The Washington times., 1901-12-15

gested.
AS a result Of the findings of the Court
of Enquiry adverse to Admiral SchleE
Congress will be asked TO investigate the
matter-not alone the conduct oil that
naval commander, but all the facts ana
circumstances pertaining to the contro-
yersy. The Navy Department, Admiral
Sampson, Maclay, and the rest will be IN
cluded.
1t is the present purpose o. several
members of both housesto Introduce reso-
lutions calling for such an investigation
Whether or not Congress will authorize
an enquiry is quite another matter. Many
members are opposed to such q plan.
No Course Determined uror.
The friends of Admiral schley have not
vet united upon a course to follow IN or
der to secure his vindication and TO clear
up the matter. which. from all the eN-
pressions heard in official and unofficial
circles yesterday, is as much unsettled
as before the Court OF Enquiry began Its
sittings.
Representative Pearre Of Maryland an
nounced yesterday, however, that either
he or his colleague Representative
schirm would offer a resolution in the
House on Tuesday calling for an inves-
tiration. Several other members have also
indicated a willingness to do so, and
similar resolution will be introduced in
the Senate. There is a considerable ele-
ment in both parties willing to aid such
movement.
Views of Congrcssmen.
On the other hand. majority of the
members of Congress who expressed
themselves yesterday are opposed to
Congressional Investigation. They believe
the case should be dropped. This was
particularly SO of the Republican mem
bers. but 1t was not alone confined to the
representative of that party.
These reasons are advanced: That it is
the recommendation of the court that no
further action in the matter should be
taken; that the people viii accept the en-
dorsement and vindication Of Schley by
Admiral Dewey rather than the condem-
nation of the other members of .he court |
who are little known; that it would be
long, tedious, unpleasant affair, which |
would be prejudicial 10 the naval serv-
ice. and that in the end the American |
people would continue to hold to one opin-
ion and the anti-Schley naval officials an
other.
Beneath the surface OF the opposition |
TO an investigation there is also the fear |
tha, the influence OF the Navy Depart
ment and the Administration would be
brought to bear and that Schley might |
suffer from such action. The Republicans
fear making the matter party ques-
,ion and hence wish to avoid passing |
rpon the matter.
scbIey Might Fare Worse. |
Many of them yesterday frankly ex-
pressed themselves as in favor OF let
ting well enough alone" The expression
was frequently heard that in case such
a resolution was offered and referred TO
the Committee on Naval Affairs in eth
or house II would be "pigeon-holed,'
and that If a special committee were
asked for one unfavorable TO Schley might |
be named in order that the prestige of
the Navy Department might be main
tained. This is the view taken by many
Democrats.
Therefore, while the vast majority OF
the members Of Congress unite In con-
demning the report Of the majority OF
the court and express surprise at the
findings. It is possible that the friends OF
Admiral schley may not press the de-
rnands for a Congressional Investigation. |
ono thing is almost certain however: |
,bat some Senators will take occasion to |
cypress themselves fo-eibly upon the mat
ter.
An Indictment of Mncluy.
Representative Williams has already
introduced q resolution in the House
which recites the fact that Maclay's his
,ory denouucing schley was adopted as
the official history Of the navy for use at
the Naval Academy; that the proof sheets
we're submitted to the Secretary Of the
Navy. Rear Admiral Crowninshield, and
others. and approved and acquiesced In by
,henn: and demanding an investigation TO |
ascertain the truth or ialsity OF the stale
meuts made by Maclay, who is still In the |
employ OF the Navy Department. An EFFORT
,yiIl doubtless be made TO get this reso-
Iution before the House.
Two suggestions other than Congress
sional investigation have been made. One
&c that Admiral schley institute suit
against Maclay 10 recover damages for
,lbel. seeking to recover something like
$50 GOO. and another is that an effort be
made TO have the report referred back TO
the court for further enquiry This could
he done by Secretary Long, but such
course is highly improbable.
A Damage suit Advocated.
The damage suit is strongly advocated
hv many warm friends of Admiral schley.
while they do not anticipate that sehley,
~ he secured favorable verdict, would
no able 10 recover, still In a civil acton 4
rreat deal regarding the controversy
rould be brought out which was ez-
,ipaed from the Court of Enquiry. a
favorable verdict would be regarded as 4
eradication. Such suit would have TO
be broughl In New York. II is understood