Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-07-25

The secretary took this action with
out consultation with anyone and
without communicating the request OF
Admiral Schley to the President. He
then called into consultation Rear Ad-
miral Crowninshield. Capt Cowles and
Judge Advocate General Lemley. He
also sent for Admiral Dewey.
Although Rear Admiral Schley did
not ask specifically for a court of in
quiry. the secretary decided that such
a court would be the best means Of
making the investigation which the
rear admiral had asked for and the
three bureau officers We're called in for
the purpose for discussing the proce-
dure.
After his conference with Admiral
Dewey. who had responded immediate
ly to the request for an interview. the
time to decide upon the composition of
the court. 1t is assumed about the
navy department that Admiral Dewey
will be president of the court. which
will inquire into the whole controversy
concerning Admiral Schleys action
during the Spanish war There also is
an impression that two other members
of the court will be retired naval Of
ficers or at least officers who had no
connection with the Santiago cam
paign.
The selection of retired officers would
have double advantage. Not only
would they be free from any prejudice
growing out of their active connection
with the department. but they would
have no fear Of future consequences
arising from their course while mem
bers of the board.
The court of inquiry probably will
not proceed with its work until fall
Sec. Long said today, that it would
be unfair to ask a court of inquiry to
convene in Washington during the
present extremely hot weather for the
prosecution Of an inquiry which prom
ised to be quite protracted.
Admiral Schleys letter is as follows:
'Croat Neck. Long Island. n. Y. July
- 1901:
Sir. within the past few days a series
Of press comments have been sent to me
from various narts Of the country Of a
book entitled The History of the Navy
written by one Edgar Stanton Maclav.
From these reviews il appears that this
edition is third volume of the said his
tory extended to include the late war
with Spain. which the two first volumes
did not contain and were in use as text
books at the naval academy.
Two, from excerpts quoted in some re-
views. in which the page ana paragraph
are given there is such pcrversion of
facts. miSconStruction of intention, such
Incorporate abuse and defamation of my
self as subjects Mr.. Maclay to action in
civil law. While admit the right of crit
icism of every public officer | protest
against the low filings and abusive Ian
guaFe Of this violent partisan opponent.
who has infused into the pages of his
book So much of the malice OF unfair
history or of use III any reputable insti
tuition IN the country.
Three, | have RETAINED. heretofore,
from all comment upon the innuendoes of
enemies, muttered or murmured in secret
and therefore with safety to themselves.
think the time has now come to take
such action as may bring this entire mat
ter under discussion under the clearer
and calmer review of my brothers-in-
arms and to end. ! ask such action at
the hands of the department as at may
deem best to accomplish this purpose.
Fourth but | would express the request
in this connection that whatever the
ton may be- that il occur in Washington
where most of my papers and data are
stored
Very respectfully, ~. . s.,,
Rear Admiral. L. S. n.
.'To the Secretary of the Navy, WASH
ington, ID. c.
Secretary Long replied 10 Admiral
Schley as follows:
Navy Department, Washington July "A,
1901
Sir: am in receipt Of yours of the
I'D instant with reference TO the crit
CONTINUED on page p