Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-08-01
The SCHLEY COURT.
Secretary Long Agrees to Investi-
gate the Admiral's Course.
COURT WILL MEET IN SEPTEMBER.
Too Hot Now for Onicen to Sit In Their
Full Dress Uniforms-The Sessions
Of the Court to Be
OD0n.

Voohih6 toH, Vuiy So'-occreIdry
Long, in accordance with request
from Admiral Schley, advised that
officer that he would order court of
inquiry to examine into the entire
matter OF Admiral Schley's course in
the Santiago naval campaign. Later
the secretary announced that, owing
to the extremely hot weather, the
court would not meet until Septem-
Der and that he would turn over his
reception room to the court. The
secretary said: ut is too hot now
and do not believe it would be very
comfortable for officers to sit in their
heavy full dress uniforms during Au-
gust. | issued an order some time ago
dispensing with the wearing of full
dress uniforms during a court-mar-
tial, but this case will be SO impor-
tant that every form Of official dig
nifty will be observed, even to the
guard of marines at the door. l pro-
pose to give the court the use of the
large reception room adjoining my
office, which is convenient and COM
modious place.
"Will the sessions of the court be
open?"
"Unquestionably," was the en-
phatic reply. 81 propose to make
that fact very plain. 1t would be a
great mistake to have secret court.
The country has the right to know all
that transpires in the way of testi-
mony offered. Personally, l should be
very glad to have a court composed
of large number Of officers, but the
naval regulations restrict me to the
selection of three. | hope to give the
personnel of the court tomorrow and
this will give the judge advocate and
recorder ample time to prepare list
of witnesses who are to be summoned.
This list will be necessarily quite
lengthy and 1t will take some little
time to assemble the officers here. I
do not believe that the session Of the
court will be prolonged, because, after
all, great deal Of talk over the San
tiago campaign is like the GENTS
vapor, which can be condensed in a
small bottle"
"Will Admiral Schley be allowed 70
name Witnesses"
admiral Schley,' was the reply,
twill be afforded every opportunity
for the appearance Of all the witnesses
he may desire. He is also entitled,
under the naval regulations, to be
represented by counsel"
While Secretary Long was not asked
whether the court of inquiry would
he asked to form and submit an opin-
ion upon the facts disclosed by the
investigation, it is considered quite
probable that this course will be pur-
sued. Unless the order converting the
court expressly requires this opinion
to be expressed, its report must be
confined to stating the facts found.
Secretary Long said that the per-
sonnet OF the court would be made
known to-day, at which time also the
precept converting the court probably
will be issued Meanwhile, there Is
much speculation as to the members
of the court other than Admiral
Dewey. The secretary himself says
there is no warrant for the announce
ment of any particular name, as he
still has the question under advise
ment. Tie has been making inquiries
during the day as to the availability
of certain officers and it is understood
that some telegrapnic inquiries nave
, been made of those absent from the
city to see If there is any reason why
they should not serve.