ADMIRAL DEWEY 



PUBLISHED IN "McCLURE'S MAGAZINE," OCTOBER, 1899 



A DMIRAL DEWEY has done more than add a 

 1* glorious page to our history; more even than 

 do a deed the memory of which will always be an 

 inspiration to his countrymen, and especially his 

 countrymen of his own profession. He has also 

 taught us a lesson which should have profound prac 

 tical effects, if only we are willing to learn it aright. 

 In the first place, he partly grasped and partly 

 made his opportunity. Of course, in a certain sense, 

 no man can absolutely make an opportunity. There 

 were a number of admirals who, during the dozen 

 years preceding the Spanish War, were retired with 

 out the opportunity of ever coming where it was 

 possible to distinguish themselves; and it may be 

 that some of these lacked nothing but the chance. 

 Nevertheless, when the chance does come, only the 

 great man can see it instantly and use it aright. 

 In the second place, it must always be remembered 

 that the power of using the chance aright comes only 

 to the man who has faithfully and for long years 

 made ready himself and his weapons for the possi- 

 (156) 



