Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-07-07

introduced and secured the adoption of
resolution that the committee on ap-
preparations be directed to consider
and report whether any further secu-
rity is necessary for the protection of
the United States against fraud and
extravaganza in contracts, and especi-
ally such contracts as are necessary
for the prosecution of the existing war
The committee is directed to make 4
thorough investigation of the subject
of government contracts.
Frye, reported from the committee
on commerce a bill granting an Ameri-
can register to the steamer Titania
owned by John Rosenfield & Sons of
San francisco. The bill, which con-
tains a provision that the vessel shall
not engage in the coastwise trade was
passed.
Pettigrew offered the following reso-
luton rendering the thanks of Con-
gress to Commodore Schley for de-.
stroying Admiral Cervera's squadron
and asked that it be referred to the
committee on naval affairs:
Resolved, That the thanks Of Congress
and the American people are hereby ten
dered to Commodore Winfield s. Schley
of the United States naval forces oper-
ating against the Spanish forces in Gu
ban waters. for highly distinguished con-
duct in conflict with the enemy, aas as
played by him in the destruction of the
Spanish fleet off the harbor of Santiago,
Cuba, July B. 1885,
Section 2-That the thanks of Congress
and the American people are hereby ex-
tended through Commodore Schley to the
officers and men under his command for
the gallantry and skill exhibited by them
on that occasion.
Section 3-That the President of the
United States be requested to cause this
resolution to be communicated to Com
modore Schley and through him to the
officers and men under his command.
What does the senator propose to
do with the resolution" inquired Hale,
chairman of the naval affairs COM
m.ttee.
II want to have it referred to the
committee on naval affairs" replied
PetNgrew.
THAT is all right" said Hale. or
course it is impossible for us yet to
know what was the situation off San
tiago during the memorable naval con-
flict noted in the resolution. That
great credit is due to both officers anu
men of our fleet, there can be no doubt
At this time, however, no one can tell
to whom the credit of the victory be-
longs. The committee will take up the
subject with the navy department as
soon as official information is re-
ceived"
Commenting upon the resolution.
Pettigrew said the impression had been
conveyed to the public that mot Com
modore Schley, but another man." had
achieved the great naval victory. Il
KNOW" he declared, 1--WE shall he able
to remove that impression by absolute
proof to the contrary.
Stewart, thought Admiral Sampson
had been unfortunate in the wording
of his official announcement, of the
victory and in not giving inthat dis
patch the scredit due to Commodore
Schley. He thought 1t had been due
to Schley thak the credit be given him
by Sampson but he believed the latter
would yet Do justice to the commodore.
Hale expressed great confidence in
the character and ability of both Ad-
miral Sampson and Commodore Sch
ley, and said the conduct and achieve
ments sof Schley during the historic
battle had been most admirable. He
felt assured that the little agitation
concerning the best to credit was now
disturbing some minds, would disap.
pear n the fun light Of the facts