The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-07-26
PRECEPT T0 COURT.
Work of the schIey Court Of
Inquiry Is Laid Out.


the schley court was issued this after
noon It is as follows:
To Admiral George Dewey. U. S. N.
Washington: Upon the request of Rear
Admiral Winfield S. Schley, u S N,
made in a letter dated July 2, 1901,
copy herewith, q court of inquiry, of
which you are hereby appointed presi-
dent, Rear Admirals Lewis A. Kim
berly and Andrew E K. Benham, q.
S. N, members, and Capt Samuel G.
Lenley, u. s. u, judge advocate gen
eral, is hereby ordered to convene at
the navy department. washington, at
1 O'Clock p m, on Thursday the 18th
day Of September, 1901, or as soon
thereafter as may be practicable, for
the purpose Of inquiring into the con-
duct Of the said SchIey, commodore in
the navy, during the recent war with
Spain, and in connection with the
events thereof.
The court will thoroughly inquire
into all the circumstances bearing upon
the subject Of investigation hereby or
dered, and TO this end besides exaInln-
attendance can be secured, VIII call
upon the department for all dOcumen-
tary evidence in relation thereto.
Upon the conclusion of the investi-
CATION the court viii report its pro-
ceedings and testimony taken with
full and detailed statement of all the
pertinent facts which it may deem to
be established, together with its op1n-
ion and findings in the premises
While the department relies upon
the discretion Of the court to make its
examination into this matter full and
complete, as requested by the officer at
whose instance 1t IS convened, the re-
port should show the conclusions reach
ed upon certain points. to which atten-
ton is specifically directed as follows:
His conduct in connection with
the events Of the Santiago campaign
'2-The circumstances attending, the
reasons controlling and the propriety
OF the movements of the flying squad
ron off CienfuegoS in May, 1898.
''3-The circumstances attending the
reasons controlling, and the propriety
of the movements Of the said squadron
in proceeding from Cienfuegos to San
tiago.
1.-THE circumstances attending
the arrival OF the flying squadron off
Santiago, the reasons for it's retrograde
turn westward and departure from off
Santiago.
'5-The circumstances attending the
reasons for the disobedience by Com
modore Schley Of the orders of the de-
partment contained in it's dispatch da-
ted May Is, 1893 and the propriety of
his conduct in the premises.
6-The condition of the coal supply
of the flying squadron on and about
May 27, 1898; its coaling facilities; the
necessity, If any for, or ACCESSIBILITY of,
the return of the squadron to Key West
to coal; and the accuracy and proprie-
ty of the official reports made by Com
modore Schley with respect to this
matter.
n. Whether or not every effort in
cum bent upon the commanding officer
of fleet under such circumstances 4
Spanish cruiser Colon as she lay at
anchor in the entrance to Santiago
harbor, May q to 81, inclusive, and the
necessity for, or advisability of. en-
gaging the batteries at the entrance to
Santiago harbor and the Spanish YES
sells at anchor within the entrance to
said harbor, at the ranges used, and
the propriety Of Commodore Schley's
conduct in the premises.
g. The necessity, if any, for
and adVisability of, withdrawing at
night the flying squadron from the
entrance to Santiago harbor to dis
lance at sea- if such shall be found to
have been the case; the extent and
character of such withdrawal, and
whether or not q close or adequate
blockade of said harbor to prevent the
escape of the enemy's vessels there
from. was established and the pro
priety of Commodore Schley's conduct
in the premises.
f9-The position Of the BROOKLYN on
the morning of July 3, 1898, at the time
O fthe exit of the Spanish vessels from
the harbor of Santiago. The circum-
stances attending, the reasons for and
the incidents resulting from the turn
ing of the Brooklyn in the direction in
which she turned at or about the begin
ming of the action with the said Span
ish vessels, and the possibility of there
by colliding with or endangering any
other of the vessels of the United
States fleet and the propriety of Com
modore Schley's conduct in the premi-
ses.
slO-The circumstances leading to and
the incidents nd results of a controver-
sy with Lieutenant Albon c. HodgeSon
u >. N. who. on July 3, 1898, during the
Brooklyn, in relation to the turning OF
the Brooklyn, also the cOloQuy at that
time between Commodore Schley and
Lieutenant HOdgeson and the ensuing
correspondence between them on the sub
ject there of and the propriety Of the cons
duct of Admiral Schley in the premises -
The investigation Will be held in
open court.
given primarily for the Information ana
guidance of the court. but do not limit
or restrict the scope of its inquiry in
to the entire matter the investigation
Of which is asked BY the officer con
cerned.
Rear Admiral Schley has been in
formed of his right to be present either
in person OF by counsel. during the in
vestigation, to ss-examine witnesses,
and to offer evidence before the court.
should he so desire The court may
at any time grant to others interested
like privileges.
This employment on shore duty is
required by the public interests.
''Given under my hand. at the navy
of July 1901.
asTOETN n LONG Sacreta.-v