The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1901-08-12
NAVAL CIRCLES STIRRED.
Two Controversies Engaging the
Attention of officials.
Interest In the SchIey Court of En-
auiry ana the Chandler-Evans
Matter StiII Unabnted - Preparing
for the Santiago investigation.

Matter still tnabnted - Preparing
for the Santiago investigation
Two controversies continue to stir the
officials OF the Navy Department. In the
Schley case interest is in the preparation
for the Court of Enquiry, and In the
Chandler-Evans matter 1t Hes in the
question as 10 what action one or the
other or both the parties will take as the
result of the public reprimand which the
latter received last week as the result
OF the complaint OF his former chief.
investigation and enquiry upset the War
department Immediately after the war
with Spain. Now 1T is the navy's turn
for sensation and turmoil, and recent oc-
currences have developed more. in this
line than the Administration is anxious
for
For three weeks more public atten-
ton has been directed toward the charges
of the navy clique against Admiral
Schley and his request for an investiga-
ton. Now that the third member of the
court has been selected in the person of
Admiral Howison to fill the place of
Admiral Kimberly, and the list of wit
nesses has been practically completed.
there is little to be done but to await
tine assembling of the court. which will
meet on September IL.
There is little preparation of the case
to be undertaken on the part of the Navy
Department. for TIL. evidence upon which
Admiral Schley's enemies expect to con-
denim him, Admiral Crowninshield, the
Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, has
at his fingers and tongues end. The
burden of the work of preparing for the
case has devolved upon Admiral Schley.
hot hi SfSf-
ant counsel. Captain Parker. has been
for the past two weeks consulting the Of
fetal records in the Navy Department
He has not yet completed his task, and
is expected to return to Washington this
week to continue his search for evidence
which will be to the advantage of his
client. He has been going over the re-
ports very carefully, although annoyed
by the presence OF Admiral Crownin-
shields sleuths, who have logged every
step he has taken.
Judge Jere NJ Wilson. of this city, one
of the best-known lawyers of the coun-
try, has been retained by Admiral Schley
as his chief counsel. He has just re-
turned from a trip abroad, and while
away was requested by cable to repre-
sent Admiral Schley. He is old friend
of the hero of Santiago. and while he did
not hasten his return home by reason of
having been retained as counsel, he will
at once begin looking into the case and
preparing for one of the greatest efforts
Of his life. Judge Wilson has figured in
many important cases in Washington
which have attracted widespread atten-
ton, and his appearance in behalf Of Ad-
miral Schley is assurance that every
effort which legal acumen can bring to
bear will be made to undo the admirai's
traducers. Captain Parker now has the
evidence so well in hand that Judge VIII
will be able to go over it and map out
the course which he will pursue, with
little difficulty. He win have just one
month from today before the court con-
yeneS.
What remains for the Navy Department
to do will be done upon the return of Cap
tain Lemiy. the judge advocate of the
court, who will represent the department
at the enquiry. He is expected back
from his vacation on August Is Orders
have already been sent out to nearly all
of those who are expected to be here to
testify in the case, both for and against
Admiral Schley Unlike civil or crimi-
nal case the witnesses will probably not
have any preliminary examinations. but
will he allowed to go upon the stand and
tell what they know OF Admiral Schleys
conduct during the Santiago campaign.
and will be subject to cross-examination-
There Will. doubtless be some sensational
incidents IN connection Win the ntdIlISt
and although the case has been pretty
well thrashed over for The past three
years it is. nevertheless, predicted that
some things will develop which have not
heretofore been mentioned upon either
side of the controversy.
The Navy Department entirely discred-
its the report that Admiral Howison, the
third member OF the court. at one time
expressed an opinion in regard to Admiral
Schley's conduct which was adverse &c
that officer. He explicitly informed Act
ing Secretary Hackett when he was re-
quested to serve on the court that he hao
no bias or prejudice in the matter and
that he tad always refrained from max
ing any statement concerning it.
Some question has arisen as TO where
the court will sit. Secretary Long has
directed that it first meet in the large re-
ception room in the Navy Department.
but after assembling there. it will be left
to the court Itself to where the body
will hold its further sittings. This room
is regarded entirely inadequate under
the circumstances There Will be many
naval officers and many newspaper rep
resentatives who will wish to be present,
and it is very likely that the ATTENDANCE
will be limited to these alone. IT would
be impossible to undertake to admit the
general public.
The suggestion has been made that the
court sit at the navy yard, where there is
ample room, but that place is objectiona-
BILE because it is SO far from the centre or
the city. and would be inccnvenient for
all parties concerned. II would necessi-
tate a removal OF all the records and pa
pors in the case from the department.
which would involve considerable trOu-
BILE and annoyance.
nofiicial consideration of the Schley
case was temporarily diverted last week.
while the subject of Admiral Evans rep
rimand was taken up ana discussed Ad-
Tliral Evans. himself. will say nothing
in regard tn the matter, but it is pre-
dictsd that he IL not the man to allow
the matter to rest Where il is. Charges
Ia wing been made against him. he has
the right under the navy regulations, to
demand a court of enquiry to determine
whether not they were Justified In
order to maintain his sObriquet of Fight
ing Bob his friends say. he cannot af-
ford to take the lash without striking
back. What coursS he will take remains
to be seen.