Evening star., 1901-08-15
MAY MEET AT NAVY YARD
SEEKING SUITABLE QUARTERS FOR
THE COURT OF INQUIRY.
Room at Navy Departmen Too Small
Schley to Meet Counsel Here
TOmOrfOw.

1t is entirely unlikely that the sessions of
the Schley court of inquiry will be held at
the Navy Department. It was stated to-
day that in all probability change of
venue will be made and that the court
will be convened at the Washington navy
yard. 1t was at first thought that the
sessions of the court could be held in the
large reception room adjoining the office
of the Secretary Of the Navy, but later
the officials came to the conclusion that the
room lacked many of the conveniences
which would be necessary for the court in
the discharge Of its. duties
There Is no adjoining room into which
the court could retire for executive ses-
sions, and if the sessions were held there
the general public would have no oppor-
tunity of witnessing the proceedings owing
to the limited space. Many Of the news
papers which desire to be represented at
the sessions would also probably be barred
for the same reason For some time the
department has been looking for quarters
elsewhere. The former Coreoran Art Gal
lery building, in which the Court of Claims
is located, was considered for a time. but
the department has now abandoned the
idea of going there and is considering the
advisability of having; the court sit in one
OF the large new buildings at the Wash
ington navy yard.
Recently the government has been MAX
ing very extensive improvements at the
yard in the way of the construction of new
shops and buildings, and the large struc-
ture in the western division Of the yard,
it is believed, would be a suitable place for
holding the sessions Of the court. Some
of the naval officials have inspected the
building and have reported that 1t could
be utilized for this purpose. It Is a large
structure, 80 by 200 feet, with two floors,
and there would be ample room both for
the accommodation of the press and the
general public. No definite decision. how
ever, has been made. but it Is thought that
the department will reach a conclusion
very shortly.
1t is known that jeremiah NJ. Wilson Of
Washington, Isidor Rayner of Baltimore,
attorney general of Maryland, and Capt.
James Parker of Perth Amboy. n. j., will
be counsel for Admiral Schley before the
court.
Mr.. Wilson arrived in New York from
Europe Saturday, and went Immediately
into consultation with Admiral Schley.
This resulted in him being retained, and
1t was upon his strong recommendation
that Admiral .Schley wrote to Mr.. Rayner
asking him to become associated with the
other gentlemen of counsel. Mr. Rayner
accepted the invitation and at once began
to study the case.
Admiral Schley HIS called meeting of
his counsel to be he Id in this city tomor-
will be for the purpose of conference and
consultation, and it is expected that the
general plan Of Admiral Schley's defense
will be mapped out
1t Is now stated on excellent authority
that Admiral Sampson will be present at
the meetings Of the court of inquiry. and
will submit his testimony when called upon
to do Advices to that effect are said
to have been received by friends of the ad-
miral at the Navy Department.
A sweeping denial is given in the matter
Of the reported relief of Rear Admiral
Crowninshield as chief of the navigation
bureau of the Navy Department. 1t was
stated today that the stories to this effect
which have been in circulation lately,
claiming that Admiral Crowninshleld was
to be deposed on account OF his alleged
over-zealousness on behalf of Admiral
Sampson were absurd. Admiral Crownin-
shield was not at the department today.
He was reported as being indispoeed, and
remained at his home all day.