The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1901-09-18
SGRLEY COURT ADJOURNED.
Admiral Howison Declared to be
Disqualified.

Washington, Sept. 12-Within three
hours from the time Of conyening, the
>Schley court of inquiry today announc-
ed that Rear Admiral Howison was
disqualified from serving as member
OF the court and was excused from fur-
ther duty. This brought proceedings
TO an abrupt termination and caused
a temporary adjournment of the court
in order to permit the navy de-
partment to designate an officer
to succeed Admiral Howison. Nc
further session is probable until
the early part of next week. Il
had been expected that little official
business would be accomplished on the
opening day, and the prompt decision
as to Admiral Howison came somewhat
as a surprise.
naturally were the premier figures IN
popular interest. The latter had
about him a distinguished array OF
counsel, including Hon. Jere Wilson,
Attorney General Isidor Raynor OF
MARYLAND and Capt. James Parker,
with Mr.. league acting as advisory
counsel. The German naval attache.
Capt. Rebeur-Paschwitz, occupied
one of the seats in the public area and
the number of wives of naval ofacers
present was noteworthy.
CHALLENGED BY SCHLEY.
A salute of II guns in honor OF the
admiral of the navy marked the open
ing of the proceedings at I O'Clock.
The usual formalities on the opening
of a court were transacted with dis
7,afeb. The first skirmish was opened
By Admiral Schley rising from MS
seat and speaking in strong voice,
calmly and deliberately, challenging
Admiral Howison's eligibility as a
member of the court. Three witness
es were brought forward in support
of his challenge, namely, Francls 5.
Frost. William E. Spon and Foster
Nichols. They gave very positive sestl,,
mony as to expressions they had heard
Admiral Howison make, favorable to
Admiral Sampson and unfavorahle to
Admiral Schley. Mr.. Frost testified
to a statement Admiral Howison had
made to him at Boston while the wit
ness was seeking news as a reporter,
1dr. Spon to remarks made while ne
and the admiral we're journeylng back
to this country from Europe on a
transatlantic steamer, and Mr.. Mich
oils conversation occurred during a
business call at Admiral Howison, 5
private residence in Yonkers, n. l.
On concluding this testimony, the
.ouestion arose whether Admiral Howl
son wopld ioin issue with the state
ments made by the witnesses, or
would rest upon his privilege to with
hold any answer until he choose to
submit it. The admiral met the issue
by turning at once to Admiral Dewey
and announcing that he would make a
written rejoinder to the statements OF
the three witnesses. This rejoinder he
prepared very speedily. While conced-
ing the accuracy of some points IN the
evidence it threw considerable doubt
on other points and disclaimed any re-
collection of the talks said to have
taken place on the transatlantic
steamer. 1t was not sufficient how
ever. to counteract the very olrect
testimony given by the three witnesses
and moreover the admiral hlmsel, IN
concluding his statement, indicated
plainly that he had no desire to re-
main on the court and was there SIM
ply in obedience to ORDERS He even
appealed to his associates on the court
to decide all doubtful questions as to
his eligibility in favor of Admiral
Schley.
Before submitting the challenge to
tho discrimination of the court, Mr..
Raynor cross examined Admiral Howl
son very minutely as to his personal
sentiments toward Admiral Sampson
and Admiral Schley and developed
that Admiral Howison had expressed
certain defined convictions as to Adml-
raj SIMPSONS retention of authority
and responsibility, even while he was
absent temporarily from the feet at
Santiago. The challenge then was
submitted to the court, which under
the circumstances, was narrowed to
Admiral Dewey and Rear Admiral
Benham, TO pass upon. After hardly
more than Is minutes spent in retire
ment to the consultation room Admi-
raj Dewey briefly announced that the
court sustained the challenge and that
Admiral Howison would be excused
from further attendance. The decls-
ion came so quickly and Unexpectedly
that it sent futter of agitation
throughout tie court room. There
was a buzz of animated comment. and
Admiral Schley exchanged looks Of
satisfaction with his counsel. Admi-
raj Dewey then Ut once closed the pro-
ceedings Of the day by announcing
that the court would adjourn indei-
nitely until the navy department had
named an Officer to succeed Admiral
Howison.