The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-09-27
CAUSES ADJOURNMENT OF THE SCHLEY
COURT FOR THE DAY.
announcement OF THE DEATH
After Court Convenes Causes q
tators-Mr. Raynor Makes the An
nouncemsnt, Stating That He Was
With the Judge at 10 O'Clock That
Morning Schroeder and Bates on the
stand tor n Short While.

Washington, September 24.-The
Schley court of inquiry was brought TO
a sudden termination for the day eigh-
teen minutes after convening this
morning. by the announcement of the
death of Judge Jeremiah Wilson, senior
counsel for Admiral Schley. The an
nouncement was made to the court by
Hon. Isador Raynor, assistant counsel
in the following language:
Il have very sad announcement TO
make TO the court. | have just heard
of the death of Judge Wilson. 1 left
him at 10 o'clock this morning, slightly
indisposed. 1 was with him until late
last night. 1 saw him this morning at
o'clock and left him at 10 o'clock. We
have confirmed the rumor through the
telephone that he has just died at the
Shoreham hotel, and l would respect
fully ask the court, if it meets with tie
approval of the court, to adjourn for to-
day."
Admiral Dewey said: II have to an
nounce that, owing to the death OF
Judge Wilson, of counsel, this court
will adjourn for today, until tomorrow
morning"
Mr.. Raynor said that, so far as he
could now see the counsel for Admiral
schley would be able to proceed torno"-
row. but he added that there would be
a desire to attend the funeral when it
occurred. Admiral Dewey and Captain
Lemly agreed that this detail could be
agreed later.
The announcement of Judge Wilson's
death created CONSERVATION not only
among members of the court but
among the spectators and some min
utes elapsed before people generally
would accept the report. The judge
had been present in the court all day
yesterday and while he had not partic-
ipated to any great extent in the pro-
ceedings he had appeared physically
active and wide awake to all that was
said and done.
All the members of the court, in
Guiding counsel for the government and
for Admiral Schley expressed the Ut
most surprise and sorrow over the news,
while Admiral Schley himself said:
THE news is SO shocking that L cam
not trust myself to give expression to
my estimate of the man. l only say
that have lost not only a clear headed
and brilliant counsel but also dear
and much beloved friend. 1 am shock
ed beyond measure at the news, and
find myself almost unable to accept the
report
The proceedings of the court were
rendered very brief by the announce
ment of Judge Wilson's death. Com
mander Bates and Admiral Schroe1 der
were recalled for the reading the off,
cial report of their testimony as given
yesterday and First Glass Machinist
\. 3. ClaXton, OF this city, who had
charge of the port engine of the Texas
on the day of the battle off Santiago
had just taken the stand when the an
nouncement of Judge Wilson's death
was received.
1t had been expected by the govern
ment that Mr.. Claxton would confirm
the statement of Engineer Bates con-
cerning the reversal of the enginees of
| the Texas.
During the short time that he was
| on the stand Engineer Bates was asked
| a few questions. One of these was by
Captain Parker and was in regard 10
| the steam log of the Texas. In reply
| to the first inquiry, Commander Bates
| said that the log had been written up
| the day after the battle.
| The other questions were by the court
| and related, the first to the coal supply
| of the Texas, on May 26, 1898, and the
| second to the condition Of the machin-
| cry Of the Texas, on the 31st Of that
month. The questions Of the court and
| the responses to them were as follows:
| Are you positive that the quantity
of coal reported on hand May 26th was
| correct?"
| Yes, sir. as nearly as anybody can
| be positive. There was no accurate
| means of weighing what was sent us,
| and generally there is no absolute &C
| curate means by which coal is weighed
coming aboard ship. All naval officers
| know that coal is weighed to the best
| of our ability and an accurate account
| kept to the best of our ability and 4,
| is generally a good estimate. 1t is
| weighed out in the same way.
| WAS the machinery of the Texas ir
efficient condition for service on MAJ
! 31st?"
''I should say. by recollection, yes ]
| do not recollect that anything was
wrong about the machinery"
| Judge Advocate: 1T is the day of the
| bombardment of the Colon that is re.
| ferred to. the 31st of Nav"
| Commander Bates: There was moth
| ing the matter with the engines as ]
| remember. On that date we were of
| coaling-'
1t had been the intention of the cour,
to call Admiral Cotton, Captain Wise
| and others connected with the govern
| ment scout ships Immediately after the
| discharge Of machinist Claxton-
Admiral Dewey said that he did not
| think the proceedings Of the court
| would be interferred with largely by
| Judge Wilson's death. There would, lie
added, be another adjournment on ac-
count of the funeral. but beyond that
| he did not anticipate there would be
a further cessation of the proceedings.