The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-07-24
Admiral SCh|ey Has Deter
mined Upon That Course.
Later on He Proposes to Sue Historian
{. S, MaC|ay for Libe|--The Wash
ington Posts Work.

Washington, July 4.--The Washington
Post telegraphed Admiral schley that,
In editorial II insisted he owed IL to
himself as we'll as to his friends 10 begin
proceedings against Mr. Maclay, the au-
thor OF the history OF the United States
navy, to disprove the latters charges,
adding
'wIi you do this? Please wire state
ment"
The Post received the following teie-
gram:
Great Neck. l.. L. July %, 1901
Editor Washington Post:-I believe the
first step should be an investigation OF
all matter by a court. then civil action
afterwards. j am preparing TO take this
course.
"tsigned) w. s. scHLES"
The Post. as a result of extensive in
quiries based upon the admirars dis
patch. says today an part:
Admiral Schlcy. proposes TO ask an
Investigation at the hands OF a naval
court OF INJURY. and then to sue His
torian Maclay for libel.
His action Is the sequel to the de-
vcIopments during the past week. when
the entire country has been stirred by the
publication of the unexampled abuse
Of r. s. Maclay's History of the United
states Navy. in which publication schley
is said 10 have run away lin caitim flight
and Is In addition denounced as a coward,
cur and a traitor.
rhe Schley court OF inquiry will un-
douhtediy be one of the most celebrated
cases In the naval or military history of
the country. The high rank OF the Of
fcers involved in the controversy and
the Intense public feeling which has been
aroused will combine to give to the In
vcstisation a dramatic interest. Moth
ing has occurred in Washington for many
years that will compare with ~.
COURT OF INQUIRY.
The appointment OF the court OF In |
guiry ss expected TO be made by Secretary |
Ions. though II would he I'm the power 1
OF the president to make the selections |
II he chose This is hardly likely to oc- |
cur. however
Admiral Schleys letter asking for the /
appointment OF the court will be adj l
dressed 10 Secretary Long. who is his i'm
mediate chief To address the communi- /
cation 10 the president. ignoring Secre-
tary Long. lwould not. only be a breach
o. naval etiquette but would be totally
81 variance with Schley's careful obser-
vance or punctiiious procedure. The
renrt. therefore, will be named by Secre-
trry Long unless he shall prefer 10 refer !
t,'e matter TO the president.
Mr.. Long has already stated that n
ADMIRAL Schleys requested a court OF in
q'.ii'y he would grant the request"
PROBABLE APPOINTMENTS.
While the secretary has not made any
statement az to Its personnel. there Is
- very reason TO bellve that he favors
tcrirai Dewey and Rear Admirals Ram
crr and Bcnham. the two latter being
= ba 1iof /
Admiral Walker has been suggested. but
y 2 known that he has expressed views
iWoa the Sampson -Schley controversy in
svssgonisn TO Schley. and his appoint
us1t would. therefore, be seriously Dues
tored II Is said that Dewey, Ramsey
Or Eenhan have always carefully avoided
) lng an opinion as 10 the merits OF the
controversy All these officers are resi-
dents OF Washington, although tempora- |
r,'y out Of the city 10 escape the summer
.eat. and could be quickly summoned To
axe their places round the table OF the
,ourt
These names are mentioned because
hsf number Is specified in the naval rsgu-
>tions for courts OF inquiry. There is
possibility that Admiral Dewey might
~ 20 be excused AZ he would have a
ieht 10 do. but Il is also morally certain
bnt IN this event ne would he specifically
|etaiied by the secretary for service on
he board. This would make his attend
rec imperative. Secretary Long has
rom The moment that a court OF inquiry
"a E,ixresten. favored the appointment
r Admiral Dewey. believing that his an
nintmcrt would give the highest char
cfrr 90 the court. and that any decision ,,
'hich " might reach would be accepted
y the American people !
Admiral Ramsey was FOR eight wears
the head of the bureau OF navigation.
Admiral Benham came into prominence
,St during the brief revolution against :,
resident Fonsecs Of Brazil The Brazil. "