Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1901-12-16
CONGRESS- and SCHLBY
inclination to Refrain From Further
Action In Controversy.
HOAR AGREES WITH DEWEY.
Resolution For Congregational In
curry Would Probably Die In Na-
val Affairs COmmittee-Mary-
land senator to Act.

Washington, Dec. 16.-Sentiment In
congress, and especially in the senate.
now seems to be that no further action
should be taken In the -Schley
controversy. Members in both branch
es divide on the old lines, some favor
ing one commander and some the
other.
Those who are prepared to express
an opinion believe the matter should
now be dropped without congression-
al investigation. ThA reasons given
for this view are that oaatinued agta-
ton brings discredit upon the Ameri-
can navy and reflects upon the Ameri-
can nation abroad; that any number Of
additional inquiries will not change
public sentiment; that much important
legislation awaits the consideration Of
congress, and no time could well he
given to all investigation; that it will
be better for Schley and in the interest
of discipline to take no further steps,
and that the Interference of congress
would belittle all future courts Of in
curry.
1t is considered unlikely in view of
the present sentiment that any resolu-
ton providing for congressional in
quiry could secure passage. 1t would
in all probability be smothered in the
naval affairs committees, to which
such resolutions would be referred fol-
report.
Accepts Dewey's Judgment.
The opinion of the more conservative
members of congress was expressed by
Senator HOar, who said he was content
to abide by the opinion of Admiral
Dewey because of his superior facili
ties for reaching correct conclusion.
Senator Mason took similar position.
adding that the opinion Of the admiral
Of the navy would be accepted as the
verdict of the court regardless of the
conclusion Of the other members.
Senator Foraker was more emphatic
than these. He said: THE Schley yer.
dict was disgraceful and shameful.
cannot see how the majority of the
court could have arrived at such ver-
dict. l have read every word Of the
testimony given before the court, and
there is nothing which justifies such Il
censure of Schley. If the adminstra-
ton is anxious to drop the controversy
good beginning could be made by
dropping Maclay. Admiral Dewey's
verdict is the one that accept"
The friends of Admiral Schley have
held no general consultation and have
not determined on any line of action.
They desire to ascertain the feeling in
both branches of congress before de
Gliding what is best to be done. Senator
McComas will learn the views of his
colleagues before instituting any action
looking to an investigation, ii he does
so at all
Will Ask For Investigation.
Representative Pearre of Maryland
will offer joint resolution in the
house Tuesday providing for an inves
tigation of the whole Sampson Schley
controversy and the navy departments
share in it, This will be referred to the
committee on naval affairs and may or
may not be reported. Any step looking
to an investigation of the navy depart
ment will be antagonized by friends Of
the administration. who will not per-
! nit scandal to develop thus early In
the term of President Roosevelt.
Representative Pearre is not satisfied
with the findings OF the Schley court.
These findings, he says, accused Admit
raj Schley of cowardice by innuendo
rather than direct attack. He thinks
the court should have come out openly
and made this charge. He believes the
views of Admiral Dewey reflect the
opinions of the great mass Of people.
Senator Hale, CHAIRMAN of the senate
naval affairs committee, will not dis
cuss the findings of the court, but
frankly says he sees no necessity for
any further action. He is opposed to a
! congressional investigation and thinks
it would only bring courts of inquiry
| into disrepute and bclittle the whole
controversy.
Rear Admiral Sampson has been in
! formed of the verdict Of the Schley
, court of inquiry. To a reporter who
called at his house the following state
ment was made for the rear admiral:
| y have been informed of the verdict
l have absolutely nothing to say to thu
!; press on the subject"
admiral Sampson Is reported to be in
fairly good health. w