However, in the Navy Department we were able to do a good deal, thanks to the energy and ability of some of the bureau chiefs, and to the general good tone of the service.  I soon found my natural friends and allies in such men as Evans, Taylor, Sampson, Wainwright, Brownson, Schroeder, Bradford, Cowles, Cameron, Winslow, O’Neil, and others like them.  I used all the power there was in my office to aid these men in getting the material ready.  I also tried to gather from every source information as to who the best men were to occupy the fighting positions.

Sound naval opinion was overwhelmingly in favor of Dewey to command one squadron.  I was already watching him, for I had been struck by an incident in his past career.  It was at a time when there was threat of trouble with Chile.  Dewey was off the Argentine, and was told to get ready to move to the other coast of South America.  If the move became necessary, he would have to have coal, and yet if he did not make the move, the coal would not be needed.  In such a case a man afraid of responsibility always acts rigidly by the regulations and communicates with the Department at home to get authority for everything he does; and therefore he usually accomplishes nothing whatever, but is able to satisfy all individuals with red-tape minds by triumphantly pointing out his compliance with the regulations.  In a crisis, the man worth his salt is the man who meets the needs of the situation in whatever way is necessary.  Dewey purchased the coal and was ready to move at once if need arose.  The affair blew over; the need to move did not occur; and for some time there seemed to be a chance that Dewey would get into trouble over having purchased the coal, for our people are like almost all other peoples in requiring responsible officers under such conditions to decide at their own personal peril, no matter which course they follow.  However, the people higher up ultimately stood by Dewey.

The incident made me feel that here was a man who could be relied upon to prepare in advance, and to act promptly, fearlessly, and on his own responsibility when the emergency arose.  Accordingly I did my best to get him put in command of the Asiatic fleet, the fleet where it was most essential to have a man who would act without referring things back to the home authorities.  An officer senior to him, of the respectable commonplace type, was being pushed by certain politicians who I knew had influence with the Navy Department and with the President.  I would have preferred to see Dewey get the appointment without appealing to any politician at all.  But while this was my preference, the essential thing was to get him the appointment.  For a naval officer to bring pressure to get himself a soft and easy place is unpardonable; but a large leniency should be observed toward the man who uses influence only to get himself a place in the picture near the flashing of the guns.  There was a Senator, Proctor of Vermont, who I knew was close to McKinley, and who was very ardent for the war, and desirous to have it fought in the most efficient fashion.  I suggested to Dewey that he should enlist the services of Senator Proctor, which was accordingly done.  In a fortunate hour for the Nation, Dewey was given command of the Asiatic squadron.