The Washington times., 1901-07-22
tncu.a.ion statement
The NnyN Scandal.


No doubt it has grieved the aristo-
cratic soul of Sampson, who. although
himself of the lowliest origin and ante
cedents does not tolerate that sort of
thing in others. TO think that common
civilian iaborer on the docks of the
Brooklyn Navy Yard should be per-
mitted To furnish the textbook on
American naval history for use in the
Naval Academy at Annapolis. OF
course. il is possible that certain inac-
curate and disgraceful features of the
work may have qualified his resentment
to some extent; still he has changed
greatly if, even then, he could alto
gether forgive the existence of his
torian'' who is carried on the rolls OF
the department as laborer. Whether
the despicable assailant of Admiral
Sehley will continue so to be carried,
we do not know or care. The chances
are that he has friends in the Nav
igation Bureau who admire him for
the Justification of history and the
snakelike venom contained in the Ma
clay book and win try to save him from
dismissal Possibly they may not sue
ceed, as he has raised an issue of
veracity between himself and Mr. Long,
who denies his assertion that proof
sheets of the work were submitted to
the Secretary of the Navy before pub
lication. The latter declares that the
only proofs he ever saw were Of the
third chapter of the first volume, on the
subject of naval mobilization. But all
this is immaterial The main point is
that the third volume, which carries the
scurriIous and baseless attack upon Ad-
miral Schley. in which that gallant Off
GER who commanded in and won the sea
battle off Santiago. is described as a
"caitiff'' and a coward has been
barred from Annapolis. The same pro-
hibiiion should have been promptly
visited upon the other volumes, on the
principle of faisus in uno falsus in
omnibus. \ creature capable of such
an offence against decency as Maclay
committed, should never be allowed 10
advertise his name on the title page of
any book used in an American school,
governmental. public. or private.
We are gratified to see that Mr. Long.
although he has been tardy in abating
the Mac!ay historical nuisance, has
found the courage TO do it at last. 1t is
a credit to him that he has been able
TO resist the influence OF the Sampson
ring in the department which is re-
sponsible for the endorsement of the
libel, and its dissemination among the
Naval A saderny boys. No doubt it took
all of his nerve and determination to
override this cabal which in an under
hand way has ruled the service ever
since the beginning of our war with
Spain. We are not advised concerning
all the circumstances, but are happy to
assume that in turning down the con-
spirators against truth as we'll as Ad-
miral Schley, he has had the counte-
nance and support of the President. We
hope so at least. because, if true, it
would tend To remove a painful impress
sion resulting from Mr.. McKinley's ap-
parent federation of a barefaced and
abomiuable plot carried on openly in
building adjoining his official residence,
TO blacken the bright record and
sterling character of the officer and
gentleman who won for his country the
second greatest naval victory of the
present generation, solely for the bene-
fit of q person who claims the honors of
that event without just cause to be con-
sidered as identified with it in the re-
motest sense.
The outrageous volume having been
suppressed, it would be appropriate for
Secretary Long to carry his reform a
biz further, and also suppress the in
dividuals well known 10 him, who, with
full knowledge of its character, pro-
cured its adoption as a Government
matter compared with theirs. He sim
ply wrote and had printed what he
knew would please them, and to the ex-
tent of their influence would assure the
acceptance of the publication. While
there is talk Of courts of enquiry and
courts martial. the navy ring conspira-
tors are the people entitled to first con-
sderation in such connection.
1t is hinted that Admiral Schiey in
tends 70 take some action in regard to
the historical attack upon him. 1t
may be so. but II is unnecessary. The
facts speak for themselves. If anything
the vicious and unmanly persecution TO
which he has been subjected has raised
him In the esteem of the American peo-
pie even above the enduring pinnacle
of fame on which his glorious achieve
ment IN front Of Santiago has placed
him for all time