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

had with Ilowlsop last July at the iatf
ter's house Admiral Hlowison said
to him that IL Schley ha1 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 prcjudiced against
Admiral Schley.
On concluding this testimony the
question arose whether Admiral How
son 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 il.
The admiral met the issue by turning
at once to Admiral Dewey and an
nouncing that he would make writ
OF rejOinder to the statements OF the
three witnesses. This rejoinder he
prepared very speedily. While con
ceding the accuracy OF some points
in the evidence. it threw considerable
doubt on other points and discaimed
any recollection of the talks said to
have taken place on the transatlantic
steamer
% was not ssiIicient, however to
eountcract 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 Schlov.
During the cross-eXaminatiOn Admi-
raj Howison said very emphaically:
81 have not the slightest desire to force
myself on this court / do not want
to sit on g. II is not agreeable duty
for me- I have no desire whatever to
do it; and ! am not making any ex-
cuses for myself or for any OF my
private discussions with any one out
side. ! think that Is 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 were favor
able TO Schley and some to Sampson.
He never said that Schley was hot
headed and impetuous for he never had
though him hot headed or nervous.
Mr. Rayner then. in asking that Ad-
miral Schley's objection be sustained
said he wished II distinctly understood
that there was no impeachment of the
admirals integrity. or his capacity, OF
his eminent qualifications; and not the
slightest criticism OF any remarks hC
made at the time. He had a perfect
right to talk about this matter ant
10 come TO his own conclusions, bui
the question remained, is the admiral,
mind in such a condition that It throw,
upon us the burden Of proof to relieve
his mind of prejudice that he ha,
against our side OF the case.
The challenge was then submittet
to the court of inquiry, which, unde
the circumstances, was narrowed I,
Admiral Dewey and Rear Admiral Ben
hNAA ~ NaNh AHNMs aAAANA nnANAg NAOll
than 10 minutes spent in retirement L
the consultation room of the court
Admiral Dewey briefly announced tina
the court sustained the challenge. an
that Admiral Howison would be es
cused from further attendance. Tn
decision came SO quickly and uncs
pectedly that it sent fiutter Of ag
tation throughout the court room
Admiral Dewey in making the an
nouncement said: Il have to announc
that the objection OF the applicant I
] Rear Admiral Howison is sustained b
the court. The admiral is excuse
from service, for which, l know, h
is very glad
/ Il am, indeed" replied Howison.
{ There was a buzz OF animated com
/, There WAS a buzz Of animated con
/ mcnt, and admiral Schley exchange
E looks OF satisfaction with his counse
I Admiral Dewey then at once close
the proceedings Of the day by al
. nouncing that the court would adjour
; indefinitely until the navy departmen
y