The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1901-12-21
THE SCHLEY VERDICT
MAJORITY IS AGAINST HIM on
MANY POINTS.
The Court Unanimous In Finding Him
Courageous and Self Possessed in
Battle-Dewey Vindicates Him.

WASHINGTON, December l3.-The
findings of the Schley Court Of Inquiry
were presented to Secretary Of the
Navy Long, today. There are two re-
ports. one COncurred in by Rear
Admirals A. T.. Is. Benham and +. NJ
Ramsay Admiral Dewey makes a
separate report although he agrees
with the findings of fact subscribed TO
by the others The majority report
condemns Admiral Schley on eleven
points while Admiral Dewey sustains
him in most particulars. Both reports
are signed only by George Dewey, pre-
sident, and by Samuel G, Lemly, as
Judge Advocate This Is a form said
to be recognized in all courts Of in
quiry, the signatures of the other mem
bers not being necessary. But il Is eX-
planned that Admiral Dewey signed the
second report, a minority report to eX-
press his qualification Of, or dissent
from the views expressed by the court,
comprising, besides himself Rear Ad-
miral Benham and Ramsay in the first
report.
Admiral Deweys report is as follows:
Court Of Inquiry Mclean Building,
1917 II Street n. w, Washington, y.
c., December 49, 19Ol.-In the opinion
OF the undersigned the passage from
Key West TO Cienfuegos was made by
the Tying squadron with all possible
dispatch, Commodore Schley having i'm
view the imDOrtancec Of arriving off
CienfuegOs with as much coal as pos
sible in the ships bunkers
THE blockade Of Cienfuegos was
effective.
Commodore schley in permitting the
steamer Adula to enter the port Of
CienfuegOS expected to obtain infOTma-
tion regarding the Spanish squadron
from her when she came out.
The passage from CienfuegOs to
point about twenty-five miles south Of
Santiago was made with as much dis
patch as was possible while keeping
the squadron a unit.
THE blockade Of Santiago was effect
i've
Commodore Schley was the senior
officer of our squadron off Santiago
when the Spanish squadron attempted
to escape on the morning of July 3,
1898. He was in absolute command
and is entitled to the credit due to
such commanding officer for the glori-
Gus victory which resulted in the total
destruction of the Spanish ships.
GEORGE DEWEY,
! Admiral L. 5. n.
\ SAMUEL c. LEMLY,
Judge Advocate"
The report of the committee is a
statement in chronological order of the
events under inquiry as the court deems
them to have been proved. 1t concludes
as follows:
Opinion: The turn of the Brooklyn
to starbOard was made to avoid getting
her into dangerous proximity to the
Spanish vessels. The turn was made
toward the Texas and caused that ves-
sci to stop and back her engines to
avoid possible collision.
Admiral Schey did injustice to Lieu
tenant Commander A. G.. HodGson in
publishing only a portion of the cor
respOndence which passed between
them.
Commodore Schley's conduct in con-
nection with the events of the Santiago
campaign prior to June /, 1898, was
characterized by vacilation, dilatori-
ness and lack Of enterprise.
His conduct during the battle of July
3 was self-possessed and he encouraged,
in his own person, his subordinate Off
GERS and men to fight courageously.
GEORGE DEWEY,
Admiral, u. S. N, President
SAMUEL c. LEMLY,
Judge Advocate General L. S. n,
Judge Advocate.
Recommendation: In view of the
length of time which has elapsed since
the occurrence of the events Of the
Santiago campaign the court recon-
mends that no further proceedings be
had in the premises
GEORGE DEWEY.
Admiral, u. S. ~, President.
SAMUEL G. LEMLY,
Judge Advocate General, L. S. N.
Judge Advocate.