The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-25
sCHLEY's LETTER, LONGS REPLY.


WASHINGTON. July 24.-When Secretary
Long to-day received Rear Admiral Schley's
letter ne Immediately decided to comply
with the request. The secretary took
this action without consultation with any
one and without communicating the re-
quest 10 the President He then called into
his office Rear Admiral Crowninshield and
Captain Cowles, chief and assistant chief.
respectively. of the Bureau of Navigation,
and also Judge Advocate General Lemly,
who has charge of the formalities OF naval
courts He also sent for Admiral Dewey.
Although Rear Admiral Schley did not ask
specifically for court of inquiry. but left
the action to be taken 10 the judgment of
the department. the secretary decided that
such a court would be the best means of
making the investigation which the rear
admiral had requested and the three off,
GERS were called in for the purpose of dis
cussing the mode OF procedure in such
cases. After his conference with Admiral
Dewey. the secretary said he had not had
time 10 decide on the composition of the
court but In response 10 a question as 10
whether Admiral Dewey would serve upon
secretary said: Admiral Dewey will do
his duty"
been given on this point IL Is assumed about
the Navy Department that Admiral Dewey
Will be president OF the court There also Is
an Impression that the two other men,
bers OF the court will be retired naval off,
GERS. or at least officers who had no con-
nection with the Santiago campaign. The
selection OF retired officers would have a
double advantage. Not only would they be
free from any prejudice growing out Of
their active connection with the depart
ment. but they would have no fear Of
future consequences arising from their
course while members of the board The
order Will be issued tomorrow.
AnNfIRAT SEIIT E,VsS I r,rrrLD
Admiral Schley's letter follows:
Great Neck. Long Island ~ Y, July %
Sir-Within the past few days a series OF
press comments have been sent TO me from
various parts OF the country of a book en-
titled The History Of the Navy written
by one Edgar stanton Maclay. From these
reviews II appears that this edition is a
third volume OF the said history extended
10 include the late war with Spain which
the two nrst volumes did not contain and
were in use as textbooks at the Naval
Academy.
"Second-Fr0m excerpts quoted IN soma
reviews. In which the page and paragranh
are given, there Is such pervers.on OF facts.
miscOnstruction or Intention such fnteu-
perate abuse ana defamation OF myself.
which subjects Mr.. Maclay 70 action i'm
civil law. While ] admit the right of fair
criticism OF every public officer / must prn-
test against the low fings and abusive
language OF this violent. partisan oppo-
nent who has infused into the pagfs ~ his
book so much Of the malice II unfafrness
as 10 make IL unworthy the name ~ his
tory OF OF use IA any reputable institution
OF the country.
s',rhird-I have refrained heretofore from
al comment upon the inuucndoes or enc
mics muttered or murmured in secret ard
therefore. with safety 10 themselves 1
q Ink the time has now come 10 take such
acton as may bring this entire matter IN