The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1899-01-14
POETRY AND
PATRIOTISM
Congressman Berry Praises
Commodore Schley'S
Ability.
THE HERO OF SANTIAGO
Kentucky Statesman Thus Re-
ferred to Him and Sang His
Praises in Rhyme.
A REMARKABLE HAPPENING
Debate on the Navy Personnel Bill
Brings Out Warm Speeches No
More Prize Money for Sailors.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 1.-The house to-
day entered upon consideration Of the
naval personnel bill. II developed much
less opposition than was anticipated. and
indications are that It will have large
majority when It IS placed upon its pass
age tomorrow. The last vestige OF op-
position 10 the measure from line officers
Of the navy was removed today when an
amendment was adopted designed TO pro-
hiblt stan officers upon whom the bill
cOnfers a positive rank from exercising
command. save in their corps. The com
mittee also asserted IT'S purpose 10 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 today were
filed with glowing illusions TO the glor-
les Of our naval victories IN the late war,
and Berry. Of Kentucky. created a great
deal OF enthusiasm by his eulogy of
Sehley as the hero Of Santiago.
Mr.. Berry warmly supported the bill
In course OF his remarks. Berry made
the first allusion on the floor Of the house
TO the mooted question as 10 who was re-
sponsible for the victory over Cervera's
fleet at Santiago.
81 believe the bill will remove the con-
filct." he said. "and, IL there is any coun-
try where there Is necessity for the re-
moval Of conflict in the army or navy,
it Is the United States. Qaughter.) 1
think We have a magnificent phase of
the conflict in the army service of the
United States presented in the papers this
morning, and whether It will end In a
deul or not do not know. but Il seems
that there Is a very considerable amount
OF friction in the army of the United
States. There was some conflict among
the officers in the navy in the greatest
battle in the war. the greatest battle OF
modern times. because II demonstrated
the character OF the men and vessels that
were engaged in It. and there Is no doubt
in the minds OF the American people who
is entitled to the credit OF that victory.
But there are people who are trying to
steal away from Schley the credit for
the glorious triumph he won on the third
day Of July. 1898"
In this connection Berry read the fol-
lowing poem. amid whlrlwind OF laugh
ter and applause:
when the Spanish fleet. with full head
way,
Dashed out OF Santiago bay,
Taking the chances of death and wreck,
Who stood on a Yankee quarterback
And marked the game with eagle eye
Say was II Sampson, or was 1t SchieyT
"who was it. when shot and screaming
shell
Turned Sabbath calm into echolng hell.
Steamed into the thickest OF the fray,
His good ship leading all the way,
While the roar of his guns shook earth
Say was il Sampson, or was 1t sshley?
| or those who claim part in that glorious
Whose name stood out on that proud day,
| As the hero Of Santiago bay?
In letters of gold, write that name on
Shall We write it Sampson, or write it
Schley?'
'I saw It should be written Schley."
continued Berry. II then say that there
should be provision OF law that, wheth-
er it goes to Schley or Sampson, prize
money should be paid to the men who
have won that glorious achievement but
that the provision for prize money ought
to be wiped off the statute books. l say
the men who made that magnificent
charge at ran Juan hill, in all the as
poets of this case, are as much entitled
to take Santiago as reward for their
services as tAe men who sunk Cervera's S
ships"