The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-07-07
WHO SANK SPANS SHIPS 7
REVOLUTIONS IN CONGRESS TENDER
INC THANKS TO sCHLEK.

WASHINGTON. July Elm the Senate this
morning quite q breeze sprang up in conneo-
tion with a Joint resolution offered by Mr.. Pet
tigrew ISL. Rep. 8. d. rendering the thanks OF
Congress and OF the American people 10 Com
modore Winfield 8. schley and to the officers
and men Of the squadron under his command
for highly distinguished conduct in conflict
with the enemy. resulting IN the destruction Of
the Spanish feet of the harbor Of Santiago on
July 8. and providing for Sohley's promotion to
the rank Of Rear Admiral
There we're some pretty severe reflections
made by Senator Pettigrew and others upon
Admiral Sampson. and some defence OF him
was made by Senator Hale and others.
Mr.. Stewart Pop. Nev.l said that Admiral
SIMPSONS despatch was very unfortunate
In not mentioning the fact that Commodore
6chley had taken q conspicuous part In the
engagement. That had misled the American
people and had created q very unpleasant i'm
preston. No one needed q statemen Of the ex-
oct facts more than Admiral Sampson. be-
cause his reputation was very much damaged
by the faots now before tho public.
Mr.. Hale rep, Mel said that Admiral Samp-
sons detailed report had not been received. and
he had no doubt that. with that calmness and
elaboration which characterized him, he would
give full credit TO all the officers and men en-
titled to It, He thought that when the full re-
port was received the little agitation displayed
on the subject would disappear. There was. he
added, credit enough and glory enough 10 allow
everybody to be cared for.
Mr.. Allen confessed TO feeling o prejudice
against Sampson on account Of the newspaper
puf1ng that had been given to him.
The resolution was referred to the Committee
on Naval Affairs. A similar resolution was In
troduced in the House.
The President and the Navy Department will
be very much embarrassed II the resolutions
are adopted. There Is no disposition
In official circles to detract an iota
from the credit that Commodore Schley
should receive. but naval officers. not
merelythose In high positions, but officers gen.
orally. depreoate the attempt being made to
injure the personal and professional reputation
Of Admiral Sampson. It is noteworthy that the
Administration has thorough confidence In the
ability ofthe Commander-in-Chief Of the North
Atlantic feet.
When Admiral Sicard. an officer OF the highest
standing, was through broken health compelled
to relinquish the mman Of the fleet now
in Cuban waters Just before the beginning
Of the war. the President, Secretary Long.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, and the
principal naval authorities canvassed the
claims OF all officers available as his sue
cessor. The choice finally narrowed down
to Rear ADMIRAL then COMMODORE Bunce
and Acting Rear Admiral then Captain) Samp-
son. Bunce was known as q dashing. level
headed man, who had by his ability and fitness
for the place been selected to IN the
North Atlantic squadron Of evolution while he
was junior Commodore. When Sicard was re-
lieved. Bunce was the Commandant of the
Brooklyn Navy Yard. Thirty-fve vessels
were being hurriedly fitted for service. and
Bunce showed marked ability in expediting
the work OF preparation. The administrator
came to the conclusion that his detachment
from the most important naval station in the
United States would seriously embarrass the
efforts Of the Government to he ready for hos
~tilities, and, although there was a feeling that
no opportunity was given him to add to his
splendid record. 1t was determined that the
best interests Of the service demanded that so
excellent an executive officer as Bunce should
not be taken from the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Then Sampson was placed in Of the
war feet. His record was all that could be de-
sired. He had accomplished thoroughly and
well everything that he had undertaken in his
naval career. His valuable services as Chief
OF Ordnance had brought the navy up to
its present high standard in armor and
armament. Altogether. with knowledge of
his ability as an executive officer, his
observation-disclosures. his thoroughnoss. and
his mastery of detail In the handling OF
ships. made the President and Secretary Long
confident that they made no mistake in placing
him at the head Of our fighting ships in the
Atlantic. The Administration has not changed
that opinion. Officers Of good judgment
} and. in fact. the rank and file OF
the service. apparently share it. They
cannot understand the meaning OF attempt,
to belittle Sampson. Every disposition is mani,
tested to do justice to the claims of Commodore
Schley and all the commanding officers of yes.
r sells that participated in the rout OF the enemy's
ships. It will be necessary. however, to wait
for SIMPSONS detailed report OF the engage.
, nent before the rewards to be conferred shal
be determined.
= The main criticism OF Sampson Is that he
, did not mention Schley's name In his message
' informing the Navy Department Of the great
victory. He said that the feet under my
command won It. Naval officers who claim
: to be unprecedented say this was a prope,
!. wording and point out that had Cerveri
= escaped through the fault OF the American
ships, Sampson. as commander-in-chief OF tn
= American feet. would have been held to &C
: count. 1t is regarded as certain that Samp
y sons detailed report will contain due mention
and praise OF Schley's good work.
. Frank admission Is made that the Govern
= ment will be embarrassed II 6chley Is advanced
" over Sampson, and by seniority become com
~ m~ander-in-chief OF the fleet. The trust felt IL
:, Sampson lie perfect, He has made all the plan
under which the navy has carried out its polio
- In the Atlantic. and everything goes to shoy
that he knows how to handle ships and mer
This ia the view taken by officers on duty a
the Navy Department.
1t can be said on Trustworthy authority tina
no change in the IN Of the feet will b
IN made. There will hardly be any rewards be
slowed on the officers who participated In tn
t destruction of Cervera's ships at this session {
10 Congress. The President will not make an
I'd recommendations for bestowing the thanks
It. Congress. and will not nominate any officers ic
"a advancement for their share In the victory unit
at Simpsons report is received. As Congress
n. will probably adjourn this week and the Tt
Of port will come by mail. the matter will 60 ovt
W until next session. leaving Sampson. Schle
q and commanders Of vessels In the relative pc
Id L aitinna fhRY now hold