The Washington times., 1901-09-04
SAMPSON MAY Be PRESENT
Said TO Be Determined to Testify
Against Schley.
His Friends Puzzled by His New Re
sOIve-Wants TO yindicatc Himself
Personal Challenge Necessary in
HOwison's Cnse.

Rear Admiral Sampson is determined
TO attend the Schley Court of Enquiry at
all hazards. He is resolved to be present
and give testimony against Rear Admir-
al Schley, unless his physical condition
absolutely prevents him from coming TO
Washington. He has taken this stand
against the advice of his friends.
This is the statement of Il naval official
of high rank who is on very intimate
terms with Admiral sampson, who has
been in recent communication with him,
and who has conversed with him upon
the Schley matter since the court was
asked for and the preccpt prepared
Admiral Sampson realizes that he is
author of the ''reprehensible conduct
charge against Schey. and therefore re-
sponsible for the controversy, which is
now asitating the Navy Department and
the public He is determined TO give tes-
timony to substantiate the charge. and
is only waiting for the opportunity. He
has made no attempt TO conceal his enmi-
ty toward Schley and believes that what
he will tell the court will result in caus-
ing that tribunal to condemn sich!ey' $
actions.
In one sense Sampson takes the view
that the court is to vindicate him by its
finding He appreciates the fact that the
court must find that Schley was guilty Of
reprehensible conduct in order to show
that he, Sampson, was justified in max
ing the charge against Schley. This is
the reason why he will make every pos
sible effort to be present. His friends. it
is said, have advised him against such a
course, telling him that the strain and
excitement would break him down COM
petely, and perhaps be the immediate
caI:se of his death, but even this has not
iriuenced him to relent in his determina-
ton to be a witness before the court. He
is now resting quietly in order that he
may gain strength and health sufficient
to enable him to come to Washington
when the court meets. He will doubtless
be the first witness called.
OF late considerable influence of init
mate friends has been brought to bear
upon Sampson. but it has not resulted in
causing him to reconsider his decision.
Everything will be done for him by his
friends in the department to assist him
in the preparation of his statement before
the court. but they can be of little service
to him when he gets within range of the
fire of cross-eXamination. Admiral
Schley's counsel are disposed to treat him
with all possible consideration, but he
viii nevertheless be asked to explain
many things concerning which there is
now much question.
Rear Admiral Schley and his counsel.
Jeremiah N. Wilson and Isador Rayner.
had another long conference yesterday in
preparation for their appearance before
the Schley Court of Enquiry. They will
have daily meetings until the court meets
on September L. One of The interesting
If sK-.S n g
covery that, in accordance with the naval
regulations, it will be necessary for sd
niral Schley personally. instead of
through counsel, to challenge the eligil,n-
ity of Rear Admiral Howison as n.em-
Der of the court. There is no ioubt that
this will be done IL Admiral E)w's on
takes his place with Admiral Dewey and
Rear Admiral Benham in the court room.
There has been some suggestion made
that counsel for Schley would ask Secre-
tary Long to relieve Admiral Howison In
case the Secretary returns before the
court convenes. 1t can be stated. how
ever, with a reasonable assurance CT CT r
tainty, that this will not be done. The
corr espOndence in the case Was submitted
to Secretary Long and he did TOT then
see fit to relieve Admiral dowis,n, and
row that the department has gone rec
ord in the matter, stating that the ques-
tion of his sitting upon the court is to be
determined by the other members Of the
tribunal, he will not intervene and re-
verse that decision. There - every -ea-
son to believe that he viii allow Mr.
Hacketts decision il the matter 20 stand
There has also been some talk 10
the situation which would be produced
should Admiral Howison's eligibility be
challenged. and the two other members of
the court, Admiral Dewey and Rear Ad-
niral Benham, should divide on the ques-
ton of permitting him to serve. This is