Evening journal., 1901-09-13
228-23O KING ST.

had with Howlson last July at the lat
ters house Admiral Howison said
to him that # Schley had been an
officer In the English navy he would
not have been allowed to retain his
commission. All said that Admiral
Howison had given them the impress
sion that he was prciudicod against
Admiral schley.
On concluding this testimony the
question arose whether Admiral How
ison would join issue with the state
ments made by the witnesses or would
rest on his privilege to withhold any
answer until he chose to submit 1t.
The admiral met the issue by turning
at once to Admiral Dewey and an
nouncing that he would make a writ
OF rejOinder to the statements Of the
three witnesses. This reioinder he
prepared very speedily. While con
ceding the accuracy of some points
in the evidence, II threw considerable
doubt on other points and disclalmed
any recollection OF the talks said to
have taken place on the transatlantic
steamer.
II was not sufficient. however, TO
solmteract the very direct testimony
given by the three witnesses, and,
moreover. the admiral himself in con-
cluding his statement, indicated plain
ly that he had no desire to remain on
the court and was there simply in obe-
dience to orders. He even appealed to
his associates on the court to decide
all doubtful questions as to his eligi-
/ bility in favor of Admiral Schlev.
During the croes-eXamination Admi-
raj Howison said very emphatically:
81 have not the slightest desire to force
myself on. this court. | do not want
to sit on q. II is not agreeable duty
for me. have no desire whatever to
do it. and I am not making any ex-
cuses for myself or for any OF my
private discussions with any one out
side J think that ia my own affair,
and nobody else is asked about these
private discussions. / am perfectly
willing TO get out"
Furthermore the admiral said he had
discussed the controversy in many con-
versations during the past three years
on the basis OF newspaper reports.
Some things he had said we're favor
able TO Sehley and some to Sampson.
He never said that Schley was hot
headed and impeuous for he never had
/ though him hot headed OF nervous.
! Mr. Rayner then, in asking that Ad-
p. miral Schley's objection be sustained
, said he wished it distinctly understood
that there was no impeachment OF the
q admirars integrity or his capacity. OF
e his eminent qualifications; and not the
{ slightest criticism of any remarks hS
;, made at the time. lie had a perfec
e right to talk about this matter ant
to come TO his own conclusions, bu
5 the question remained is the admiral'i
u mind in such a condition that Il throws
). upon us the burden Of proof TO relieve
his mind Of a prejudice that he hal
y against our side OF the case.
{, The challenge was then submittei
u to the court Of Inquiry. which. unde
the circumstances. was narrowed 4
y Admiral Dewey and Rear Admiral Ber
ham to pass upon. After hardly NOR
than Is minutes spent in retirement {
the consultation room of the court
Admiral Dewey briefly announced tina
= the court sustained the challenge, an
- that Admiral Howison would be c,
cused from further attendance. TIL
~ decision came so quickly and une'
= pectedly that IL sent a futter Of ag
tation throughout the court room
III Admiral Dewey in making the an
"A nouncement said. 81 have TO announc
IA that the objection OF the applicant {
,e Rear Admiral Howison is sustained b
"A the court. The admiral is excuse
lv from service, for which, I know. b
is very glad"
ed Il am, indeed" replied Howison.
at There was a buzz OF animated con
TO There was a buzz Of animated con
Id ment, and Admiral Sehley exchange
We looks Of satisfaction with his cOunse
ct Admiral Dewey then at once close
the proceedings of the day by Al
be nouncing that the court would adiour
. Indefinitely until the navy departmei
las had named an offcer to succeed A
miral Howison.