The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-09-07
WITNESSES
TO REPORT
AT ONCE.
SchIsy Can Confer With Sup
porters and Howlssn May
Withdraw --OsWsyExpected

Washington, Sept. Rear Admiral
Schley's witnesses will be called to WASH
ington for a conference with the admiral's
counsel When Schley first requested the
department TO assemble his witnesses in
this city Acting Secretary Hackett replied
that II the admiral would furnish the de-
partment with al ist of his important wit
nesses they would be brought to Wash
ington as the demands OF the service
would permit.
This was not acceptable to Schley's
counsel They addressed a second letter
TO the acting secretary saying they could
not separate the important from the un-
important witnesses. aud rcpated the re-
quest that all 'be brought here,
Acting Secretary Hackett announced
late this afternoon that the wish of tire
admiral would be granted and so advised
Schey. Telegraphic Instructions were
sent this afternoon TO all of Schleys Wit
nesses TO report at once in Washington.
Ii is Indicated that considerable evil
dence will be presented by Schlcy's coun-
sci bearing upon tho competency of
Admiral Howison TO serve as a member
OF the court Of inquiry There is a be-
lief in some quarters that Hawison may
request permission to withdraw I'M view
of the opposition TO him,
IL is understood that Schley's counsel
is In possession Of evidence other than
that furnished by the statements attTIb-
uted 20 Admiral Howisou in a Boston
newspaper affecting his qualifications as
a member
The sunmoning OF Commander ~. II.
Mason 10 the department tor a confer
ence with the judge-advocate OF the court
is attracting considerable attention. as
this officer was executive OF Schley's flag
ship and has been regarded as one OF the
admirafs strongest witnesses.
But the judge-advocate has included
others OF Schley's witnesses i'm his list
thus giving him an opportunity 10 confer
with Schleys Witnesses while the aG-
mirars counsel is denied the privilege eff
talking TO witnesses summoned by the de-
partment.
Admiral Remey may yet be called home
from the Asiastic station to testify before
the court. He was in command of the
naval station at Key West during the war
and was the medium through which many
important orders passed between the de-
partment and commanding officers In Gu
| ban waters.
| 1t Is understood that Nunez. the Span
| ish pilot. who was close observer OF the
| battle Of Santiago bay, having piloted
| Admiral Cervera's squadron out of the
bay on the day of the memorable sortie,
| Is to be requested by the navy depart
| ment TO come here as a witness.
reply has been received at the navy
/ department. from Capt Forsyth 10 the
! letter callings his attention TO an alleged
| interview published on the subject of the
| Schley court OF inquiry The following
/ statement was made at the department:
capt Forsyth. while coming east, was
| detained over Sunday a Kansas City. He
! declined to talk with a reporter. II seems,
! however. that he fell into private conver-
! sation with some person in the hotel
with no idea that what he said would be
repeated in any form His remarks were
! distorted. and were used 10 form the sub
stance OF the alleged interview
! Capt. Forsyth has made such disclaim-
er. and has so frankly avowed his deep
regret at any indiscretion in the premises
! that the department is satisfied there was
no intention on his part OF viola ting the
order OF the department to refrain
! from public statement"
Admiral Dewey, president OF the court
OF inquiry. will arrive in Washington
! Monday. II is understood that he does
not look with favor on the plan to hold
the court in the gunshop at the navy yard
| and may make protest.