Evening journal., 1901-09-13
KING ST.

hao Win llONlaOh last July at the idL'
tors house Admiral Howison said
to him that ii Schlcy hal been su
officer in the English navy he would
not have been allowed 90 retain his
commission. An said that Admiral
Howison had given them tho impress
sion that he was projudloed against
Admiral Schley
On concluding this testimony the
question arose whether Admiral How
ison would join issue with the state
ments made by the witnesses or would
rest on his privilege to withhold any
answer until he chose to submit It.
The admiral met the issue by turning
at once to Admiral Dewey and an
nouncing that he would make a writ
OF rejoinder to the statements of the
three witnesses. This rejoinder he
prepared very speedily. While con-
coding the accuracy of some points
In the evidence. It threw considerable
doubt on other points and disclaimed
any recollection of The talks said to
have taken place on the transatlantic
steamer.
ll was not sufficient, however, 20
eounteract the very direct testimony
given by the three witnesses. and,
moreover, the admiral himself. in con-
cluding his statement, indicated plain.
ly that he had no desire to remain on
the court, and was there simply in obe-
dience to orders. He even appealed to
his associates on the court to decide
all doubtful questions as to his eligi-
bility in favor of Admiral Schlev
During the crOss-eXamination Admi-
raj Howison said very emphatically:
81 have not the slightest desire to force
myself on this court. 1 do not want
to sit on g. 1t Is not agreeable duty,
for me. have no desire whatever to
do it., and 1 am not making any ex-
cuses for myself or for any OF my
private discussions with any one out
side. J think that is my own affair.
and nobody else is asked about these
private discussions. am perfectly
willing to get out"
Furthermore the admiral said he had
discussed the controversy in many con-
vcrsations during the past three years
on the basis OF newspaper reports
Some things he had said were favor
able to sehley and some to Sampson
He never said that Schley was hot
headed and impetuous for he never had
though him hot headed or nervous.
MIR. Rayner then in asking that Ad-
miral Schley's objection be sustained,
said he wished it distinctly understood
that there was no impeachment of the
admiral's integrity. or his capacity. or
his eminent qualifications: and not the
slightest criticism Of any remarks he
made at the time. lie had a perfect
right to talk about this matter and
to come to his own conclusions. but
the question remained. is the admirals
mind in such condition that il throws
upon us the burden OF proof to relieve
his mind OF prejudice that he has
against our side Of the case.
The challenge was then submitted
to the court OF inquiry. which. under
the circumstances. was narrowed to
/ Admiral Dewey and Rear Admiral Ben.
ham to pass upon. After hardly more
| ludn 10 minutes spent IN retirement 10
the consultation room OF the court
Admiral Dewey briefly announced that
the court sustained the challenge. and
that Admiral Howison would be ex
cused from further attendance. The
decision came so quickly and unex
pectedly that it sent futter Of -agi
tation throughout the court room
II Admiral Dewey in making the an
nouncement said: Il have to announce
that the objection OF the applicant tc
Rear Admiral Howison is sustained BY
the court. The admiral is excused
from service. for which, l know, he
is very glad
Il am, indeed" replied Howison.
There was a buzz of animated com
, There was buzz of animated com
ment, and Admiral Sehley exchanged
looks OF satisfaction with his counsel
Admiral Dewey then at once closed
the proceedings of the day by an
nouncing that the court would adjourn
Indefinitely until the navy department
s' had named an officer to succeed hd