The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-11-08

know, and during the bombardment
he wigwagged to the Iowa. at 2.05 p,
m. DO net go in any closer
1T has been claimed that the object
of this affair of May 81 was to develop
the enemy's batteries and that this
was accomplished. There is, however
a great deal of doubt, in view of the
varying signals and statements made
by the commodore both before and af-
ter the action, as to what the real OBJ
ject was, whether a reconnaissance, or
an attempt to destroy the Colon.
Regarding it as a reconnaissance,
should the strength of the enemy's fire
have been successfully developed by
such distant firing? Had the enemy
heavy guns unknown to the attacking
force heAshould not have been tempted
to show the fact in view of the range
employed. His game would have been
to drive his assailants into coming
closer either then or on another occa-
sion. But the weight of the evidence IS
that even as a reconnaissance, the af
fair was futile.
THE defense to the failure to go in
closer on May 81, by pleading at this
time the cautionary order of April g.
does not appear to be sufficient, even
if the commodore was acquainted with
its contents. The order mobiles itself,
and from first to last clearly indi-
Gates that our fleet was to be kept for
the Spanish ships and that the destruc-
ton of the latter was its paramount
mission"
Coming to the battle of July 3, Capt.
Lemly said:
Il have never doubted, and the evil
dence adduced confirms my view in
this respect, that the Brooklyn, as
ship, did conspicuous duty in this bat
tie. On the other hand, / submit that
the evidence shows that it was cap
tain's fight, and, without disparagement
of Commodore Schleys personal con-
duct on that occasion, that there was
no such concerted acton Of the YES
sells engaged as to indicate their con-
troll by any one person. All evidently
strove to do their utmost and thus
was accomplished one of the grandest
naval victories ever won.
"Of course the vessels stood in toward
the harbor entrance when it was dis
covered that the enemy's vessels were
making a sortie. Such was not only
their prescribed duty, but their natur-
al and proper course in such circum-
stances In like manner, when the
Spanish fleet stood to the westward, it
was the duty of our vessels to follow, |
whether or not signal. follow the flag,
was made
Discussing the Brooklyn's loop, Capt. |
Lemly expressed the opinion, based up
on evidence, that in turning to star
board when all the other American yes
sells turned to port, the Brooklyn en- |
dangered not only the Texas, but other |
vessels as well.
1T was clearly established that the |
Texas stopped and that she reversed !
one If not both of her engines" The |
responsibility of this move, he argued, |
rested entirely upon Commodore Schley |
and it could not be delegated to any |
one by him as a squadron commander. !
Capt Cooks evidence on this point |
seems as a whole" he said ito indl- |
cate that he considered himself in a |
naval duel, and initiated the turn to !
starboard without so much as asking f,
the commodore, within a few feet of !
him, whether he approved a step that !
involved squadron movements. This |
confirms the impression, upon which |
/ have already enlarged. that the bat |
tie of Santiago was captains fight !
At best the loop was a tremendous risk |
and, 1 submit, without adequate justifi- |
cation"
Whatever the distance the Brooklyn |
ran in making this turn, he contended |
that she did turn from, instead Of |
toward the enemy.
ut would SEEM" he said, that she !
should have adopted the other course, |
if not for the purpose of placing her !
self nearer Cervera's ships, at least in |
order to escape any possibility of en-
or delaying the other vessels |
of our squadron. For, had she been |
more imperilled individually by star |
boarding her helm. no injury to her !
from the enemy could have equalled !
the dire results of two United States |
ships virtually committing suicide.
1T is well known that unexpected in |
jury from friends is far more democrat |
izing in action than from the enemy. |
always to be expected. And, think Of /
the effect upon the enemy of a turn /
with starboard helm. which appears to /
have been disregarded. Taking the /
distance the time the turn was begun |
at the lowest figure given, say 1000 1
yards the Brooklyn would not have 4
run the tactical diameter toward the I
enemy if she had turned to port, par 4
If she had backed the port en-
CINE in turning"
After discussing briefly the Hodgson
incident and Commodore Sehley's al
legged remark. Damn the Texas" which
he said he did not consider a very
grave matter, Capt. Lemly closed his
speech and the entire argument of the
case with the following words:
From my knowledge Of the man,
having served under him on two
cruises. I have never believed. nor do
| claim from the evidence. that per-
sonal misconduct-or, 10 call spade