Evening journal., 1901-09-21

in the Santiago campaign as captain
Of the battleship Massachusetts. This
vessel at one time was a part of the
flying squadron commanded by Com.
modore Schley and the court asked
him to state whether all possible
measures were taken to capture or de-
stroy the Spanish vessel Christobal
Colon as it lay in Santiago harbor from
May q to June 1, 1898. Counsel for
Admiral Schley objected to the ques-
tion on the ground that a reply would
involve an opinion and not a state
ment of facts. Judge Advocate Lemly
admitted that the precedents were
against questions of this character.
and the court withdrew this interroga-
tory. 1t is generally admitted that this
decision will have the eeffct Of ma
terially shortening the term of the
court, as will also the courts mani.
fest intention to cut out irrelevant
questions and hearsay testimony. In
several cases the witnesses were ad.
monished to relate only events coming
within their own observation. Admiral
Dewey showed himself a prompt and
methodical presiding officer. He called
the court to order exactly at the desig-
mated hour and adjourned It Just as
promptly at 4 o'clock.
The witnesses were Rear Admiral
Higginson, Captain c. NJ. Chester. who
commanded the cruiser Cincinnati: ::
Major Thomas n Wood. Of the ma
rine corps, who commanded the ma
rines on the Massachusetts,, and Com
mander Giles B. Harber, who was ex-
ecutive officer of the Texas, the latter
being on the stand when the court ad-
journed.
Admiral Higslnson the First Witness.
Rear Admiral Higginson was the
first witness called. Speaking Of the
conditions when the Santiago harbor
was reached, the admiral said that
he could see we'll into the harbor and
that he saw the Spanish ship Colon ly-
ing in the outer harbor. He did not re-
member seeing other vessels, but the
Colon was then 1000 yards beyond
MOrro Castle.
The vessel had lain there unit, she
was fired upon, which was done on May
81, and had then retired.
Describing this engagement. Admiral
Higginson said it was on the day be-
fore the arrival OF reinforeements un-
der Admiral Sampson. He said that
Admiral Schley had come aboard and
said that he wanted Ito go in and fire
on the Colon"
so we, went in and fired on her, -
continued the witness. He said the
shots fell short of the Colon, and that
the Spanish shore batteries had in
turn fred at the bombarding ships.
In reply to questions as to what had
been accomplished by the lombard
ment, the witness replied that it had
served to draw the fire of the Spanish
shore battery, and give an idea of what
it was composed of.
What idea did you get of its com
position?"
Il didn't think it amounted to any
thing"
Where was ADMIRAL Schley during
the bombardment?
AT one time he was with me in tn,
coming tower, but most of the time 'h'
was on the outside of it, / was neal
him most Of the time"
Describe the admirars manner il
this engagement"
81 hardly know how to answer tha
question, except to say that his man
ner was hat of a commander-in-chie
The Question Of the Day.
Then the court announced that it ha,
some questions &c ask. One of thes
created the sensation of the day. Tn
question was: WAS every effort mad
by Admiral schley to destroy or cap
ture the Spanish steamer Colon as sh
, lay at aaclc- in The harbcr 2t Santiag
; betweea tho e7tn and Slst OF Giay?"
/ "0bject, object" object" cam
from zach OF Admiral Schley's counse,
but before a halt could be called tn
I witness had replied: NO, don't thin
It was"
The question and the reply led to
) legal controversy. Mr.. Rayner asked