Evening journal., 1901-12-14
SCHLEY COURT
MAKES REPORT
Majority Findings Against
Him iB Eleven Points
ADMIRAL DEWEY SUSTAINE Hin
Famous loop" Caused Vessels TO
Lose Position With EnemT--RaVner
KeeRlV Disappointed
ADMIRAL DEWEY SUSTlINS Hin

Washington. Dec. 14-The mcsl
prolonged interesting and importan
naval tribunal ever held in this coun
try came to a close yesterday, when
Secretary Long was handed the find.
ings Of the court OF inquiry which in.
quired into the conduct of Rear Ad.
miral Schley during the Santiago
campaign. The result was a complete
surprise, and il is probable that nc
prophecy has approached the truth.
Instead Of one report there are two.
Both are signed by George Dewey,
president. and by Samuel c. Lemly, as
Judge advocate. This is a form said
70 be recognized in all courts of in.
quiry. the signatures of the other
members not being necessary. But il
is explained that Admiral Dewey
signed the second report, a minority
report. to express his qualifications
of OF dissent from the views expressed
by the court, comprising beside him
self Admirals Benham and Ramsay in
the first report.
Majority Report.
The majority report condemns Ad
miral Schley on eleven points, while
Admiral Dewey sustains him in
most particulars. The majority opin
ion finds that Commodore Schley,
in command Of the flying squadron,
should have proceeded with the utmost
dispatch off Cienfuegos and should
have maintained a close blockade OF
that port
He should have endeavored on May
% at Cienfuegos to obtain information
regarding the Spanish squadron by
communicating with the insurgents at
the place designated in the memoran-
dunn delivered to him at S15 a. m. OF
that date
He should have proceeded from Cien-
fuegos TO Santiago de Cuba with all
dispatch. and should have disposed his
vessels with a view of intercepting the
enemy in any attempt to pass the flying
squadron.
He should not have delayed the
squadron for the Eagle.
He should not have made the retro
grade turn westward with his squadron.
He should have promptly obeyed the
navy departments order of May 25.
He should have endeavored to cap
ture or destroy the Spanish vessels at
anchor near the entrance Of Santiago
harbor on May % and 3O
He did not do his utmost with the
force under his command to capture or
destroy the Colon and other vessels Of
the enemy which he attacked May 81.
BY commencing the engagement on
July with the port battery and turn
ing the Brooklyn around with port
helm, Commodore schley caused her to
lose distance and position with the
Spanish vessels. especially with the
Niscaya and Colon.
The turn of the Brooklyn TO star
board was made to avoid getting her
into dangerous proximity to the Span
ish vessels. The turn was made
towards the Texas, and caused that
vessel TO stop and to back her engines
70 avoid possible collision.
Admiral Schley did injustice to Lieu
tenant Commander A. C. Hodgson In
publishing only a portion Of the cor
respondence which passed between
them
Commodore Schley's conduct in con-
nection with the events Of the Santiago
campaign prior to June ], 1898. was
characterized by vaccilation. dilatori-
ness and lack of enterprise.
His official reports regarding the coal
supply and the ooaling facilities of the
flying squadron were inaccurate and
misleading.
His conduct during the battle of
July was self-possessed. and he encour-
aged, in his own person. his slbordi.
nate officers and men to fight courage
ously.
GEORGE DEWEY.
SAMIrET, & 1EATTV