The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-12-16
SCHLEY'S THANKS
The Admiral Acknowledges Ex-
pressions of Interest.
Dewey Refuses to Discuss the
Courts Verdict.
FUTURE Is IN DOUBT.
Attorneys Are Holding a Con-
sultation on the Matter.
Offer of $4,000 to Use in
Prosecution is Declined.
Long Has Been Asked to Hold
Back His Approval.

Washington, Dec. 16.-At the confer
ence between Admiral Schley and his
counsel today it was decided to ask
Secretary Long to withhold his approval
of the findings of the court of inquiry
until such time as the admiral through
his counsel can file an objection there
to. The request was delivered to Sec
rotary Long and while he has not yet
answered the communication, 1T is un-
derstood the request will be granted
Admiral Dewey, president OF the court
today was asked for a statement as to
the extent to which he endorsed the
findings of the majority of the court
Il have not a word to say" he replied,
mot a word
Since the court of inquiry rendered
its verdict Rear Admiral Schley has re-
ceived a large number of letters ana
kilograms all containing expressions OF
confidence and esteem and offers OF as
sistance To answer these personally
would be a work of such magnitude
that the admiral has addressed the fol
lowing letter to the Associated Press,
which he asks to be published:
Washington, D. C., Dec 16, 1901.
To the Associated Press
1 beg to express through the medium
of the Associated Press my gratitude
and heartfelt thanks for the kind words
and evidences of interest in my welfare,
which L have received from all parts OF
the United States The magnitude of
the correspondence renders it impossible
for me to personally acknowledge the
same and 4 therefore take THIS IiltdA5
of expressing my appreciation TO one
and all. Very truly yours,
WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY,
Rear Admiral, Z. S. n.
Rear Admiral Schley has notified At
torney Isador Rayner that he is ready
to take any action with reference to
his case that Mr.. Rayner may advise
When asked whether he favored
congressional investigation, Mr. Rayner
said:
Il doubt whether a proceeding of this
sort is the proper one 1t generally as
sumes a political aspect. At this time
am of the opinion that matters should
be prosecuted in the courts There are
plenty of ways in which this can be
| done, and this week we will begin to
| consult and determine upon our course
| of action.
| Among the kilograms Mr.. Rayner has
| received since the publication of the
| findings of the court of inquiry was one
| from a gentleman in another state, who
asked that his identity be kept secret,
| with an offer of $4,000 for the neceS-
| sary expenses attending further pros
| ecution of the case. The offer was de-
| clined.
Admiral Schley. after consultation
| with his counsel, Isador Rayner and MI
| M A. league; also Gen. Felix AgnuS or
I Baltimore and Congressman Schirm or
| Maryland, authorized Mr.. league to
| make the following statement:
| I'VE have been in consultation as to
what further proceedings shall be ia
4 ken. Nothing definite has been determ-
| ined upon SO far as civil or criminal
action of any kind against Maclay and
| his sponsors is concerned. Maclay s
claim that the findings of the court are
| vindication for himself and his book
is absolutely spurious. There are no
less than half dozen instances IN the
| book. in which even if he were to accept
| the findings of the court and incorpor-
| ate them in the volume and change 1t
| to suit the findings, the book would still
be criminal libel"
! Mr.. league presented the following
| letter to Secretary Long:
| Washington, d. c., Dec. 16, 1901.
| ''Sir:-I have the honor to most re-
| spectfully request that you withhold
| your approval from the findings OF the
court of inquiry recently held st the
navy yard in the city of Washington,
] of which Admiral George Dewey was
| president until such time as may have
/ an opportunity to file a statement OF
| objections thereto and l therefore re
quest that you do not dissolve the
| court until action shall have been taken
on such objections.
"W. S. SCHLEY,
| Rear Admiral, u. S. N.
| "ISADOR RAYNER,
Counsel for the Applicant Before SAID
Court of Inquiry.
ITO the Honorable Secretary OF the
Navy"
| He asked the secretary to indicate his
| probable action in the premises. The
| secretary replied that the request would
| be granted ana MS dcllOlS On the iIiid-
| ings and the dissolution of the court
| withheld until the objections were re-
I ceived and be had had an opportunity
to consider them. He stated that he
| would communicate with Admiral
Schley in writing and asked how long
| a time counsel desired to present their
| objections.
| Mr. league replied that they would
| be ready for presentation by Thursday
or Friday of this week. I'VE will ex-
cept to the findings of the court said
| Mr.. league, land make a demand that
the majority opinion be disapproved by
! the secretary as contrary to the evil
dence and the pertinent facts in the
case which the court has not considered
nor acted upon.
While Mr. Tea que would not say that
such action would be taken he pointed
out the fact that they could appeal
from the secretary's action to the presi-
dent of the United States.
Admiral Schley has been relieved
from further duty in connection with
the court of inquiry.