The San Francisco call., 1901-11-08

itself and from first to last clearly indicates
that our fleet was to be kept for the Spanish
ships and that the destruction of the latter
its paramount mission
Coming TO the battle of July 8, Captain Lemly
said:
II have never doubted, and the evidence ad-
duced confirm my view in this respect, that
the Brooklyn, ship, did conspicuous duty
. in this battle. On the other hand, 1 submit
that the evidence shows that 1t a captain s
fight. and, without disparagement of Commo-
dore Schley's personal conduct that occa-
of the vessels engaged as to indicate their con-
troll by any one person. All evidently strove to
do their utmost and thus was accomplished one
or the grandest naval victories ever won OF
course, the vessels stood in toward the harbor
entrance when it was discovered the enemy s
vessels We're making sortie. Such was their
natural and proper course under such circum
stance, In like manner, when the Spanish
n1 sSo 70 tn1 II was the duty OF
Follow flagship was made
Brooklyn's Famous Turn.
Discussing the Brooklyn's loop Captain Lemly
expressed the opinion. based upon evidence
American vessels turned to port the Brooklyn
endangered not only the Texas. but other ves-
sells as Well. 1t was. he said, clearly estab-
lished that the Texas stopped and that she re-
versed both of her engines The respon-
sibility for this movement he argued, rested
entirely upon Commodore Schley and it could
ron commander.
Captain Cooks evidence on this point seems
as whole" he said. Ito indicate that he con-
sidered himself in a naval duel. and initiated
the turn to starboard without so much as ask
ing the commodore. within few feet of him
whether ne approved step that involved
squadron movements, This confirms the i'm
preston upon which have already enlarged
that the battle of Santiago was a captains
hight. AT best the loop a tremendous risk
Whatever the distance the Brooklyn ran in
making this turn he contended that she did
TT would SEEM he said, that She Should
have made the other course, If not for the pur-
pose OF placing herself nearer Cervera's ships
at least in order to escape any possibility of
endangering delaying the other vessels of
our squadron. For, had she been more imper-
injury to her from the enery could iii bono uo
equaled the dire results of the ships virtually
committing suicide.
And think of the effect upon the enemy Of
turn with starboard helm. which appears
to have been disregarded. Taking the distance
figure given. say 1000 yards the Brooklyn would
not have run the entire tactical diameter TO-
ward the enemy II she had turned to port, par
ticulary If she had backed the port engine in
turning
Commodore and the Texas.
After discussing briefly the Hodgson incident
and Commodore Schley's alleged remark,
Damn the Texas" which he said he did NOT
consider a very grave matter. Captain LemIy
closed his speech and the entire argument of
the case with the following words
From my knowledge of the man, having
served under his command on two cruisers I
have never believed nor do 1 claim from The
spade spade cowardice was exhibited by
Commodore Schley in any part of his career
as commander in chief of the flying SQUADRON
But submit with regret that in the passage
from Key West to Cienfuegos, while at the lat
ter port route to the southwark of Santiago
without settled destination in the retrograde
movement. in the return to the vicinity of San
tiago, and in the affair of May 81. the com
modore exhibited unsteadiness in purpose and
In push and failure to obey orders. The char
acterization of this conduct is however for
the court I trust that may be pardoned If 7
remind you, gentlemen, that the first impor
tance of the matters before you is not as they
relate to any Individual. but as they concern
the naval service. 1t is for you to lay down
standard of conduct, to be followed in m
ture; a standard such that set by our great
naval commanders like Paul Jones' Decatur
Perry. Farragut. the Porters and others A
sense of propriety forbids my mentioning the
living"
With the conclusion OF Captain Lemly's re-
marks the court at 3:45 p. m. adjourned with
the intention of holding public ses-
sions.
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