The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1901-08-31
HOWlSON TALKED OF
BATTLE OF SANTIAGO
But Denies That lie Ever Made Reflections Upon
the Conduct Of Admiral SchIcy.
Writes Letter to the Navy Department That is UnsaSac-
tory to Accused Office.

w f-74+iii5 -tlls aus l---saCtluE CcCle
tary of the Navy Hackett today mad,
public private correspondence between
Rear Admiral Howison and himsel
relative 10 the fitness Of the admire
TO serve on the court OF inquiry. Ad-
miral H0Wis0n having consented that
his personal letter should be given 90
the public A copy of Rear Admiral
HowlsOu's letter has been sent TO Rear
admiral Schiey- The correspondence is
as follows
Tonkers. n. Y. Aug. "a. 1901.
Dear Sir--I have just returned 10 my
home after a short visit 10 Saratoga
and Lake George. owing 10 my de-
tail as member of the court of in-
CURRY. ordered TO meet on Sept. Il, next,
I md that many newspapers are Civ
ing me credit for having served my
country in the United states navy for
nearly half century with honor.
u see, also, that i am thought to be
Objectionable as a member of this court
OF inquiry, it being stated that I pub
lcly expressed opinions on the con-
dJct Of the battle Of Santiago, while
serving as cOmmandant at the Boston
navy yard. shortly AFTER the result OF
that engagement was known.
'T believe the service knows as I do
that 7 do not attempt 10 make public
speeches write for magazines OF pa
y
OF other subjects it has been impossi-
bic for me TO avoid the Visjts and ques-
tons of representatives, Of newspapers
while serving at important stations and
at times when the navy has been so
busily employed"
The letter here refers TO che writ
ers pleasant relations with newspaper
men at Mare island. Boston and other
stations, and continues as follows:
|rf
cess at Manila and again at Santiago
reached Boston, the people there were
not behind the rest of TIE United
States ia giving honor and praise to the
navy and 10 the commanders iu-chief
of he fleets. The enthusiasm Of the
population I'm praise and honor for the
officers and men engaged at Santiago
lasted for some time, until later. when
the troubles commenced as 10 where
the credit and Aonors should sc for the
n 1cess OF this engagement
All Naval Officers Talk.
-'It IS no news TO the navy TO say that
where an do their duties, the hrst hon
Ors for success go to The officer in chief
command Censure FOR failure also be-
longs 70 him.
This newspaper cutting in question
contains statement in which / was
said 20 have made a comparison be-
ably TO Schley-
The word respected as used by the
reporter, is seldom or never employed
by navy men in comparing the quail
ties possessed by officers, and am sure
] could never have said this. as he re-
ports, nor said that Schley had the rep
utation Of being nervous and hot
headed in the naval academy.
one may say that an officer stands
higher his class rrr1a- aF7nfhnr IN arr
stand higher in scientific attachments.
while another be distinguished for emil
nent diplomatic and social qualities.
while all under discussion are OF good
standing and proficient in their neces-
sary professional calling.
q nave no recollection of the gentle
ran representing the Boston Record,
ana 1 do not approve of his public
statement as nine I cannot say that
! have not discussed with acquaint-
ances matters published IN the news
papers relating 30 our naVy's success.
as well as the unfortunate disputes so
widely commented on. There are few
or no persons in the navy or in our
country Who have not daily discussed
these newspaper articles.
From the papers il appears that Ad-
mlral ochley has strong doubts as 10
my ntness 20 fairly judge this case
with AdmIrals Dewey and Benham- AS
u Is a case of grave Importance TO
lnose concerned and to the country. I
am 1asrous OF giving my little help
10 clear away the troubles.
me duties of members of courts
martial and courts of inquiry are not
sought or desired by officers. While
tgsl Mshly houOred by the depart
t,-1"-1 lection or myself for this duty,
IS any lAlns but pleasant task to sit
All 5S-=-urhl on brother officers.
He"efer. the honor of the selection.
l-vl '-e NApl-asan-ness of court duties
90 Aos enter into the reasons for my
no" "Hlns y' say to you. personal
~ three things, viz.
Did Not Give Interview.
lIsl-ia rtassure YOU thar am
nos responsible for and 4i- NOT 49,
clt SleH an Interview as is sIIes.E h,
lle dispatches from Boston ana as
-.- ---,e ~ ..t- newspapers TO have been
reD- i----- ~ -All5iiel Schley in a re-
Second--i. how ever. fbs 5.-.-.
Lle9L lee.s that the rauss ar +,. 80, ..- -
ana justice VIII be uzlte- 49, 0
Ie-1F'nS me from duty ON H. -
am entirely ready 10 wfth5-s,,- .-I,
eA.ttiiy or To- have The derarf--g,. w.. o'
llt u.on IFS own initiative
t-'l --it' on the other hand b.,
-eLdr' n-nr, knowing AN rbs 1s-,-,- ,..e
Stances, desires that 4 Shor75 - ~ III
ne o4ly' am entirely ready ro ~
--';t o. ana can. upon mv cors.is-'.-
so 'atl- 90 ms duty as a r7+~1f-r. 20
,--- court without partfaIit,.' ~ ~
"a" requires. Yours Sfrcarsr,- .,,5 ,-l-
H. l.. HOWISON.
,.t5-- Rear Admiral T.
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