The sun., 1901-08-31
|ENIAL FROM HOVISON
he Admiral Repudiates Interview
Commenting Adversely on Schley.
CONTINUED COURT MEMBER.
citing Secretary Hnckett Decides to
Let That Body Itself Determine
Any Further Question as
to His Competency.

Washington, Aug. 30.-Acting Secre.
ary Hackett has made public letter
Eeceived from Admiral Howlson, dated
Konkers, N. Y, Aug. "a, denying the
of the interview attributed
h him in which he is made to comment
adversely on Admiral Schley. The act
ing secretary has therefore continued
Admiral Howison as member of the
Schley court of inquiry, leaving the
eourt itself to determine any further
Question as to his competency.
Admiral Howison's letter In part
lays:
lowing to my detail as member OF
the court of inquiry, ordered to meet on
Sept II next, find that many news.
bapers are giving me credit for having
$erved my country in the United States
navy for nearly half century with
honor.
Il see also that / am thought to be
objectionable as member OF this court
LII inquiry, 1t being stated that pub
kicy expressed opinions on the conduct
bf the battle of Santiago while serving
hs commandant at the Boston navy
&ard shortly after tile result of that
engagcinent was known.
Il believe the service knows, as do,
&hat do not attempt to make pubic
&$peeches. write for magazines or pa
Izbers or make public utterances ON navy
&br other subjects.
.pnring my two years service at the
Il Boston station there was seldom day
&assed without receiving visits from
2|Fhe representatives of the several Bos.
Ton papers, and during tile Spanish,
ia meriean war the navy yard there was
SSseldom without newspaper reporters.
8 Interpreted Regulations.
III 81 found them to be polite and gen
III #tlemanly at all times. and whatever
IA Information or news | could reason
81 ally impart gave them. | have often
n interpreted to IL number of them the
II laws and regulations for the navy by
a attempting to answer their numerous
"a questions relating to the duties ana re-
q sponsibilties of the several grades OF
"a officers throughout a fleet of vessels
II from the commander in chief to thu
N lowest rate among the crew.
This newspaper cutting In question
a contains n statement in which " y
said that made a comparison hetweei
Il Schley and Sampson, nnfavorable Y
II Schley. The word respected ms tise'
by the reporter is seldom or ever EN-
j ployed by navy men in comparing TN
a qualities possessed by officers. and
am sure could never have said this
"A Int S,.blpv hli
a the reputation of being nervous an
hot headed in the Naval academy.
sul1aye no recollection of the gentiema
cpresentlng the Boston Record. and
39fio not approve of his public state
inent as mine.
3 81 cannot say that | have not dl'
cussed with acuuaintances matter
published in the newspapers relatln
TO our nayy's success, as well ms I'll
unfortunate disputes 50 widely con
mented on. There are few or no pc
sons in the navy or in our cotintf
who have not daily discussed thes
newspaper articles.
"a As to SchIey's Doubts.
IA "From the papers il appears that a
h miral Schley has strong doubts as
III my fitness to fairly judge this ca
nj with Admrals Dewey aud Benham
M ",rhe duties of members of coul
HI martial and courts of inquiry are u
# sought or desired by officers. While
feel highly honored by the department
& selection of myself for this duty, 1t
l# ANYTHING but pleasant task to SIT
M Judgment OH brother officers. 10
# eyer. the honor of the selection or
{8 nnpleasnntness of court duties does
M enter into the reasons for my now WI
M ing to say to you personally TN
M things-yiz:
@ 80 rpassure you that ! am not
I'LL sponsible for and did not give out 81
M MI interview MS is alleged In the {
patches from Boston and as stated
M the newspapers to have been menu
cd by Admiral Schley in recent let
8 to the department.
.If. however, the department u
& that the cause of the navy ana OF
# tice will be better served by reliev
# me from duty on the court, am
III tirely ready 10 withdraw volnntarii!
to have the department relieve me u
its own initiative.
# IF, on the other hand, the dep
ment, knowing all the circumstan
8 desires that | should perform the q
/ am entirely ready to perform IT,
can, upon my conscience and oath
my duty MS member of the G
without partiality as the law
Az uuires.