The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-09-17

versation and that the other members
of the party had listened in silence 10
what he had to SAL From his whole
the witness went an; Il IN
fer that he was a very violent partisan
of Sampson and correSpondingly pre-
JUDGED against Schley. He was NOT
content to correct me as to Admlrai
Sampson. seemed willing to say
bitter things. almost vindictiveiy'
against Admiral Schley."
Foster Nichols. of Yonkers. n. Y,
Admiral Howison's place Of residence
was next called
In response to questions from MT.
Raynor he said that he had been at
Admiral Howison's home last July. he
had been with the admiral looking over
a book in which there was a picture Oh
Admiral Schley, when Admiral Howl
son remarked hat Schley had been
guilty of disobedience of orders ana
that in the English navy such conduct
would have deprived him of mis- posi-
ton. He got the impression that Ad-
miral Howison was unfriendly to Ad-
miral Schley and that there had been
a rupture between them.
Mr.. Raynor at this point called the
attention of the court to the fact that
the witnesses testimony had not been
answered. The letter Admiral Howison
had written to Acting Secretary Hack
EFT had not been produced. Neither
had Admiral Howison been asked TO
testify. After reading from a law au-
thority, Mr.. Raynor said that the issue
could not be argued until Admiral How
ison had been heard from.
Judge Advocate Lemly maintained
that Admiral Howison could make a
statement if he desired, either before
or after the arguments.
Admiral Howison settled the matter,
however, by reaching forward his cap
and whispering to Admiral Dewey.
The latter then announced that Admir-
al Howison would make his response
at once.
Thereupon ADMIRAL Howison with
drew to the private apartments in the
rear and the court took an informal re-
cess.
HOWISON'S REPLY.
When the court r~econvened Admiral
Howison presented his reply which was
read by Judge Advocate Lemly, as fol-
lows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen:
I'm reply to the objection to me as a
member of this court, / submit a copy
of my personal letter to h Hon. Frank
w. Hackett, which has been made
public by the navy department. Mr..
Frost, I think, is answered in this letter
above referred to. Mr.. Spon'S state
ment is one I cannot father. 1 positive
ly do not remember his face at all. Mr..
Frost's face is familiar although I have
not seen him for two years or more.
and Mr.. Spon by his statement, only
last October.
"Mr. Nichols did call at my house at
YonkerS. on a very hot day on his own
business. He would not take no ad-
mittance' for an answer and during his
stay he did discuss with me several
nav matters, among which was the
Sampson-Schley much talked Of affair.
Our talk vas short, as I desired him to
cav me in peace.
81 desire to say tina I am, as you
know, here to obey the orders of the
| department to report to you for duty
as a member Of this court; 1t is not
optional with me to obey or not obey
these orders. My commission requires
obedience. These orders wer, not
sought by me, nor are they agreeable
ones, but I have been taught obedience
| to all lawful orders by my long service
in the navy.
81 do not propose to enter into the
subject Of my private discussions. !
do not wish to recall for the informa-
ton of the public what has been said
to me by acquaintance; in fact, it
YOU be a difficult task to perform,
| Private u~tterances are not long retain
ed. particularly when there is no per
sonal interest in the matter under dis
cussion.
81 sincerely hope that, during the ex-
animation of my eligibility for member
ship should there be any doubtful points
/ in the minds of the unobjected-tc
members of this court, all such points
be decided in favor of Admiral Schley
who is the one most particularly con-
cerned in the investigation to follow
1 will accept my detachment as I have
my orders for this duty, as an officer
should.
81 ave nc personal feelings and nc
personal interests in the matter to come
before the court, except the interests
have for the good of the service.
have great faith in the impartia1ity
and justice of naval officers serving or
courts and sincerely hope hat the re.
suits finally obtained may be satisfac'
tory to our W. and to u country"
Assistant Judge Advocate Hanna. a:
a further part Of the admiraI's reply
read the latter's letter of explanation
to Secretary Hackett, made public some
days 6 q.
HOWISON CROSS EXAMINED.
Mr.. Raynor asked permission to inter.
ogate Admiral Howison. The cour
granted permission and the eXamina'
ton proved to be one of the most inter.
esting features Of the days proceed
ings. Mr.. Raynor pressed his question: