The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-07-24
Controversy Between the Two
Naval Commanders Will Be
Officially Investigated.
QUESTIONS TO BE SETTLED.
Court Expected to Enter Into a
Full Investigation of Schley's
Part in the Cuban
Naval Campaign.
REPUBLIC Special.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Washington. July DIFFERENTIATION Of
the national controversy which arose with
the smoke of the Battle of Santiago is at
last assured. Rear Admiral Winfield Scott
schley has formally announced to his
friends that he has decided to ask the Secre-
'ais OF the Navy to appoint Court of In
auifS 10 make thorough investigation OF
ms conduct before and during the battle
WITCH resulted in the destruction of Ger
vera fleet. Believing himself to be the
victim OF injustice. he has told them that he
s wants complete vindication and courts the
iuiiest investigation.
believe that the first stem should h. on
investigation Of all motters by Court of
INJURY ~ and civil action afterwards" he said
a. 'eieeram to friend here. Il am pre-
pairing. he added. Ito take this course"
., rear Admiral Schley's dispatch. when
snowh 10 the authorities, aroused the keen
~ interest. Following upon the Admirals
.."'e,nent in The Republic on Sunday that
me time for talking had passed and the time
~. ACTON mad arrived. his decision is not
ssurprising. To the authorities who have
oeea anxious that there shall be the most
ae a.ehins inquiry. not only into the con-
u Ia o. Rear Admiral Schley, but that of
Aorniral Sampson and other officers,
aoe. announcement made by the Admiral is
ecep'eu with outward show Of satisfaction
>, Secretary Long declined Tonight "a NH
tba y uiscuss the Admiral's decision. Never
, u'Ss' II Is known that when the Ad-
is rs az a9plieation for Court of Inquiry
pe carefully considered and a court viii, ha
apipointed. the members of which will not
miral 81 Senior senior to Admiral Schley and Ad-
sense OF fairness is SO we'll known 70 ths
e eSy That Its findings will be accepted i'm
advance as eminently Just 40
clinad m - .ne nrst the authorities have de-
nn., 70 appoint Court of Inquiry be-
haeK,ng the initiative should come from Rear
nnannd S;Shley, as his honor has been i'm
tba sne ,ho dney have at all times Indicated
IN t,a - .ne court which they would appoint
IN Ease ne should make application for an
imauiry. would be one to which he himself
sta ua t maze no objection. In fact it is
WIZ appoint will be entirely satisfactory ~,
.ne ADMIRAL. and should he object TO any
one OF the members. undoubtedly a sub
stltute would be designated
From the preliminary consideration al.
ts aoS SIven The matter. It is evident that
me na court viii comprise: Admiral George
Benham. retired: Rear Admiral F NJ Pom
say, retired; Captain B. F. Lamberton
Judge Advocate. 'e' 'o'''
The court. win be instructed by Secretary
EyLs. IN view OF the purpose of Admiral
Schley to ask for investigation of ali mat
.srs, to inquire especially with reference to
lAcse POHllS.
DID Admiral Schley unnecessarily delav
ms departure from Cienfuegos for Santiago
Se Supa where he was advised that the
Spanish fleet had taken refuge?
was Admiral Schley guilty of reprehen
siole conduct in issuing orders for and
starting with the squadron under his COM
mand for Key West, after having arrived
south of Santiago de Cuba? -
III not guilty of reprehensble conduct. did
ne not commit a grave error of Judgment?
Was Admiral Schley justified in bonn
harding the harbor of Santiago, after he
finally reached that point, at a ranSe Of
more than five miles?
Was the blockade he established before
he was superseded In command of the
squadron by Rear Admiral Sampson effect
fve?
In the battle of Santiago de Cuba. was
the order for the celebrated loop made by
the Brooklyn issued by Admiral Schley or
Captain Cook?
Did Admiral schey display cowardice in
that battle?
Was Admiral schley actually in command.
and did he give orders to other vessels Of
the squadron during the battle, or was
Admiral Sampson actually in command?
1t is evident from the list of matters
which, the court will have to investigate
that 1t will enter upon a most serious and
lengthy inquiry.