MORYAK by LEE MANDEL

Author:LEE MANDEL [MANDEL, LEE]
Language: rus
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-17-826704-6-9
Publisher: Glagoslav Publications

18

The White House

Washington, D.C.

December 1903

In December 1903, Lieutenant Commander William Sims met with President Roosevelt at the White House. A favorite of the energetic president, Sims had become a frequent guest, for Roosevelt truly enjoyed his company and valued his advice. Roosevelt recognized him as a kindred spirit and had been surreptitiously grooming him to become his naval aide. Toward the end of their meeting, Roosevelt decided to share a dilemma with Sims and ask for his counsel.

“You know, Commander, I’ve got a bit of a situation brewing at the Secretariat’s office. Secretary of the Navy William Moody has tendered his resignation to me. It is to become effective this coming summer.”

“I didn’t know he was considering leaving, Mr. President,” replied Sims. "He’s a very decent man, and I shall miss him. I dare say that many in the navy will feel the same way once he leaves. Do you have a replacement in mind, sir?”

“Well, William, that’s part of my dilemma. The man that I’m considering has an excellent business and administrative background. In fact, he is a former secretary of agriculture under President Grover Cleveland. I believe Paul Morton can do a solid, efficient job, and he’s expressed his interest in the position to me. My only hesitation is that he is a businessman and an administrator, not a military man. And therein lies the problem. If I appoint him, I would like to appoint a naval aide to him to be his right-hand man, to be his resource on the ways of the navy, if you know what I mean. I wonder where I can find such a man?” he asked playfully as he grinned at the naval officer.

“Please sir,” protested Sims, “this job is one that I’d just as soon avoid. There is much to do in the fleet and — ”

“Relax, Commander,” exclaimed the president as he burst out into laughter. “I’ve got bigger plans for you, William, believe me. You are way too valuable to me in your current position as savior of my beloved United States Navy. I think you’ll agree that a naval aide will be necessary for Morton to be effective. I want to ask you if you have any suggestions about whom to assign the job. On matters such as these, I trust your judgment explicitly!”

Sims sighed with relief as he watched the president remove his pince-nez glasses and wipe them with his handkerchief. He immediately replied, “In fact, I have an officer who would be perfect for the job. He is very intelligent, squared-away, and a fine leader. I may have mentioned him to you in the past.”

“Pray tell, William, who is this man? My God, it didn’t take you much thought to come up with a name. He must be outstanding.”

“His name is Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephen Morrison, and he’s currently aboard the battleship Indiana. He was the gunnery officer that trained and led the gun crews at that famous competition earlier in the year.”

“Ah, yes, I do remember this lad.

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