The Saint Paul globe., 1901-12-21
Counsel for Admirals Sch1ey and Sampson, or
the Navy Department. File Objections
with MI. Long.
Rayner and Parker Put in Forcefsd Indictment
OF the Ramsey-Benham Report Lemly
and Hanna Indorse 1t.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.-The objection
of Admiral w. I. Sampson to that por-
tion of Admiral Dewey's report OF the
Schley court of inquiry in Which he says
ADMIRAL Schley was in command at the
battle off Santiago and entitled to the
credit of the victory was filed with Sec
retary Long today. The document was
Brought to the navy department by e.
S Theall, of counsel for Admiral Salnp-
son, and handed to the secretary. 1t is
as follows:
''Sir-As counsel for Rear Admiral
Sampson, we have the honor to request
that the department, for the reasons be-
low stated strike out or specifically dls-
approve that portion of Admiral Dewey
opinion filed in connection with the pro-
ceedings of the Schley court of inquiry
il. which he states his view to be that
Commodore Schley was in absolute COM
mand at the naval battle of Santiago.
First-Commodore Schley was not i'll
command at that battle.
Second-The president of the United
States and the navy department had de-
cided that Admiral Sampson was in COM
mand at that battle, and Commodore
Schley second in command.
Third-The question as to who COM
handed at Santiago was not referred to
the, court for consideration, and evidence
bearing Oh the point was excluded.
Was in Signaling Distance.
1t is true that the commanders inc chief
could not have reached the most dis
tant vessel by signals, except by causing
them to be repeated by an intermediate
Vessel-an entirely usual cOurse-but IT
is equally true that the second in com
mand could not have reached the remote
Nessels of the fleet, namely, the Indiana
and the Gloucester, without likewise re-
peating signals.
The Brooklyn's maneuver during the
action destroys any claim that Commo-
dore Schley may have had to the com
mand. The facts as to the loop are found
by the court. The findings and opinion
Show that he maneuVered without warn
ing the rest of the squadron, and i'll dis
regard of the feet formation.
The president of the United States and
navy department had decided that Adj
miral Sampson was in command at that
battle and Commodore Schley second III
command. This fact was before the
court. The question as to who command
ed at Santiago was not referred to the
court for consideration. Evidence bear
ing on the point was excluded If Com
modore Schley was in command, Admiral
Sampson was not, and if the question
as to which was in command was to be
considered by the court, surely Admiral
Sampson became an interested party, and
Under the precept was entitled to the
hearing which was repeatedly refused
him.
Object to Dcwey's Verdict.
The minority opinion expressed by Ad-
miral Dewey in this matter is at varl-
ance with all the rulings of the court in
this regard, and directly contradicts the
letters wherein Admiral Dewey, for the
court, defines Admiral Sampson's status.
The objections are signed by Stayton Il
Campbell and F. S. Theall, counsel for
Rear Admiral w. T. Sampson.
Board of Lawyers Proposed.
early in the day Admiral Schley be
came aware that the fact that the pro-
: test of Stayton & Campbell on behalf
of Admiral Sampson had reached Sec
rotary Long and he made a request of
the secretary to be furnish&l with an
official copy of the protest, but was m
formed that as the protests of both the
admirals at that time were being consid-
cred by the judge advocate general the
Secretary could not take immediate ac-
ton on the request. Secretary Long
went over to the White house some time
before the cabinet meeting and, it is un-
derstood, took with him the two docll-
mentS.
In the event that Secretary Long ap-
pAONCS tlle icCOHlIHeiiudIlOll Oh NdpI.
Lemly and Mr.. Hanna, it is said, upon
reliable authority, that the suggestion
Will be made to the president by Admiral
Schley's counsel that he appoint board
Of three eminent lawyers, one to be Sc
lected by himself, ana one each to be
selected by Admiral Schley and Admiral
Sampson, this board to weigh tie evi-
dence and report to the president. 1t is
said there are a number of prccedents
for such action.