Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1901-12-19
Says That to Him Is Due the
Credit for the Glorious Vic
tory at Santiago.
Admirals Benham and Ramsay, on the
Other Hand, Sustain All Charges
But That of Cowardice.
Findings Of the Court a Great Sur
prise-The Feeling in Congress as
to Further investigation.

Washington, Dec. 16.-The most pro-
longed, interesting and important
naval tribunal ever held in this coun-
try came to close Friday, having in
open and secret session lasted three
months short of one week, when Sec
rotary Long was handed the findings
of the court of inquiry which inquired
into the conduct of Rear Admiral
Schley during the Santiag0campaign.
For seven weeks the court heard testi-
mony, and for fully month it deiib-
Grated upon that mass of evidence,
finally reaching the conclusions an
nounced Friday. The result was COM
plete surprise, and it is probable that
no prophesy 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 form said
to be recognized in all courts of in
quiry, the signatures of the other
members, Admirals Benham and Ram
say, not being necessary. But it is ex-
planned that Admiral Dewey signed the
second report,a minority report, to ex-
press his qualification of or dissent
from the views expressed by the court
comprising beside himself rAdmirals
Benham and Ramsay, in the first re-
port. Z
The main report presents in very
full terms the questions involved and
the facts as developed by the testi-
mony given before the court of in
CURRY. Following is the opinion as
presented by the majority report:
Opinion of the Majority.
"Commodore schley, in command of the
flying squadron, should have proceeded
with 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 re-
garding the Spanish squadron by COM
municating with the insurgents at the
place designated in the memorandum de-
livered 10 him at S:15 a. m. of that date.
HE should have proceeded from Glen
fuegos to Santiago de Cuba with all dis
patch, 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 squad
ron 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 Is.
HE should have endeavored to capture
or. destroy the Spanish vessels at anchor
near the entrance of Santiago harbor on
May 20 and 90
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
with the port battery and turning the
Brooklyn around with port helm, Commo-
dore schley caused her to lose distance and
ly With the Viscaya ard Colon.
"The turn of the Brooklyn to starboard
was made to avoid getting her into dam
Eerous. proximity to the Spanish vessels.
The turn was made toward the Texas and
caused that vessel to stop and back her
engines to avoid possible collision.
Admiral Schley did injustice to Lieu
tenant Commander A. c. Hodgson in pub
fishing only a portion of the correspond
ence which passed between them.
Commodore Schley's conduct In con-
nection with the events of the Santiago
campaign prior to June l, 1898. was char
acterized by vacillation. dilatoriness and
lack of enterprise.
Ellis official reports regarding the coal
flying squadron were inaccurate and mis-
leading.
His conduct during the battle of July 3
was self-possessed, and he encouraged,
in his own person. his subordinate officers
and men to fight courageously.
GEORGE DEWEY,
admiral. U. s. N, President.
SAMUEL G. LEMLY. !,
"Judge Advocate General. U. s. NJ. Judge
Minority Opinion.
elm the opinion of the undersigned the
passage from Key West to Cienfuegos was
made by the flying squadron with all pos
sible dispatch, Commodore Schley having
in view the importance of arriving off
Cienfuegos with as much coal as possible
in the ships bunkers.
1.-THE blockade Of Cienfuegos was ef.
fective.
Commodore schley in permitting the
steamer Adula to enter the port Of Cienfue-
gos expected to obtain information con.
corning the Spanish squadron from her
when she came out.
1.-THE passage from Cienfuegos to point
about p miles south of Santiago was made
with as much dispatch as was possible
while keeping the squadron unit.
1.-THE blockade of Santiago was effective.
Commodore Schley was the senior off,
Ger of our squadron OFF Santiago when the
Spanish squadron attempted to escape on
the morning of July 8. 1893. He was in alb
solute command and is entitled to the credit
due to such commanding officer for the,
glorious victory which resulted in the to-
tai destruction of the Spanish ships.
GEORGE DEWEY.
admiral, U. 8. NJ, President.
SAMUEL C. LEMLEY.
"Judge Advocate General, U. s. N. Judge
Advocate"
Recommendation.
SIN view of the length of time which has