The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-01-14
NAVAL PERSONNEL BILL.
Mr.. Bcrry's Poetical Tribate to Admiral
Schlcy.


Washington, Jan 13-The House to-
day entered upon the consideration of
the Naval Personnel Bill. 1t developed
much less opposition than was anticipat-
ed. and the indications are that it will
have Il large majority when it is placed
upon It's passage tomorrow.
The last vestige of opposition to the
measure from the line officers of the
navy was removed to-day when an
amendment was adOnted designed to pro-
hibit staff officers upon whom the bill
confcrs positive rank from exercising
command save in Their own corps. The
committee also asserted their purpose to
offer an amendment tomorrow to repeal
the law giving prize money to the navy,
and this announcement met with warm
approval. The speeches on the bill to-
day were filled with glowing illusions to
the gl0ries of our naval victories in the
late war, and Mr. Berry. of Kentucky.
created n great deal of enthusiasm by his
eulogy Of Schley as the hero of Santiago.
In the course of his remarks Mr.. Berry
made the first allusiOn on the floor of
the House to the mooted question as to
who was responsible for the victory over
Cerveras fleet at Santiago.
Il believe the bill will remove conflict.
and if there is any country where there
is a necessity for the removal of CON
flict in the army and the navy. it is the
United States. Uaughter) | think WE
had q magnificent phase of a conflict in
the armed service of the United States
in the papers this morning, and whether
it will end in Il duel or not. | do not
know. but It shows where there is very
considerable amount of friction N the
army of the United States. There was
some conflict then among the officers in
the navy in the greatest battle of the
war, the greatest battle of modern times.
because it demonstrates the characte of
the men and the vessels that were en-
gagged in it. and there is no doubt in the
mind of the American people who listen.
ed to the story as to whom the credit
of victory is due. But there are people
who are trying to steal away from Schey
the credit of the glorious triumph won on
the third of July, 1898"
In this connection Mr.. Berry read the
following poem amid whirwind of
laughter and applause:
when the Spanish fleet with full head
way,
Dashed headlong out of Santiago Bay,
Taxing the chances of death and,wreck
Who stood on Il Yankee quarterback,
And marked the game with eagle eye;
Say, was it Sampson, or was it Schley?
daughter and Applause.)
Who was it. when shot and screaming
shell,
Turned Sabbath calm into echoing hell?
Steamed into the th.ckets of the fray;
His good ship leading all the way;
While the roar of his guns shook earth
and sky,
Say, was it Sampson, or was it Schley!
daughter and Applause.)
In American hearts, who holds first
place
OF those who claim part in that glori-
Gus chase?
Whose name stood out on that proud day,
AS the hero of Santiago Bay?
In letters of gold, write that name on
high;
Shall we write it Sampson or write it
Schley?"
daughter and Applause.)
Il say it should be written Schley,'
added Mr. Berry.
The bill was supported by Messrs. |
Foss Republican, Illinois,; Dayton,
Rep.. w. Va9; Berry, Wem.. KY;
briggs. Dem, \. W; and Ditsmorc,
Dem, Ark. and opposed by Messrs
Lowe. On. ", and Simpson pop,
Kansas.)
At ) p. m the House adjourned.
The color of truth depends upon the
eyes looking at it.