Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1901-11-01

abouts of the Spanish fleet, Rear Admiral
Schley said he believed this was a ruse.
inasmuch as it had come by way of Ha-
vana. He had not been informed that
the department had secret agents in Ha-
vana, as he should have been. He be-
lieved the dispatch from the department,
saying its evidences We're that the Span
iards were in Santiago, was sent by the
Spanish officials for the express purpose
of drawing the flying squadron away from
ClenfueSos, so as to permit Cervera to
get into that harbor and communicate
with Havana.
Explains the Retrograde Movement.
In explanation of the retrograde move
ment Admiral Schley said this was deter
mined upon after he had considered all
the circumstances He had taken the coal
supply of the squadron into account and
had calculated on the amount of fuel re-
quircd under the most favorable and I'M
favorable circumstances. The steaming
power of his fleet was only equal to that
Of the weakest ship. Seven of the ten
vessels were short of coal. In addition to
this he had taken into consideration that
it might be necessary to chase the enemy,
and he could not assume that the Span
iards would chase toward our base of sup
plies, but toward their own. Therefore
any calculation relating to the coal sup
ply would have to assume conditions less
favorable to the American and most IA
vorable to the Spaniards.
The Merrimac's machinery broke down,
and the collier signaled it would require
two or three hours to repair it, but as a
matter of fact it took exactly twenty
four hours.
Rear Admiral Schley said it would be
folly to send Il ship alongside an unman-
ageable collier. The risk was too great
spot, watching the condition of the sea,
and was charged with the responsibility
which always makes one cautious.
Rear Admiral Schley said his memory
was excellent, but he is confident that
Captain Cotton did not deliver a dis
patch from Rear Admiral Sampson say
ing the Spaniards were in Santiago. The
admiral did not see it, neither did his sec
rotary or flag lieutenant, and it was
strange that none of them knew anything
about it if it had been sent. "It would
have been burned indelibly on my men,
ory," said Rear Admiral Schley, ''if it
had been received"
1NhAHS 'P IL tS9tiIliphS vi Sal)tsliu
McCalla relating to coaling places, Rear
Admiral Schley said he did not believe
that officer would deliberately misrcprc-
sent anything, but that when Captain
McCalla was on the stand he did not tell
the court the whole conversation he had
with Commodore Schley. "He did not
testify" said the admiral, chat his adj
vice to me was the only place the vessels
rpl1J cnrl WAS ON tbn pnost of ITnyti0
Captain Clark as n Witness.
Captain Clark of the Oregon was nat
urally an important witness for Admiral
Schley. He told a simple and modest
story of the battle, in which he took so
conspicuous Il part. He did not claim any
credit for himself. but generously gave it
all to the Brooklyn.
Perhaps the most important feature Of
Captain Clari's testimony was the fact
that as soon as the Spaniards escaped
from Santiago a signal went up on the
halyards of the Brooklyn directing the
vessels of the squadron to 'follow the
flag" This signal was repeated by the
Oregon to the other vessels in the fleet.
Captain Clark said the fire of the en-.
tire Spanish squadron was concentrated
on the Brooklyn, and that the Brooklyn
had sustained and returned it. After the
loop was made by the Brooklyn, and
when the battle was the hottest, the
smoke cleared for a omen and Captain
Clark saw the Brooklyn with it's broad
side presented to the enemy which was
concentrating it's fire upon the ship. He
was deeply impressed to find the Brook.
lyn in the vicinity of the Oregon, as he
felt they would support and sustain each
other.
After the Colon had surrendered, Com.
modore Schley, Captain Cook and Cap.
tain Clark went on the flagship New
York, which had just arrived. The cap.
tain of the Resolute reported that he
had been pursued by a Spanish vessel.
Captain Clark remarked that it must be
one of Cameras fleet, which had come to
form a junction with Ccrvera's fleet, but
had arrived too late. Admiral Sampson
was incredulous and did not say anything
at first, but afterwards turned and said:
well, Clark, you go after that Ship
Believing it was u Spanish battleship,
Clark said: "Admiral, why not take the
Brooklyn along?"
Certainly, Schley, you co. said Samp.
son. Clark said, Commodore, we have
knocked out several vessels this morn.
ing and can knock out another one."
Schley said: Certainly we can; come.
along"
Captain Clark said he was impressed
with the cheerful manner of Commodore
Schley. Captain Clark did not see the
attempt of the Spaniards to ram the
Brooklyn, but this is explained by the
fact that the Oregon did not reach the
vicinity of the Brooklyn until after the
turn had been made Ind was not in a DO.
sition to see it.