The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-08-30
That Anti-Schley Inte' view
Not Authentic, He Says.
RETAINED ON COURT
That Body to Deal With the Ques-
ton of Howison's Competency.
ADMIRAL WATSON FOR SCHLEY
Will Secure COurt-MartiaI of Any
officer Accusing SantiagO's
Hero of COwardice.

Washington, Aug. S0.-Acting Secre-
tary Hackett has made public letter re-
ceived from Admiral Howison, dated
Yonkers. n. Y, Aug. "a, denying the
authenticity of the interview attributed
TO him in which he is made to comment
adversely on Admiral Schley.
The acting secretary has, therefore,
continued Admiral Howison as a member
of the Schley court of inquiry, leaving the
court itself to determine any further
question as to his competency.
Nothing has been heard by Acting Sec
retary Hackett from Captain Forsyth in
answer to the departments interrogatory
touching his reputed utterance in .rela-
tion to the Schley case. Mr.. Hackett's
attention has not yet been directed for
mally to the publication ascribing GER
tain expressions bearing on the Schley
case to Rear Admiral Watson, but when
the matter was referred to informally,
Mr.. Hackett intimated that it was not
one Of sufficient Importance to warrant
letter writing by the department.
copy Of Rear Admiral HowlsOn's let
ter has been sent to Rear Admiral Schley.
The letter which Admiral Howison con-
sented to have made public reads
Yonkers, y. Y, Aug "a, 19O1.-Dear Sir;
I have just returned to my home after
short visit to Saratoga and Lake George.
Owing to my detail member of the court
of inquiry, it being stated that publicly ex
/ find that many newspapers are giving me
credit for having served my country in the
United States navy for nearly half CEN
tury with honor l see also that | am thought
to be Objectionable as member Of this court
of inquiry, it being stated that l publicly
pressed opinions on the conduct of the battle
of Santiago while serving as commandant at
the Boston navy yard shortly after the re-
suit OF that engagement was known.
/ believe the service knows, as do, that
] do not attempt TO make public speeches,
write for magazines or papers, or make pub
lie utteranees on naval or other subjects. 1t
has been impossible for me to avoid the Wis
its and questions of representatives Of news
papers while serving at important stations
and at times when the navy has been go
bnsily employed During my two years sery-
ice at the Boston station, seldom a day passed
without receiving visits from the representa-
tives Of the several Boston papers, and dur
ing the Spanish American war the navy yard
there was seldom without newspaper re-
porters.
Compliments Reporters.
I found them to be polite and gentlemanly
at all times, and whatever information or
news / could reasonably impart l gave them.
l have often interpreted to a number of them
the laws and regulations for the navy by
attempting to answer their numerous ques-
tions relating to the duties and responsible
ties of the several grades of officers through
out a fleet of vessels, from the commander
in-chief to the lowest rate among the crew.
When the news Of our navy's success at
Manila, and again at Santiago, reached Bos-
ton the people there were not behind the
rest of the United States in giving honor and
praise to the navy and to the commanders
in-chief of the fleets. The enthusiasm of
the population in praise and honor for the
officers and men engaged at Santiago lasted
for some time, until later, when the troubles
commenced to where the credit and honors
should go for the success Of this engage
ment. 1t is no news to the navy to say that,
where all do their duties, the first honors
for success go to the officer in chief COM
mand. Censure for failure also belongs to
him.
This newspaper cutting in question con-
tains statement in which it is said that
made a comparison between Schley and
Sampson unfavorable to Schley. The word
respected /" as used by the reporter, is sell
dom or never employed by navy men in COM
pairing qualities possessed by officers, and
am sure / could never nave said this as
he reports nor said that Schley had the
reputation Of being nervous and hot-headed
in the naval academy. One may say an Of
fcer stands higher in his class if true; an
other may stand. higher in scientific attain
ments, while another be distinguished for
eminent diplomatic and social qualities
while all under discussion are of good stand
ing and proficiency in their necessary pro-
fessional calling.
I have no recollection of the gentleman
representing the Boston Record and 1 do
not approve Of his public statement as mine
1 cannot say that l have not discussed with
acquaintances matters published in the news
papers relating to our navy's success as well
as the unfortunate disputes so widely COM
mented on. There are few or no persons In
the navy or in our country who have not
daily discussed these newspaper articles.
Anxious to Help.
From the papers it appears that Admiral
TO fairly Judge this case with Admirals Dewey
and Benham. AS it is a case of grave i'm
portance to those concerned and to the eoun-
try, / am desirous of giving my little help
to clear away the troubles. The duties of
members of courts martial and courts of in
Quiry are not sought or desired by officers.
While l feel highly honored by the DEPART
ments selection of myself for this duty ii is
anything but pleasant task to sit in 1udg-
ment on brother officers. However, the honor