The age-herald., 1901-09-13

Washington, September 12-Within three hours from the time of convening. the Schley court of inquiry today, 1t was announced that Rear Admiral Howison was disqualified from serving as mem Der of the court, and was excused from further duty. This brought proceedings to an abrupt termination, and caused a temporary adjournment of the court In order to permit the navy department to designate an officer to succeed Admiral Howison.
 A good sized crowd was assembled at the Washington navy yard, where tho court meets, to witness the coming and going of the prominent naval officers. who were to take part in the proceedings. Admiral Dewey and Admiral Schley nat urally were the principal figures in popu- lar interest. The latter had about him h distinguished party of counsel, including Jere Wilson, Attorney-General Isidor Raynor of Maryland, and Capt. James Parker, with MT. Teague acting as advis- ory counsel. The number of wives of naval officers present was noteworthy.
 A salute of seventeen guns in honor of the admiral of the navy marked the op- ening of the proceedings at o'clock. The first skirmish was opened by Admiral schley rising from his seat and speaking in strong voice, calmly and deliberately. challenging Admiral Howison's eligibility as member of the court.
 Three W .tnesses Testified.
 Three witnesses were brought forward in support of this challenge, namely Francis S. Frost, William E. Spon and Foster Nicholls. They gave very positive testimony as to expressions they had heard Admiral Howison make. favorable to Admiral Sampson, and unfavorable to Admiral Schley. MT. Frost testified to a statement Admiral Howison had made to him at Boston while witness was seek ing news as a reporter; MT. Spon to re- marks made while he and the admiral were journeying back to this country from Europe, and MT. Nicholls' conver- sation occurred during business call at Admiral Howison's private residence a. Yonkers, N, Y.
 Admiral Howison announced that he would make a writ of rejoinder to the statements of the three witnesses. This rejoinder he prepared very speedily. While conceding the accuracy of some points in the evidence it threw consider able doubt on other points and disclaimed any recollection of the talks said to have taken place on the transatlantic steamer.
 It was not sufficient, however, to coun- teract the very direct testimony given by the three witnesses, and moreover the admiral himself in concluding his state ment indicated plainly that he had no desire to remain on the court, and was there simply 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.
 Howison cross-ouestioned.
 Before submitting the challenge to the determination of the court Mr. Raynor cross-examined Admiral Howison very minutely as to his personal sentiments to- wards Admiral Sampson and Admiral Schley and 1t developed that Admiral Howison has expressed certain definite convictions as to Admiral Sampson's re- tention of authority and responsibility even while he was absent temporarily from the fleet at Santiago. The challenge was then submitted to the court, which under the circumstances was narrowed down to Admiral Dewey and Rear Adm;- ral Benham to pass upon. After hardly more than fourteen minutes spent in re- tirement to the consultation committee of the court Admiral Dewey briefly an- nounced that the court sustained the chal- ienge and that Admiral Howisonswozld