Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1901-12-20
RANK IN.INSTICE

Admiral Schley, the hero OF Santiago and
the idol of the great popular heart Of the
American people, as is his dauntless bravery
and naval skill the admiration of the civil.
lied nations of the earth, has not received
from the Court of Inquiry, before which he
was tried, that endorsement which was con-
tidently anticipated one in accordance
with the overwhelming evidence offered in
his behalf, and in full harmony with the
verdict of the people of the country, rem
dered with shouts OF wild and enthusiastic
admiration on the reception of the news
that Cervera's feet had fallen, and that
there was glory enough for ALL"
Through systematic process Of gnoring
the evidence of such men as Cook and Clark,
and in obedience to the command of the
naval clique and the desk critics, the court
has given decision that has not only in
suited the patriotism and intelligence Of the
country, aroused its pride, wounded its feel
ings, startled its surprise. bat has provoked
storm Of whitening indignation which has
gone surging, kissing and bowling over the
entire land. Admiral Schleys splendid and
spotess career is already HISTORICAL He
stands before the people of this great ma
ton a noble impersonation of the great
qualities which rendered the earlier period
of our country's history, so memorable
Rome was accustomed to call home her VIC
torious generals, and reward them with pub
lie triumphs. The reward of Admiral Schley,
prouder figure than ever Lord Admiral
Nelson with England's glittering star on
his breast, has the voluntary and grateful
recognition of the American people for his
brilliant victory at Santiago, and the find
ings of this court can never tarnish the lus
ter of its glory or shake the confidence and
love of the people Of this country.
Admiral Dewey, in the fairness Of his dis.
senting opinion, has found another soft place
in the hearts OF the people. The Pittsburg
Times, leading and Influential journal,
in speaking of the minority report in favor
of Admiral Schley, sums up the whole sub
ject in the following few words:
"Whle the verdict of the Schley court of
inquiry is a mixed one, and while two of
the members of the court have allowed
themselves to become echoes of the naval
clique which has been pursuing Admiral
Schley and endeavoring to rob <.im of the
glory of the great victory of Santiago, the
TACT that he is sustained on practically every
point and given full credit for the destruc
ton of the Spanish feet at the battle of San
tiago by Admiral Dewey, the president Of
the court and the only member of the body
who ever commanded feet in action, will
be accepted as a complete and glorious vim
dication." .
This opinion is voiced by Attorney Gen
eral Rayner, Admiral Schley's attorney ;
by distinguished and leading men of all par
ties, and by an overwhelming expression of
the leading journals of the country
Now that the Naval Department has
slobbered over Sampson and washed his
dirty inen-it has been unable TO obliterate
the fact that in the great battle of Santiago,
which will ever be remembered "as one of
the most complete and remarkable victories
of history" Admiral Schley was in com
mand. Like Napoleon at the Danube, he
held his men under fire because he was ex-
posed TO it himself; and, like him, wherever
he rode along the lines, mounted on his
white charger, a conspicuous marx for balls,
men would stand and be shot down, but
they would not give away Victory fol.
lowed his matchless command and will sur
vive until Orion shall have been ground
into dust.