Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-10-28
did say be had shot the stern OF one
and the bow of another and wrecked q

( third Spanish ship. 1t followed his
question II had seen Jack Philip run
away from the fight on July 3 10 when
| l corrected him" 10 reply to questions
by Rayner Schley said the Brooklyn In
making the loop did not pass to the
south OF the line more than her tactical
diameter, 600 yards. She did not run
south, and any statement to the con-
trary is q mistake. After the d.
rect examination OF Admiral Schley
| Captain Lsmly began the cross exsmi-
alton. 10 answer to the question: What
official instructions did you get at Key
| West from the Commsnder-in-C hiei?"
Admiral Schley replied: "Nothing ex.
cspt the order to proceed to Cienfuegos
and conversations have already detail
ed. He said he would take the block
ade on the north shore of Cuba and /
should have the south side. He repeat.
ed the confidential order OF the depart
mept that ships should not be exposed
to these forts until Cervers's feet was
DESTROYED" 10 answer to another ques-
ton "Did it never occur to you that the
| Spanish feet would have to put into an
intermediate port to coal?" the Admiral
answered: "No. Admiral Sampson be-
lieved IL was going to Cienfuegos aud so
did l. Under CerVera's assumed in
structious could not conceive of his
putting into remote port" Court took
noon recess.
"What do you say as to the reception
Of the "dear Scbley" letter." was next
4 a.. Of An~
receiving it until the % but l recalled
later that l must have received it on
May %. Why my secretary did not
place the receiving stamps on the copies
received l cannot say. That was
his custom" 'In your letter to the
Senate you slate that this communics.
ton on the % confused the situation.
Did it confuse the situation when it
came on the 22?' "Well, l should say
it did not, ss l received next day the
order to proceed to Santiago"
The Secretary of the Navy has or
dered the court martial which is to try
Col. Rob.. l.. Meade, OF the Marine
Corps, to assemble at the New York
navy yard on November II. The
charges and specifications upon which
| Colonel Meade is to be tried will be made
public tomorrow after the accused shall
have had an opportunity to see them.
Lieutenant General Miles's altered
views regarding the army csnteen were
made public this morning through the
medium of bis annual report to the
Secretary OF War. On previous oc.
casions General Miles had favored the
sale OF beer and light wines at the post
exchanges, but, az announced several
days ago, the General has changed
| front on the subject. This is. fully
evidenced by his report, in which be
uses the following language: 'Much
has been said concerning the army
canteen. 1t was place of amusement
and recreation for the enlisted men,
where they could enjoy reading books
and papers, playing games, etc., end
could purchase light wines and beer.
The Government has now by act of
Congress prohibited the sale OF intoxi-
eating beverages in the canteen, and it
ia believed that no injury has resulted
thereby and that the law has 10 the
main been beneficial. The prediction
that the change would prevent
enlstments and increase assertions
has not been fulfilled. Since the
law was approved the recruiting
stations have been thronged with
men seeking enlistment for the service,
and the percentage of deser.ion is now
far less than in former years. It is
expected" says the report, that the
force in Cuba will be very much re-
duced 10 the near future aud it Is hoped
that the force in the Philippines can
also be very much reduced. 1t will,
however, be necessary to occupy with
military and naval forces for an indef-
mite time certain strategic positions In
that archipelago" On one other subject
the Lieut.. Generals opinion is interest
ing. He says that the tendency to absorb
and usurp the entire conduct of the
| military establishment In the city Of
Washington and especially In the staff
department is one OF the principal de-
fects Ia our military system. He recon-
mends that decentralization be effected
as far as possible and that all proper
and lawful authority be restored to
subordinate commanders.
What will In all probability be the
shortest presidential message ever sent
from The White House to Congress
is nearing completion now. President
Roosevelt has intimated to the men,
bers OF his Cabinet that he will read the
message as far as completed to them
sometime this week, probably on FRI
day. 1t is understood that reciprocity,
the trusts, encouragement OF the mer-
chant marine, the Pacific able,c the
Nicaragua canal, and the need OF a
greater navy will be the principal
topics discussed. Regarding trusts,
the President although holding strong
opinions, will not recommend any
special legislation but will tell Con-
gress that such measures should be
passed as will prevent the giant COM
binations from menacing the prosperity
of the country. 1t is understood that
the President does not favor further
reduction OF the war taxes, believing
that the surplus should be expended 10
lettering the navy and the coast de.
lenses OF the United States and our
foreign possessions.
President Roosevelt has informed the
members of his Cabinet that he will
read to them for criticism during
the present week his annual mes
sage to Congress. He has received no
assistance from them in its preparation
and 1t is said bis decision to eliminate
bis Cabinet In writing bis message may
result In designations. He will devote
some space to the subject OF trusts and
may urge the Sherman law amendment
for the prosecution OF trusts. He favors
on aYnandinn navy and will tnnnh an