The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-12-21
BLAMED AND PRAISED.
OPINIONS IN THE SCHLEY COURT
OF INQUIRY.
Benham and Ramsay Censure Schley
Admiral Dewey Endorses Him.

On Friday night of last week the findings
of the Schley Court of Inquiry were made
public. a few hours after their receipt at the
NAVY Department Benham and Ramsay,
two of the Court, censure Sehley for alleged
omissions and commissions, and Admiral
Dewey endorses Schleys tactics and awards
him full and complete praise for the destruction
of Cervera's feet. Benham and Ramsay
know little of modern naval warfare, while
Dewey had "a little experience at Manila.
Below will be found the two opinions from the
Court, filed with the Secretary of the Navy
Findings of Benham and Ramsay.
Commodore Schley, in command of Flying
Squadron, should have proceeded with utmost
dispatch off Cienfuegos and should have main
tanned 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
memorandum delivered to him at 8. 10 A. M.
of that date.
He should have proceeded from Cienfuegos
to Santiago de Cuba with all dispatch and
should have disposed his vessels with 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 retrograde
turn westward with his squadron.
He should have promptly obeyed the Navy
DEPARTMENTS order of May 25.
He should have endeavored to capture or
destroy the Spanish vessels at anchor near the
entrance of Santiago harbor on May 20 and 3d.
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 on May 81.
By commencing the engagement on July 3
with the port battery and turning the Brooklyn
around with port helm Commodore Schley
caused her to lose distance and position with
the Spanish vessels, especially with the Viscaya
and Colon.
The turn of the Brooklyn to starboard was
made to avoid getting her into dangerous
proximity to the Spanish vessels. The turn
was made toward the Texas and caused that
vessel to stop and TO back her engines to avoid
possible collision.
Admiral Schley did injustice to Lieut.. Com.
A. C. Hodgson in publishing only portion
of the correspondence which passed between
them
Commodore Schley's conduct in connection
with the events of the Santiago campaign prior
to June l, 1898, was characterized by vacllla-
ton, dilatoriness and lack of enterprise.
His official reports regarding the coal sup
ply and the coaling facilities of the Flying
Squadron were inaccurate and misleading.
His conduct during the battle of July was
seIfpossessed, and he encouraged, in his own
person. his subordinate officers and men to
fight courageously. GEORGE DEWEY,
Admiral United States Navy, President.
SAMUEL c. LEMLY,
Judge Advocate General United States Navy,
Judge-Advocate.
Admiral Dewey's Opinion.
Admiral Deweys opinion is as follows:
In the opinion of the undersigned the pas
sage from Key West to Cienfuegos was made
by the Flying Squadron with all possible dis
patch, Commodore Schley having in view the
Importance of arriving off Cienfuegos with as
much coal as possible in the ships bunkers
The blockade of Cienfuegos was effective.
Commodore Schey in permitting the steam
er Adula to enter the port of Cientuegos ex-
pected to obtain information concerning the
Spanish squadron from her when she came out.
The passage from Cienfuegos to point
about % miles south of Santiago was made
with as much dispatch as was possible, while
keeping the squadron unit.
The blockade of Santiago was effective.
Commodore Schley was the senior officer of
our squadron off Santiago when the Spanish
squadron attempted TO escape on the morning
Of July 8, 1898. He was in absolute command
and is entitled to-the credit due to such COM
handing officer tor the glorious victory which
resulted in the total destructionof the Spanish
ships. GEORGE DEwEY,
Admiral U. S. NJ.
SAM. c. IEMLY,
Judge Advocate. General U. S. N, Judge
Advocate,
The recommendations.
In view of the length of time which has
elapsed since the occurrence of the events of
the Santiago campaign, the Court recommends
no further proceedings be had in the premises.
GEORGE DEWEY,
Admiral U. S. N, President.
SAN. c. LEMEY,
Judge Advocate General U. S. N, Judge
Advocate.