The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-11-07
CLIMAX REACHED.
Demonstration at the
SchIey Court of Inquiry.

Washington, Nov. THE climax of
the Schley court of inquiry came when
Mr.. Rayner, the chief counsel for Ad-
miral Schley concluded a brilliant ar
gument of over three hours with a
peroration so eloquent and impassion-
ed that all within the sound of his
voice We're profoundly touched. This
remarkable trial, he said, sought to
condemn the man who had brought to
a successful termination great a ma
val triumph as was ever won. In vivid
colors he painted the picture of the
Brooklyn, with Commodore Schley on
the bridge, fighting the entire Spanish
fleet until the Oregon appeared out of
the smoke. The thunders of the Brook
Ign, music for the ears of his country
men, he said, aroused Admiral Schley S
enviouS foes. He pictured the victorious
sailor suffering as few have suffered
for three long years, while the fires of
persecution leaped around him and now
awaiting the hour of his vindication
in the Verdict of the court.
"And when it comes,' he concluded,
che can from the high and exalted po-
sition that he occupies look down upon
his traducers and maligners and with
excellent pride exclaim:
." I care not for the venomous gossip
of clubs. drawing rooms and cliques,
and the poisoned shafts of envy and
malice. I await under the guidance of
Divine Providence the verdict of pos
terity.'"
The scene in the court room as he fin
ished with those words was thrilling.
The attendance had been large all day
and at the morning session, lady had
tainted from excitement AS Mr. Ray
ner began his eulogy of Admiral Schley
those in the audience, many of whom
were ladies, leaned forward in their
seats. The spell of his oratory was
over them and when he described the
admiral's gallant deeds and the long
persecution to which he had been sub
jected, many of them broke down and
wept. The members of the court dis
played evidences of emotion and Adj
miral Schley himself was plainly
moved. He sat leaning back with his
hands behind his head His chin
could afford to await the verdict Of
posterity two big tears rolled down his
cheeks. He moved uneasily to conceal
his emotion and, under the pretense of
adjusting his glasses, brushed the tears
aside. For fully 80 seconds after Mr..
Rayner closed there was not sound.
Then the tension broke in a loud burst
of applause.
Admiral Dewey, after about half min
ute arose to remind the spectators that
such a demonstration was out of place.
A moment afterward the court adjourn
ed, the judge advocate pleading that he
could not well go on. Then another re-
markable thing happened. AS soon as
the gavel fell the entire audience surged
forward to shake the hands of Admiral
Schley and Mr.. Rayner. But the on
coming spectators fell back a moment
as they saw Admiral Dewey and his
two assistants move around the table,
as if by a common impulse. and con-
gra tulate Admiral Schley and his coun-
sci. Even Captain Lemly, the Judge ad-
vocate came forward to join in the
congra tulations. Then the public had
its inning, and for Is minutes after the
court adjourned Admiral Schley and
Mr.. Rayner were kept busy shaking
hands.