Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-09-13
REAR ADMIRAL HOWI5ON DIS
QUALIFIED.

Rear Admiral HowisoD retired yea
terday as q member OF the Schley court
OF inquiry. He was excused from SER
vice by his brother officers, Admirsls
Dewey and Benham.
Their action was taken after con-
sultation OF but IL minutes duration.
Preceding this consultation there was
two full hours discussion on the ques'
ton OF Howison's eligibility. His quail.
ficstions ss just judge were challenged
By Admiral Schley IN person at the be-
giDing OF the first session oil this memo
rsble inquiry, and three witnesses gave
testimony 10 proof of the assertion that,
on its vital points, Admiral Ho~isop
had prejudiced the case adversely to
Admiral 5chley.
After testimony and argument, the
challenge was considered BY Admiral
Dewey, and Rear Admiral Benham, the
other two members, and was sustained.
Rear Admiral Howison was thereupon
excused from further service, and the
court adjourned 10 order that the Navy
Department might be notified and all
other rear admiral selected. 1t is ex
pected that the court will resume lite
SESSIONS next Monday. The name OF
Rear Admiral Miller is suggested as the
possible successor OF Rear Admiral
Hogison.
As stated in the Gazette OF yesterday
afternoon, several witnesses had testi-
fed that Admiral Howison had spoken
in a derogatory manner OF Ad-
miral Schley, Admiral Howison re-
tired to prepare written statement In
reply to the evidence against him. An
informal adjournment followed. Ad-
miral Howison went to the retiring
room and wrote out the following:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen:
In reply to the objection to me as
membe of this court submit copy oil
my personal letter to the Hon. Frank
w. Hackett, which has been made pub
lie by the Navy department.
Mr.. Frost, think, is answered In this
letter above referred to.
Mr.. Spon's statement is one cannot
father. l positively do not remember
his face at all. Mr.. Frost's face Ia ia
miliar, although l have not seen him
for two years or more, and Mr.. Spon, by
his statement, only last October.
Mr.. Nichols did call at my house at
Youkers on a very hot day on his own
business. he would not take mo adj
mittance" for an answer. and during his
stay he did discuss with me several
navy matters, among which was the
Sampson.Scbley much-talked-of affair.
Our talk was short, as | desired him to
leave me In peace.
desire to say that l am, as you
know, here to obey the orders OF the de-
partment to report to you for duty as
member OF this court; it ia not optional
with me to obey or not obey these or
ters. Ny commission requires ODE
dience.
These orders were not sought by me,
nor are they agreeable ones. but have
been taught obedience TO oil lawful or
ders by my long service in the navy.
do not propose to enter into the
subject OF my private discussions. do
not wish to recall for the information
OF the public what has been said to me
by acquaintance; in fac', it would be
difficult task to perform. Private
utterances are not long retained, par
iicularly when there is no personal In
terest 10 the matters under discussion.
sincerely hope that during the ex-
animation OF my eligibility for member
ship, should there be any doubtful
points in the minds of the unobjected.to
members OF this court, that all such
points be decided 10 favor of Admiral
Schley, who is the one most particularly
concerned 10 the Investigation to follow.
will accept my detachment as have
my orders for this dnty, as sn officer
should.
have no personal feelings and no
personal interests iD the matters to come
before the court, except the interests |
have for the good of the service. |
have great faith 10 the impartislly and
Justice OF naval officers serving on
courts, and sincerely hope that the re-
suits finally obtained may be satisfac-
tory to our navy and to our country. Re-
spectfuly, II. l.. HowIsoN,
Rear Admiral, u. s. N.
Mr.. Raynor, counsel for Admiral
Schley, then asked several questions Of
Admiral Howison.
When Mr.. Raynor had concluded Ad-
miral Dewey announced that the court
would take a recess for consultation.
With Admiral Bsnhsm he disappeared
into the consultation room, while Ad-
mirsl Howison, lighting cigar. paced
paced up aud down the corridor. 10
Just twelve minutes the two admirals
reappeared. Then Admiral Dewey
spoke:
~ have TO announce that the objec.
ton Of the applicant to Admiral Howl
900 Ia sustained by the COURT" he said.
A buzz of excitement greeted the an.
nouncement. Admiral Schley smiled
and Mr.. Wilson and Mr.. Ksynor ex-
changed congratulations. The first
days session of the Schley court OF In
curry had ended with victory for
5chley.
THE STATE COMMITTEE.