The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1901-08-16
ADMIRAL SCHLEY In TOWN.
The Naval Officer Here to Confer
With His Counsel Today.
Attorney General of Maryland to As
sist in the Defence of That states
Famous FfGbter-SampsOn to Rest
and Prepare for Courts Hearings.


Famous FfGbter-Sampson to Rest
and Prepare for Courts Hearings.
Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley, ac-
companied by Mrs Schley, arrived in this
city late last night and registered at the
Arlington. He has come to the city to
have a conference with his attorneys re-
gardng the course advisable in presenting
his case before the coming Court of En-
quiry to secure a vindication of his Off
cial conduct at the battle Of Santiago.
This conference. or the first of a series of
conferences. will be held today, probably
at the Shoreham.
Admiral Schley seems to be in the best
of health, is as genial as ever. and APP
parentIy feels confidence in the success
full outcome of his case. He was thor
oughly reticent however. regarding any
matter pertaining to the Court of En-
quiry. When seen shortly afte. his ar
rival by a Times reporter. the admiral
was asked if he would make any state
ment for publication, but he resolutely de-
clined to touch upon the subject at all.
Admiral Schley has not been in Wash
iagton since the discussion of his conduct
during the Santiago campaign was re-
sumed by reason of the attack made upon
him by Historian Maclay in his treatise
upon the United States Navy, intended to
be used as text book at the Naval
Academy. His visit at this time is, there
fore, of much Importance and significance.
The suggestion of the ACCESSIBILITY of
holding a conference here at this time,
well in advance of the date set for the
meeting of the Court of Enquiry, was
made to the admiral by Judge Jere Will
son, upon the latter's return from Eu-
rope a few days ago. At conference
with his client in New York City Judge
Wilson proposed a meeting in this city
because of the evident advantages OF ac-
feasibility to all of the numerous impor-
tant records which will have direct bear
ing upon the case. The plan met with
the hearty approval of Admiral Schley,
as it did also of Capt James Parker,
associate counsel in the case, when in
formed of the suggestion of the senior
counsel.
In view of the intense interest of the
people of Maryland in the vindication of
the character of one of their fellow-citi-
zens. the Attorney General of that State,
Isidor Rayner, was called into the case
and will be one of those present at the
conference in this city today.
All the evidence in hand pertaining to
the controversy, and especially the de-
tails gathered by Captain Parker during
his careful investigations of official rec
ords at the Navy Department, while held
incomunicado and under the espionage OF
subordinates of the department, will be
thoroughly gone over Captain Parker
has the data relating to the case well in
hand and will be able to lay 1t before his
associates in very compact form. so that
Judge Wilson and Attorney General Ray
ner will be enabled to formulate without
delay an estimate of its probable value
in the enquiry. The general plan OF de-
fence will then be outlined
They have just four weeks before the
court convenes. but this is considered I
ample time in view of the progress which
has thus far been made. Judge Wilson
will devote the greater portion of his time
to study OF all the facts relating to the
controversy, from the time he returns
to Washington He is now at Oakland,
Md. where he has summer home. put
will return to this city today in time for
the conference with his colleagues in the
case. A telegram to this effect was re-
ceived last night from Judge Wilson, who
made plans for leaving his Oakland home
as soon as he was informed that the ad-
miral had started for Washington
Mr.. Rayner. who was suggested oy
Judge Wilson to be one of his colleagues |
in the case. is well known as one OF the !
leading lawyers and public men OF Mary I
land with a distinguished record OF SER
vice in the Congress of the United states. |
He is in every way eminently qualified to /
serve as counsel in this important en-
auiry Possessed of a breadth of intellect |
and an analytical mind which has made |
him eminent as a pleader, he Is wen
equipped TO sift to the bottom every Incl |
dent and occurrence bearing upon the
conduct of the naval onhclalS ana haHai
officers toward his client With that elo- |
ouence for which he is renowned, II Is ex-
nected that he will ably set forth the
facts which will fully vindicate Admiral
Schley from the aspersions cast upon ms
courage and character.
rho discussion concerning the probable |
failure of Admiral Sampson to appear be,
fore the Schiey Court OF Enquiry ana /
give testimony is causing his friends In |
the navy to think twice before determln-
ing not to issue a summons reques,Lng
him to be present. A few days ago they |
had practically decided that he could be |
shielded from the cross-fire of Schley
ATTORNEYS but now it is said they are !
beginning to realize that his presence mere
ig Imperative. They see no way by which
preston being given that his absence |
would be a tacit admission CT the weak |
ness OF their case. Consequently, accord !
ing to reports, he is to be put in train |
ing for the ordeal.
Admiral Sampson is to remain quiet and |
at rest from all work and away from all \
excitement in order that he may gain |
health and strength. Then, II is said, he |
will be carefully coached under the di- .
rection of Admiral Crowninshield and |
prepared to give the testimony before the !
court.
IT is settled that Admiral Sampson will |
not go abroad until after the Court of /
Enquiry concludes its case, although he |
will be relieved Of duty at the Boston |
yard and given leave of absence