The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-10-31
Relates a Graphic Story of The Great
Naval Engagement
COURT EO0M PACKED With PEOPLE
A Thrilling Account BY the Admiral
That is straightforward and to the
Point-Much Interest.

Washington, D. c., Special.-The
Schley court of inquiry adjourned Fri
day ct $40 p. m. This adjournment, %
minutes in advance OF the usual time,
was due to the fact, that the admirals
throat had become somewhat sensitive
as a result Of his continuous talking.
He had made complaint to the court OF
the condition of his throat immedl-
a:ely after concluding his recital Of
the story of the battle of Santiago, and
Admiral Dewey, who evidently himself
had noticed the difficulty, responded by
showing a willingness to adjourn the
court. Mr.. Rayner, however, expressed
q desire to proceed, saying that he had
number of questions which he wished
TO ask, and Admiral Schley aS5entod to
his counsel's suggestion. A quarter OF
an hour later Admiral Dewey hlmsef
renewed the suggestion for an ad-
iournment and all concerned agreeing
to this proposition, the court adjourned
until Monday at IL O'Clock.
Admiral Schley then took the stand
and resumed his story. With the
courts permission, he said ne would
90 back to Cienfuegos, in order that
his narrative might be clear. He said
he had not bombarded the eaTthworks
at Cienfuegos because he was convinc-
ed that such bombardment would te
unavailii :. Subsequent experience IN
the war. he thought, bore out this op.n-
ion. Admiral Schley was proceeding 10
saw that a dispatch, No. 10, cGncern ng
which Lieutenant March had testified
(the dispatch containing positive in
formation that the Spanish feet was in
Santiago), was not received by him
until June 10, when the judge advocate
objected to the witness making an ar
gument. Mr.. Rayner contended that
Admiral Schley was not giving opin-
ion; that he was simply testl1y!ng 10
facts within his knowledge.
Admiral Dewey announced the
courts decision as follows:
The court thinks it is em!nently
proper for the witness to make tho
statement that the dispatch was dated
May q and not received until June ~
then drop it, just give the facts TO
this Admiral Schley responded that
this was all that he had IN
tended to do. Thirteen days had el2ps-
ed before he received the dispatch.
Proceeding Admiral Schley testified
that he believed Captain Cotton s
statement regarding the offer of Lieu
tenant Field to go ashore at santiago
to learn positively whether the Span
ish fleet was in Santiago was some
what faulty, and he detailed some facts
relating to Fields offer. which fixed MS
own impression Of it in his mind. On
Monday 81, after the bombardment of
the Colon and after Captain Gotten
had gone for Mole st. Nicholas with
report to the Department upon tn
subject, Admiral Schley testified that
he sent NuneZ, the pilot. westward 70
communicate with the insurgents.
Nunez landed near AscrederoS, 10 or
16 miles west of Santiago and Joining
some Of the Cuban insurgents went
into the interior. He returned June l
or 2, with detailed information OF the
location Of the Spanish ships in the
harbor. Il sent him." added Admiral
Schley, ITO the commander-in-chief
with that information"
Once on board he had, he said. en-
gagged in a conversation with Captain
(now AdmiraD Higginson. 81 was not
excited" he went on, nor nervous.
for need not have undertaken the re-
connoissance II had not desired to do
so. had some regard for those stand
ing on the turrets, thinking they were