Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1901-08-30
HOW|S0N DENIES.
He Was Misquoted in
Interview,
Ten Bodies Recovered From
Delaware River.
McCroy, Stabbed by Chas. zeiger at
el PasO, May Recover.
ADMIRAL WATSON TALKS.

Washington, ID. c., Aug. S0.-Rear
Admiral Howison's letter is as fel'
lows:
"Yonkers, n. Y, August "a. 1901.
Dear Sir: Owing to my detail as
member of the court of inquiry, or.
Gered to meet in September next,
find many newspapers giving me cred.
IL for having served my country in the
United States navy for nearly a half
century with honor.
Il also see that am thought to be
Objectionable as member OF this
court OF inquiry, II being stated that
I publicly expressed an opinion on the
conduct OF the battle of Santiago
while serving as commandant at the
Boston navy yard, shortly after the
result OF that engagement was known
Il believe the service knows. as
do, that | do not attempt to make
public speeches, write for magazines
or newspapers or make public utter
ances on the navy or other subjects.
ut has been impossible for me 20
avoid visits and questions OF repre-.
sentatives of the newspapers while
serving at important stations. and at
time when the navy has been so busily
employed"
The letter here refers to the writer
pleasant relations with the newspaper
men at Mare island Boston and other
stations, and continues.
This newspaper cutting In ques
tion contains "A statement in which il
is said | made comparison between
Schley and Sampson, unfavorable "a
Schley.
"The word respected as used by
the reporter IL seldom or never EN-
ployed by navy men in comparing
qualities possessed by officers and
am sure | could never have said this
as he reports. nor said that Schley had
the reputation OF being nervous ant
tot-headed In the naval academy.
"One may say an officer stands
higher in his class II true; another
may stand higher in scientific attain
ments, while another be distinguished
for eminent diplomatic and socia
qualities, while all under discussion
are of good standing and proficient
in their necessary professional call
ing.
81 have no recollection OF the gen
tleman reporting for the Boston Rec
ord and | do not approve his public
statement as mine. ] cannot say
have not discussed with acquaintance
matters published in the newspapers
relating to our navy's success. as wei
as the unfortunate disputes so widely
commented on.
There are few or no persons N
the navy or our country who have not
daily discussed these newspaper arti
cles.
From the papers 1t appears that
Admiral Schley has strong doubts oi
my fitness to fairly judge this case
with Admrals Dewey and Benham
'As IL is case of grave importanc,
to those concerned and to the country
! am desirOus Of giving my little hell
&C clear away the troubles.
Duties OF members OF court mar
tials and courts OF inquiry are moi
sought or desired by officers. Will,
l feel highly honorcd by the depart
ment's selection OF myself for this
duty, 1t is anything but a pleasant tasl
to sit in judgment on brother officers
However, the honor OF selection or uR
pleasantness Of the court duties do moi
enter into the reasons for my now
writing to say to you, personally, three
things:
First To reassure you | am no
responsible for and did not give ou
such interviews as alleged in tn,
dispatches from Boston and as state,
In the newspapers to have been men
toned by Admiral Schley in a recen
letter to the department.
Second. II, however the depart
ment feels that the cause OF the nav,
and justice will be better served b.
relieving me from duty on the court
! am entirely ready to withdraw vol
unfairly or have the department re
lieve me upon its own initiative.
Third. If on the other hand, tn
department knowing all the circum
stances, desires that I should perform
the duty, am entirely ready to per