The age-herald., 1898-05-17
COMMODORE SCHLEY
 OF MARYLAND

Fortress Monroe, Va, May 16.-Great things may be expected of Commodore Schley's fleet if fortune allows the flying squadron" to take a real fighting part in the war. It has never been stated in print that Commodore Schley Is the most demo- cratic man in the navy of the United States. And democratic is the commodore in the real sense of the term.
 It is a fact that in both the army and navy the lines of caste are drawn as se- verely as they are among the people of India It is seldom that first lieutenant, for instance, will be seen in the social com pany of a major, while the captain of a cruiser never has word to say to his engineer or marine except on matters of strict business.
 With Commodore Schley not one of even the lowest men on his ship suffers an in- jury without his knowing about it. No man, be he ever so humble, is debarred from addressing the chief officer on any matter he chooses, let it be of official busi- ness or private concern. The commodore keeps himself posted as to the birthdays of his most obscure and makes 1t his pleas ure to shake his hand and wish him con- gratulations with just as much interest as if the marine were the captain of the vessel.
 This has the effect of making Commodore Schley the most beloved of all naval off, cers, whose men would lay down their lives for his glory. It also has another decided beneficial effect, for every man does his duty with an earnestness that requires no taskmaster. The men feel their labors are appreciated, so that when the commodore makes the round of his ships-which he does personally at frequent intervals-there is never gun, rifle or a bucket missing from the spot 1t should fill.
 Commodore Winfield Scott Schley, com mander of the flying squadron, comes of good stock. His forbears left the Rhenish Palatinate, the "Rheinpfiaz" of song and story, to come to this country early in the last century.
 The Palatinate has furnished to American history many of its brightest names. It's people took a prominent part in settling the Mohawk Valley, where the town of General Herkimer, the hero of Oriskany in the revolutionary war, was of Palatinate stock Later the same stock helped to found Marietta, O., after which gunboat in the navy is named.
 Thomas Schley the founder of the Schleys of Western Maryland, U. s. A., came from the Palatinate away. back in 1712. He settled upon Maryland as the place to begin operations. This was in 1745, when he was 33 years of age. He made his permanet home at Frederick City. Indeed, his was the very first house built there, and the Schleys are part and parcel of the very foundation of historic Frederick City.
 In 1790 Thomas Schley died. He left to his son, Judge Jacob Schley. a noble heri- tage for Thomas Schley was respected for his extensive learning. admired for his polished patriotism and pride in his adopt ed home. He was successful and left @ comfortable fortune.
 This son, George Jacob had a son who was chrstened John, besides two other sons who served under Scott in 1872 John Schley was the grandfather of the present Commodore Schley, whose fathers name was John F. Schley, and who was himself named after the old commander under whom his granduncles saw service.