The state herald., 1899-04-14
SAMPSON AND SCHLEY
THE PUBLIC OPINION OF THEM
It L. At Variance with That of Naval or
fcers-sAmpaon Is Very Retiring While
6oh,ey Goes Into Society.

1t is most extraordinary circum-
stance that nearly every newspaper in
the United States and the public gen.
orally have accepted Admiral Schley,
next to Admiral Dewey, us the great
est naval hero of the war, although the
ofhclals of the Navy Department and
the officers of the navy yard who
served with him are unanimously of II
different opinion. In the controversy
that has been going on in the Senate
and in official circles here Admiral
Schley has had the active assist
ance of n great many influential
society people and politicians general
ly, and las directed the campaign him
self from headquarters Mt the Metro
politan Club. He is what everybody
calls " a good fellow" n very attract
I've man. with a fascinating personali-
ty, and great favoritc ut teas, dinner
parties and receptions, especially with
the ladies'. He has pleasant word for
everybody, is full of compliments and
gracious cordiality, and wherever he
goes is followed by n retinue of admir-
ers. He has accepted every invitation
that has been offered him, has been
the honored guest at public banquets
and private dinners every day or two
since the war, and has placed himself
ON terms of friendship and confidence
with almost every man he has met.
Admiral Sampson is cold. reticent,
retiring scholar. He never goes to
club or n social gathering unless his
duty requires II. He cannot make n
speech, his manners are austere and
dignified. and he is as different in his
disposition and personality from Admi-
raj Schley as President Harrison was
from Secretary Blaine. Since the war
he has been in Washington but twice,
and then only on official business. He
saw no one but the President and the
secretary of the navy. did not go to
any of the climbs or the capitol and
has consistently declined all invitations
TO dinners. receptions and other public
entertainments. | believe he has ap-
reared in public only once on n festive
occasion since the battle of Santiago.
and that was at a dinner given In hon
or of the captains of his fleet by the
Colonial Club of New York. He las
declined hundred invitations to ! H.
lar Ianqucts. Since the war he was en-.
gagged for several months as n member
of the Evacuation Commission In Ha-
vana, and has continued in command
of the North Atlantic squadron, where
ms Admiral Schley has been on leave of
absence in Washington. and has been
Seen daily at the capitol, the club and
hotels, cultiyating senators. rcpresen-
tativcs, newspaper men and other peo-
pie of influence continually.
This illustrates the difference be-
tween the two men. and without going
into the merits of the controversy II Is
only fair to say that while Schley has
the public on his side Sampson has
the confidence and support of all his
professional associates. Captain Evans
of the Iowa. Captain Taylor of the In
diana, Captain Clark of the Oregon,
Commodore liigglnson of the Mlssa-
chusetts. Commodore Philip of the
Texas, Captain Chadwick of the New
York. Captain McCalln Of the Marble
head. Captain Sigshce Of the st. Paul,
Commander Wainwright of the Glou-
cester. Captain Ludlow of the Purl-
tan. Captain Goodrich Of the 81. Louis
Captain Folger Of the New Orleans,
| Captain Davis of the Dixie. and every
other commander OF every other ship
that composed the fleet OF the United
States In the West India waters during
the war sides with Sampson. with the
exception of Captain Cook, who com
mnndcd the Brooklyn. Admiral Schley's
flagship. lie has maintained mn entire
ly neutral position. Lieutenant Com
mnndcr Sears. Admiral Schlcy's flng
officer. who was member Of the ''mer
! II board that reviewed the operations
OF the fleet. also gives the credit OF the
victory 10 Sampson Instead of 10 his
own commander. II viii be admitted
that this is most extraordinary stu.
alton. and many Of the officers named.
who. 10y the etiquette of the navy are
prevented from taking part In the con
troversy, have urged the appointment
of court Of Inquiry IN order that they
might have the opportunity to testify
In Sampson's favor Admiral Schley
has not asked for one.-Chicngo Rec
ord.