Evening star., 1901-09-12
Conversation on ShipbOard.

on my mind.
Conversation on ShipbOard.
Mr.. Rayner then called Mr.. William e.
Spon, bookseller and publisher, who had
met Admiral Howison crossing the ocean
on the steamship Minneapolis Of the At
lantic Transport line. Mr.. Spon said he
had sailed from London to New York Oc-
tober II, 1900. Admiral Howison was a pas
senger on the steamer.
The witness, and others while on board
talked about the Schley-Sampson contro-
versy, and some one made a remark ia
vorable to Admiral schley. Admiral How
ison, overhearing what was said, came
over to the group of passengers and con-
tradicted what was said.
The remark that had attracted Admiral
Howison's attention was in effect that a
junior officer should not be placed over a
senior officer as was done in the case OF
Sampson.
After interrupting them, Admiral Howl
and that schley was inferior to him. He
also said that Admiral Howison remarked
that Sch4ey was not In actual command of
the feet during the battle. Of Santiago. The
witness said that Admiral HOwison re-
marked: "Schley should be court-mar-
tailed"
This remark was accompanied by a decla-
ration on the part Of Howison that Schley
had been responsible for the controversy
between himself and Sampson In the news
papers.
Mr.. Rayner-"what was Admiral Howl
sons manner?"
my mind was that he had overheard our
conversation and that he was trying to
clear away from our minds any prejudice
we might have against Admiral Sampson
Mr.. Spon. in reply to questions by Mr..
Rayner, said that he had repeated the con-
versation to a friend of his who had
brought it to the attention Of Admiral
Schley, and that he had then been re-
quested to make an affidavit Of what he
said.
Foster Nichols Testimony.
Mr.. Foster Nichols who said he was en-
gagged getting out biographies Of various
officers who were prominent In the war
with Spain and in that connection had
called to see Admiral Howison.
The conversation drifted toward the char
acteristics Of the various naval officers. and
he said that Admiral Howfson referred to
Admiral Schley In an uncomplimentary
manner. He said that he could not recall
the exact language used by Admiral Howl
son on this occasion.
The Witness: HE gave me the impression
that he HowtSon) was decidedly unfriendly
to Admiral Schley, and that perhaps there
had been some trouble between them ]
thought 1t might have been some personal
matter
schley and Howison Talk.
Mr. Rayner then announced that that was
aV the testimony he had to offer, and,
nhoving his chair around next to Admiral
Schley. the admiral and his three counsel
proceeded to a consultation
While this was going on Admiral Howl
son looked toward Admiral Dewey and
smilingiy made some remark and the two
engaged In conversation. While the testi-
mony was being given Admiral Howison
paid close attention to what was being
said. his face showing no special emotion.
The conversation between Admiral Schley
and his counsel continuing, there was a
general movement In the room, and those
In the section reserved for visitors not be-
Ing able to hear anything. determined to
see what they could and stood up. A great
many of them left the room.
Upon the conclusion of this conference
Mr.. Rayner said he desired to address the
court. and remarked that the testimony
that had been offered had not been contra
dicted and that It must be accepted for
what It was worth He said that Admiral