The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1901-12-21

DCN6NN'N "At co'N NoN oAN oNAAN
ment ''honor to whom honor is due
and declared that it was a victory O
the entire fleet, though in fact it haC
been the work Of the Brooklyn anC
Oregon. There was nothing Of the
cheap hero in Schley, who viewed the
defeat of the SpaniardS in the light OF
his country's honor.
But, the SeliShneSS Of man, some.
times ready to act even unto the DAM
nation Of the human soul, asserted
itself once more and men interested in
naval officers other than Schley
placed in history the statement that
the action of the admiral at Santiago
had been marked by cowardice. adding
other charges also. At once the
American people became aroused to
an extent seldom witnessed and their
anger knew no bounds, for in this
country among the people at large
there is a love of justice that makes of
US the greatest nation upon the face
Of the globe. Smarting under the
sting of this charge Admiral Schley
demanded of the navy department a
full Investigation and our readers are
all familiar with the tireSome pro-
ceedingS of the court of inquiry that
dragged along from day to day at the
national capital. When the evidence
had all been adduced there was no
change in public opinion, Schley was
the hero Of Santiago in the beginning
and such he proved to be at the end
ing Of that proceeding, regardless Of a
lot Of biased testimony by interested
parties who were seeking faults IN
Others with which to cover up their
own. But it was not so with the
court, a majority Of which condemned
Schley, submitting a report to the
navy department to that effect.
As a member Of this noted court.
however, sat Admiral Dewey, the
hero OF Manila. whose victory there
aroused the admiration Of the known
world, Dewey is not Of the hot-house
variety Of naval officers, but in the
thick and the smoke of battle has
honestly wOn renOwn as a sea fighter
worthy the name. Dewey credits
Schley with the victory at Santiago
and in doing so ~elevates himself in the
estimation Of the American people
and proves that he is superior to the
head of the department under which
he won renOwn.
Another attestation to the worth of
Admiral Schley and to his department
during the battle of Santiago comes
from General Miles, at the head Of the
army, when he SAYS:
Il am willing to take the judgment
of Admiral Dewey in the matter. He
has been a commander of a fleet and
as such was shown the anxietieS and
responsibilities which rest on a mar
under these circumstances. He was
instrumental in the destruction Of one
Spanish feet and knows and realizes
the feelings that encompass an officer
under such conditions. | think Dewey
has summed up the matter in a clear
and concise manner and ! believe his
conclusions will be Endorsed by the
patriotic people Of the United States.
| have no sympathy with the efforts
which have been made to destroy the
honor Of al officer under such circum-
stances"
Appropos of this l-begotten
conspiracy the INTELLIGENCER trusts
that investigation shall be pushed
until every man connected with it is
held up before the eyes of the Ameri-
can people that he NAV receive the
censure he deserves. But Of this we
have little hope, for there is clearly a
protecting nook in and around the
navy department into which these
fellows will be allowed TO crawl and
hide themselves from the public gaze
under cover Of so called naval discip-
line. However, the republican party
will have an opportunity to put itself
on record in this matter as Senator
Jones Of Arkansas has introduced a
resolution in the senate Of the United
States giving due credit to Schley for
his part in the Santiago victory and
generating him from the charges Of
those who seek his ruin. Watch the
vote on this resolution. It means a
great deal.