The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-11-26
Secretary Longs Report.


New light is shed upon the Sampson
Schley episode by the detailed story
of the navy's work in the war narrat-
ed in Secretary Longs report, which
is literally summarized elsewhere.
From official documents there pre-
scented it appears not only that Schley
did not locate Cervera's squadron as
was at one time supposed by the pub
lie but also that after he had received
explicit orders to remain in blockade
outside Santiago harbor he started to
return to Key West and but for the
energetic steps of Admiral Sampson,
who appeared on the scene and took
command in person. CerNcra probably
would have escaped and the war with
Spain would have been prolonged in
definitely.
The reference in the report to the sur
illness of General Shafter at Santiago
in refusing Admiral SIMPSONS request
for representation during the ncgotia-
tiona for Santiago'8 surrender is made
in the form of statement of fact
without comment; but it is evidently
Il raw HIbl tHl'i!C l''N'l ul'li' II ''-
serves to be said in behalf of Shafter,
however. that all the testimony as to
his conduct after the landing Of his
forces at Daiquiri tends to support the
theory of both physical and mental ir-
responsibility. His insult of Sampson
was simply on a paIwith his treatment
Of everybody else with whom he came
in contact and it is charitable To- take
the view that his condition at this
period was not normal.
In H." light of Secretary Longs re-
port, with its corrobOrating official dis
patChpsi it is obvious that public opin-
ior has done gross injustice to Ad-
miraI Sampson, and as one Of the Of
Tenders in this respect The Tribune Of
fers apology without reserve. The SEN
sitiveness of public opinion over an
imagined slight of Schley,though crul-
~ unjust to Sampson. was prompted
by a pride in naval prestige and by
spirit Of what was believed to be fair
play which even Admiral Sampson
himself must appreciate though for
time forced to suffer by reason thereof.
The secretary's recommendation that
congress revive the grades of admiral
and vice admiral obviously has in view
the promotion of Dewey to the first
place and Sampson to the second. Pop
ular acquiesccnCe in such a reward for
Sampson would be no more than justice
to this painstaling and efficient officer
who. though misjudged for Il time, will
evidently not suffer longer from popu-
lar misconceptions.
The plea Of the secretary Of the
navy for an increased number of mod
ern battleships and fast cruisers will
meet with a ready response from con-
Crcss: but what congress needs to do
first of all is To give its cordial as
sent to the well-considered legislation
which the navy department proposes
for the equalization Of rewards and
promotions and the reorganization of
the personnel of the naval service.
From the day when the first Yankee
shin nut to sea unit, the present the
manhood of the American navy Wheth-
or in peace or war, has heen one Of
the brightest jewels in our national
diadcm: yet today tho brave men who
by their Valor, chivalry and practical
genius have conferred impcrishable
glory upor American history are stag
gcring along under an antiquated set
Of laws, are i'll rewarded and poorly
paid and in numbers are insufficient
for the work which they are required
to do. The time has come when this
condition Of affairs must be remedied.
\ grateful and generous people will
not longer tolerate the niggardly and
unnecessary cramping and cheat
ing of the best and bravest sailors
and fighters that ever trod ship-deck.
1t is well to romembec that but for
Democratic thimble-rigElng in coun-
ellis the asphaltcd streets could have
been repaired ere snow fell.