Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1901-12-20
THE sCHLEY VERDICT.
Reached at Last by the Naval Court OF In
ouiry-A Division of Opinion,

ouiry "A Division OF Opinion
The naval tribunal, after nearly
three months open and secret consld-
Grafton of the case of Admiral Schley
in relation to his conduct during the
Santiago campaign, handed its ind
ings to Secretary Long Friday. There
nre two reports both signed by AID
mirol Dewey as president, this being
form recognized in all courts of in
ouiry. the signatures of the other mem
bers not being necessary. Inc ma
iority report in which Admirals Ben
ham and Ramsay concur, condemns
Admiral Schley on Is matters. Inc
minority report, it is explained, was
signed by Admiral Dewey to express
his qualification of, or dissent from,
the views expressed by the court com
posed besides himself of Admirals Ben
ham and Ramsay Admiral Dewey
agrees with the findings of facts SUB
scribed to by the Others, but IN ms
opinion he sustains Admiral Schley ID
practically all particulars, ,
The majority opinion ilnd5 IN brlei
that Admiral Schley should have pro-
ceeded with the utmost despatch TO
Cienfuegos and maintained close
blockade. that he should have endeaV-
ored to have obtained information OF
the Spanish squadron there; that he
should have proceeded to Santiago
with despatch; that he should not
have DELAYED the squadron for the
Eagle on the way; that he should not
have made the retrograde movement :;
that he should have obeyed the depart
ment's orders: that he should have en-
deavored to capture the Spanish yes
sells in Santiago; that ne did not do ms
utmost to destroy the Colon; that he
caused the squadron to lose distance IN
the loop of the Brooklyn; that he
thereby caused the Texas to back; that
he did injustice TO llodgson; that ms
conduct in the campaign was charac-
terized bv vacillation, dilatorlneSs and
lack of enterprise; that his Official re
potts on the coal supply were mlSlGad
ing and inaccurate; that his conduct
during the battle was self possessed
and that ne encouraged in his own per
son his subordinate officers and men,
Admiral Dewey in his report says
that the passage to CienGuegos was
made with all despatch; that in view
of his coal supply the blockade OF
Cicufucgus was effective; that he al
lowed the Adula to eater Clentuegos
10 ret information that his passage 10
Santiago was with as much despatch
as possible, keeping the squadron to-
oethrr: that the blockade of Santiago
was effective, and finally, that he was
the senior officer OFT Santiago IN abSo
Lutte command, and entitled to the
credit due for the glorious victory
h., toll ~ ri
ton of the Spanish ships. The court
recommended no further proceedings
owing to the lapse of time.
1t is said at the navy department.
that there will be no further proceed
ings in this celebrated case on the de
partment's initiative.
When the conclusions of Admiral
Dewey were read to him Admiral
Schley showed his pleasure, and 1t
was evident from his manner that ne
regarded the statement from Admiral
Dewey as "A vindicatiOn of his cause. lie
declined to make any statement con
corning the courts findings. lsidor
Ravner, Schley's counsel, was keenly
disappointed at the courts findings
and said that he should counsel Ad-
miral Schley to fight the case to a
finish by every appeal that is possible,
Col. \. X. Mcclure of Philadelphia
pronounces the courts findings "a dis
grace TO lhe american nv, dro
says, 10 suppose ln"I 'I9 poori' ,ld
iooled 10y tue ietp'u Vi ~
Benham IS rluiculous' W o1t ,,, iUo-
the American people Oh "a a o "har i,'''n ~
the man who fights. They know him
and revere MN ne J"llS IS,rli,'oi !
to the fact that AulllIrals Renn"in "tlu ~,
Ramsay were se!ecleu lo[ me Co I1 r "I
we tt Nav. u'p"' ri,t,,tS h., praa;Jant
Mckinley. Sentiment IN Congress
and especially IN the senate no"
seems to be that no further actloh
should be taken IN the controversy as
continued agitation, II Is thought
would only bring dlScredlt upon the
( American navy ana reject upon 'he
American nation abroad WhlIr any
number of additional inquiries WliI not
change public sentiment. 1t Is tnere-
fore considered that congress Will not
take up the case. The opinion or most
of the members was expressed by sen
ator Hoar who Sald he was content To
abide by the opinion OF Admlrai Dewey
because OF ms superior iacllIlles lor
reaching correct conclusion.
Senator Foraker SAID: he SchIey
verdict was disgraceful and shameful.
mony gwen before the court anu ' llllI