Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1901-07-26
AdmIr.l sehl.y win Fight.

The critics u Admiral Scbley have
been so persistent in belittlinE his
services il the war with Spain that
he has last turned upon them and lie
manded a Court CO Inquiry. His
traducen will poN have an emporium
ity TO prove their charges or forever
after bold their peace. In addition
tn an investigation Of his course at
Santiago by the Navy Department.
the mar who sunk CerYera's fleet Is
preparing to take civil proceedings
against his 'traduceB. The whole
kit OF them from Admiral Sampson
down will probably find that the hero
OF Santiago can fight his personal
enemies with as mt Oh vigor as he did
Ceryera's feet.
Following is his letter 10 Secretary
Long:
Great Neck, Long Island. y. Y,
July -, 1901.
Sir: Within the past few days a
series OF press comments have been
sent to me from various parts OF the
country Of a book entitled The HIS
tory OF the Navy written BY n Ell
gar Stanton MscLay. From these
reviews IT appears that this edition Is
third volume OF the said history eI.
tended to include the late war With
Spain. which tie first two volumes
did not contain, and were III s as
text books 1T the Naval Academy.
2-Fnm excerpts quoted in some
reviews. in which the page and para
graph are given. there is such per
version OF facts. mjsconstructiou Of
intention, such intemperate abuse
and defamation OF mysel! which sub
iects Mr.. MacLsy tO action IN civil
Law. While | admit the right Of fair
criticism Of every public Otiin-, |
must protest against the low titngs
and abusive language Of this violent.
partisan opponent. who has infused
into the pages OF his book 81 nuch Of
the malice Of uniairness as tn make il
unwOrthy the psme Of history or OF
use IL any reputable institution Of
the country.
81 have RETAINED heretofore
from all comment upon the innun
does OF enemies muttered or murmur-
I'D a.. -a,ra ,,,l tfrarDFnKA ill,
safety to themselves. | think the
time has now come to take such
action as may bring this entire maj
ter under discussion, under the clear
and calm review Of my brothers in
arms. and to this end | ask such
action at the hands OF the Depart.
ment as it may deem best to accom-
plisb this purpose.
"i-But | .wonId express the re-
quest i'll this connection that the
action may occur III Washington,
where most Of my papers and data
are stored.
Very respectfully.
w. SCHLEY.
Rear Admiral, L. >. y.
TO the Secretary 81 the Navy.
Warrington
Secretary Long replied to Admiral
Schley as follows:
Navy Department, Washington,
D.. G.. July 81, 1901.
Sir: | am in receipt 81 yours oi
the 22nh instant, with reference to
the criticisms upon you III view of
the Spanish-American war. and
heartily approve Of your determine.
ton 10 asking nj the hands OF this
Department, such action as may
bring this matter under discussion
under the clearer and calmer review
OF my brothers III arms
aThe Department will at once pro.
coed Immediately with your request
JoHs ID. LONG
II IL stated that Admiral Dewey
undoubtedly will he the head OF the
court OF inquiry. The other memb
ers Of the court have not yet been
decided upon. IT is not the inten'
ton OF Secretary Long to have courI
convene at once. but 10 wait until the
weather becomes cooler.