The times., 1899-11-24
schIey and His Orders

The only severe technical criticism that
can be offered in connection with the
Navigation Bureau scheme to elevate the
discredited Sampson by belittling and per
scouting the yictOrs of Manila and Santi-
ago, is that it is almost as open as it is
fragrant The principal parties to the plot
appear to have entirely lost their heads in
their vindictive desire TO strike venomous-
ly at Admiral Dewey and Rear Admiral
Schley, hoping that where so much mud
is thrown, some OF it will stick In
the interests Of justice il is doubtless we'll
that the plotters have been unable TO con-
ceal their objects and methods from the
public. In two very recent instances they
have placed themselves so contemptibly in
evidence that il is hard to see how they
could have performed a much more i'm
portant service TO the distinguished officers
they are seeking to humiliate and ruin.
For example, the perfectly amazing at
tack upon Admiral Dewey contained in a
late issue OF the United States Naval In
stitute," a periodical said 10 be under the
influence OF Admiral Crowninshield, is
suggestive that the persons back of the
Sampson conspiracy are not to be withheld
from the prosecution of their ulterior OBJ
ject, by considerations Of professional eth
les OF public decency. If the assault referred
TO does not afford sufficient proof of this. it
is only Necessary 10 remember how much Of
another sort Of abuse flung in the face Of a
great and deservedly honored American. is
easily traceable 10 related source
TIe-
envy, hatred, and malice in the case Of
Admiral Dewey, no one need be surprised
to witness equally nefarious Developments
in the persecution Of Rear Admiral Schley.
The sailing orders issued TO that gallant
commander on the occasion Of his starting
10 assume command OF the South Atlantic
station are in startling illustration of the
depths to which Secretary Long will allow
his subordinates to descend, in carrying
out an obnoxious design.
Ten days ago it was freely stated by Of
icials OF the Navy Department that as the
waters OF South Africa were included with
in the area OF the South Atlantic com
mand Rear Admiral Schley would be at
perfect liberty 10 visit Cape Town. Port
Elizabeth, Durham, and Delagoa Bay, if
he chose to do so. II was explained that
the discretion Of flag officer in such mat
ters, within the limits Of his station. had
never been interfered with, and that such
a precedent would not be established in
the case OF Rear Admiral Schley
But that was before the authorities and
public Of Cape Town, believing that schley
would avail himself of the opportunity TO
fly the flag Of his country In their neigh
hood, began preparations to give him a re-
cepton and greeting proper 10 extend 20
the conQueror Of Cevera's feet That fact.
coming to the ears of Long and Crownln-
. shield, it apparently produced an immedi-
ate determination on their part 10 ignore
custom and decorum, and al the risk Of
any reflections which their conduct would
justify, to prevent Sehley from receiving
/ honors abroad which could not fail to ere
ate a strong impression favorable to him
at home His sailing orders therefore con-
tain a proyiso that no vessel of his SQUAD
ron shall proceed TO South Africa with
out special instructions to that effect from
the Department
How far does Mr. Mckinley consider it
safe to tolerate this sort of thing? Does
be imagine that a Republican Con-
gress is composed altogether of men quite
lost 10 the sense OF justice or OF decency?
Does he fancy that the system OF "protec-
tion" must always be used to cover the
assaults of department and bureau favor
ties upon officers and gentlemen? Are we
10 have a repetition Of the Eagan business
with foul anchors on the straps by way Of