New-York tribune., 1901-12-22
THE VERDICT APPROVED.
SECRETARY LONG ENDS THE SCHLEY
CONTROVERSY, so FAR AS THE NAVY
DEPARTMENT Is CONCERNED
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Washington Dec. 21.-Final action so far as
the Navy Department make it final, was
taken in settling the Santiago controversy to-
day. when Secretary Long approved the findings
of the full court of inquiry. and the opinions of
the majority where those of Admiral Dewey dif-
fered. disappearing the latter's dictum regarding
the command and credit of the battle, and de-
Gliding that there shall be no further proceedings
This effectualy closes the affair under the naval
regulations, which permit no official reopening
of the case, and taken in connection with the
rebuke issued to General Miles to-day and the
discharge of Edgar s Maclay from Federal en-
pIoy is expected to remove, so far as possible,
any grounds for keeping up discussion in the
government service.
Secretary Longs action is regarded as above
any criticism even from those who were not well
informed regarding the great concern which the
administration felt the movements Of the
Flying Squadron during the search for Carvera-
The belief that the findings of the court ap
proved will eventually be indicated in public
opinion has gathered force rapidly in Washing
ton in the last week, and there is general conf
dence here in military and political circles that
the acute phase of the dispute is fairly on the
wane.
SECRETARY LONGS STATEMENT.
Secretary Longs approval of the report was
as follows:
The department has read the testimony in this
case. the arguments of counsel at the trial. the
courts nndlnSS OF TACT, opinion and recon-
mendation, the individual memorandum of the
presiding member. the statement of exceptions
10 the said findings and opinion by the appli
cant. the reply to said statement by the judge
advocate of the court and his assistant, and
the brief this day submitted by counsel for
Rear Admiral Sampson traversing the presiding
members view to who in command at
the battle of Santiago
And, after careful consideration. the findings
of fact and the opinion of the full court are
approved.
As to The points which the presiding MEM
Der differs from the opinion Of the majority Of
the court. the opinion of tho majority IS ap-
proved
AS to the further expression of his views by
the same member with regard to the questions
O command the morning of July ). 1S9S.
and of the title 10 credit for the ensuing vic
tory the conduct of the court in making no
finding and rendering no opinion on those ques-
tions is approved-indeed, il could with pro-
priety take other course, evidence on THESE
questions. during the inquiry, having oeen eN-
cuded by the court
The department approves the recommenda-
ton of the court that no further proceedings
he had in the premises.
The department records It's appreciation of the
arduous labors of the whole court.
JOHN d. LONG. Secretary of the Navy
The secretary's letters to Admiral SIMPSONS
attorneys and to Admiral Schley follow:
Navy Department
Washington Dec. 20. 1901
Gentlemen: In view of the departments ap-
proval. this day of the recommendation of the
court OF inquiry in the case of Rear Admiral
Schley that further proceedings be had. and
of the fact that the question of command
excluded from consideration by the court. the
department will take no action upon the orle1
filed by you in behalf OF Rear Admiral William
JOHN D. LONG, Secretary.
Messrs Stayton. Campbell & Theall, Johnston
Building, No 80 Broad-st-, New-York
Navy Department.
Washington Dec. 20 1901
Sir. Referring to the departments letter of
the 18th inst. you are advised that acton
mas to-day been taken upon the findings 0pln-
ions and recommendation of the court of in
ouiry in your case and upon the minority opin-
ion of the presiding member and copy OF the
Endorsement embodying such action is herewith
transmitted for your information
In response to your request OF the lStn lnSt'
heretofore acknowledge, tnat If a protest
should he filed by Rear Admiral w. T. Samp-
SON relative to the question of command of the
American naval forces during the battle OF
Santiago and credit for the victory won in that
battle YOU be accorded opportunity TO pre-
sent through your counsel oral argument
against such protest you are ADVISED Ina Inat
brief on this subject has this day been n!ed oy
Messrs Stayton. Campbell & Theai counsei Tor
Admiral Sampson ~, -
In view however. of the departments ap.
rrovaI of the recommends ation of the court OF
inquiry that no further proceedings be mad. anu
of the fact that the question OF command was S
excluded from consideration by the court, no
ection will be taken upon said brief, and reply
to that effect copy inclose0 has this day oeen
1 ar
4 COPY of the report of the Judge Advocate
nj the court and his assistant uIon your com
munication of the 18th inst, op]ectng 10 Ine
nnro,IaI Of the findings of the court. is also
beraUitb transmitted Very respectfully
NJ JOHN D. LONG. Secretary
paor Admiral Winfield S. Schley. U. 5. Navy,
retired The Richmond. Washington D. e.
THE COURT DISSOLVED.
Secretary Long this afternoon issued the
formal order dissolving the schley court of in
ouirv The order communicated at once
to Admiral Dewey. president of the court. who
acknowledged it's receipt. and said that in con-
formity with the order of the Secretary ne had
announced the dissolution of the court The
text of the order follows:
The court of inquiry OF which you are the
president convened by departments order OF
Continued second page.
SOUTHERN RAILWAY TO CHARLESTON,
SITNMERVIII.E AND AUGUSTA