The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-07-27


its examination into this matter full
and complete, as requested by the Of
iicer at whose instance it is convened,
the report should show the conclusions
reached upon certain important points,
to which attention is specifically di-
rected, as follows:
The Charges numerated.
First. His conduct in connection
with the events of the Santiago cam
paign.
Second. The circumstances atteryifr--
ing, the reasons controlling, and the
propriety of the movements of the fly
ing squadron off Cienfuegos in May,
1898
Third. The circumstances attending,
the reasons controlling, and the pro-
priety of the movements of the said
squadron in proceeding from Cienfue
gos 10 Santiago.
Fourth. The circumstances attend
ing the arrival of the flying squadron
off Santiago, the reasons for it's re-
trograde turn westward, and depart
ure from off Santiago, and the proprie
t. thereof.
Fifth. The circumstances attend
ing and the reasons for the disobedi-
ence by Commodore Schley of the or
ders of the department contained in it's
dispatch, dated May %. 1885, and the
plopriety of his conduct in the prem
iSes.
SIXTH The condition of the coal
supply of the flying squadron on and
a3out May 27, 1898; it's coaling facili-
ties; the necessity, If any, for, or ad-
visibility of. the return of the squad
ron to Key West to coal: and the ac-
curacy and propriety of the official re-
ports made by Commodore Schley with
respect to this matter.
Seventh. Whether or not every eff
fort incumbent upon the commanding
officer of a fleet under such circum-
stances was made to capture or destroy
the Spanish cruiser Colon as she lay
at anchor in the entrance to Santiago
harbor, May 27 to 81 inclusive, and
the necessity for, or advisability of,
engaging the batteries at the entrance
to Santiago harbor and the Spanish
vessels at anchor within the entrance
to said harbor, at the ranges used, and
the propriety of Commodore Schley' S
conduct in the premises.
"Eeighth. The necessity, if any, for
and advisability of, Withdrawing at
night the flying squadron from the
entrance to Santiago harbor to a dis
tance at sea, if such shall be found
to have been the case; the extent and
whether or not a close or adequate
blockade of said harbor. to prevent the
escape of the enemy's vessels there
from, was established, and the proprie-
ty of Commodore Schley's conduct in
the premises.
The Conduct of the Brooklyn.
Ninth. The position of the Brooklyn
on the morning of July 3, 1898. at the
time of the exit of the Spanish YES
sells from the harbor of Santiago. The
circumstances attending. the reasons
for, and the incidents resulting from
the turning of the Brooklyn in the di-
rection in which she turned at or about
the beginning of the action with said
Spanish vessels, and the possibility OF
thereby colliding with or endangering
any other of the vessels of the United
States fleet. and the propriety of Com.
modore Schleys. conduct in the prem
ises.
Tenth The circumstances leading
to, and the incidents and results of. q
controversy with Lieut.. Albon c. Hodg-
son, u. S. N, who, on July 3, 1898
during the battle of Santiago, was nav
igator of the Brooklyn. in relation tC
the turning of the Brooklyn; also the
colloquy at that time between Commo;
dore Schley and Lieut.. Hodgson ano
ltle 6HSulHS OtIWGCl
them on the subject thereof. and the
propriety of, the conduct of Admiral
SchIey in the premises.
'The foregoing specific directions are
given primarily for the Information
and guidance of the court, but do not
limit or restrict the scope of its inquiry
into the entire matter the investiga.
tion of which is asked by the officer
concerned.
Privileges Accorded SchIey.
Rear Admiral Schley has been in
formed of his right to be present eth
er in person or by counsel. during the
investigation, to cross-examine wit
nesses, and to offer evidence before
the court, should he so desire. The
court may at any time grant to others
interested and entitled thereto like
privileges.
1.-The investigation will be held ir
open court.
This employment on shore duty i:
required by the public interests.
"Given under my hand. at the Navy
Department. Washington, this. 26th day
of July, nineteen hundred ane one.
John d. Long,
Secretary"