, and acts as a clearing-house for all questions of naval poHcy. After his return from the East, Admiral Dewey married Mrs. Mildred Hazen, who had been a friend during the years of his residence in Washington. Interested from his boyhood in army and navy affairs, we can trace his natural development into a distinguished ad- miral. Many things seem to have gone directly towards mak- ing him the illustrious hero of Manila, among which are his early knowledge of the Spanish language and his study of the situation in the East, especially in the Philippine Islands. His training in the Civil War under such men as Captain Melanc- thon Smith and Admiral Farragut taught him calm prepara- tion before war and quick, decisive action in battle. Inval- uable are the plans and advice which a man of such experience can give and the people of the United States should consider themselves most fortunate in having Admiral Dewey as Pres- ident of their General Naval Board.
