The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-08-30
HOWISON IS
HEARD FROM.
The Admiral Writes a Letter
to the Department
Denying the Interview With
Which He Was Credited.
WANTS TO STAY ON.
Indicates Plainly a Desire to
Sit in the Court
Which Is Formed to Investi-
gate Admiral Schley.
He Thinks He Could Do 1T Just
About Right.

Washington, Aug 30-Acting Secre-
tary of the Navy Hackett today made
public personal correspondence between
Rear Admiral Howison and himself rel
ative to the fitness of the admiral to
serve upon the court of inquiry, Ad-
miral Howison having consented that
this personal letter should be given to
the public. A copy of Rear Admiral
Howison's letter has been sent to Ad-
m1raI Schley. The correspondence is as
follows:
.Yonkers, N. Y, Aug a. 1901.
Dear Sir:-I have just returned to
my home after a short visit to Sara
toga and Lake George. Owing to my
detail as a member of the court of in
quiry, ordered to meet on September
u, next, I find that many newspapers
are giving me credit for having served
my country. in the United States navy
for nearly half a. century, with honor
I see also that I am thought to be
Objectionable as a member of this court
of inquiry, it being stated that l pub
Icly expressed opinions on the conduct
of the Battle of Santiago while serving
as cOmmandant of the Boston navy
yard, shortly after the result of that
engagement was known. / believe the
service knows as I do that I do not at
tempt to make public speeches, write
utterances on naval or other subjects
1t has been impossible for me to avoid
the visits and questions of representa-
tives of newspapers while serving at
important stations and at times when
the navy has been SO busily employed.
The letter here refers to the writer's
pleasant relations with newspaper men
at Mare Island, Boston, and other sta
tions and continues as follows:
when the news of our navy's sue
a nil q = "a 90
reached Boston, the people there were
not behind the rest of the United
States in giving honor and praise to
the navy and to the commander-in-
chief of the fleets.
THE enthusiasm of the population in
praise and honor for the officers and
men engaged at Santiago lasted for
sometime until later, when the troubles
commenced as to where the credit or
honors should go for the success of this
engagement
1T is no news to the navy to say
that where all do their duty, the first
honors for success go to the officer in
chief command. Censure for failure
also belongs to him
This newspaper cutting in question
contains a statement in which it is said
that I made comparison between
Schley and Sampson, unfavorable to
Schley.
1.-The word respected as used by the
reporter is seldom or never employed
by navy men in comparing the qualities
possessed by officers and l am sure
could never have said this as he reports
nor said that Schley had the reputation
of being nervous and hot headed in the
naval academy.
''One may say an officer stands higher
in his class If true: and may stand
higher in scientific attainments, while
another be distinguished for eminent
diplomatic and social qualities, while
all under discussion are of good stand
professional calling.
Il have no recollection of the gentle
man representing the Boston Record
and do not approve of his public
statement as mine. / can not say that
I have not discussed with acquaint-
ances matters published in the news
papers relating to our navy's success as
well as the unfortunate disputes so
widely commented upon.
There are few or no persons in the
navy or in our country who have not
daily discussed these newspaper ar
ticles.
Prom the papers it appears that Ad-
miral Schley has strong doubts as to
my fitness to fairly judge this case with
Admirals Dewey and Benham-
'.As 1t is a. case of grave Importance
to those concerned and to the country
I am deSirOuS of giving my little help to
clear away the troubles.
1.-The duties of members of courts
martial and courts of inquiry are not
sought or desired by officers.
'tWhiIe I feel highly hOnored by the
departments selection of myself for
this duty, it is anything but a pleasant
task to sit in judgment on brother Off
GERS.
However the honor of the selection,
nor the unpleasantness of court duties
do not enter into the reasons for my
now writing to say to you, personally,
three things. viz;
First, to reaSSure you that / am not
responsible for and did not give out
such an interview as is alleged in the
dispatches from Boston and as stated
in the neWspa Ders to have been men
toned by Admiral Schley in a recent
letter to the department.
Second, if, however. the department
feels that the cause of the navy and of
Justice will be better served by reliev-
ing me from duty on the court, I am
ready to withdraw voluntarily or to
have the department relieve me upon
its own initiative
Third if on the other hand. the de-
partment knowing all the circumstances
desires that 1 should perform the duty
I am entirely ready to perform and can
upon my conscience and oath do my
duty IS a member of the court without
partiality' as the law requires
Yours sincerely and respectfully,
II. T.. HOWISON,
Rear Admiral, u s. N
Hon. Frank w. Hackett, Washington,
D. c."
Mr.. Hackett replied as follows:
Washington, Aug. g. 1901