New-York tribune., 1901-10-05
DETAILS OF THE TESTIMONY
coNMANDER R. P. RODGERS AND LIEU
EyANT-COAIMANDER A. c. HODGSON
TIE PRINCIPAL WITNESSES.
tRv The Associated PressD


Washington, Oct. 4.-The principal witness at the
schley court OF inquiry to-day was Lieutenant
commander ALBION c. Hodgson. He said that he
had been navigator OF Commodore Schley's flag
ship. the Brooklyn, during the with Spain,
and was On the bridge the day Of the battle Of
July z. Detailing the particulars Of that engage
uen, he said:
Il heard the executive officer. Lieutenant-Com-
nander Manson. sing out. Clear ship for actions"
and the crew Immediately dispersed to quarters,
! having sounded the general alarm previously
The Commodore shortly appeared on the bridge
We were at that time headed about west-north-
west or 10 the cstward Of northwest told
him what WIS doing. and he said. Go
sheadr rang six bells, and asked If we had not
better hold her head steady 10 what course the
sranisrds proposed to pursue 1 do not remember
MS reply exactly 10 that. because immediately
fiierward told him they were evidently making
Tor US, and ne said. Go for themr and rang four
Bells and put helm aport.
Captain Cook appeared upon the bridge at this
rme and / told him that everything was con-
nfeted up at the coming tower and that we were
already going ahead. and In fact. We were going
shead. The Commodore took his position on a
l4atform he had had built around the coming
"wer. where he could be in easy communication
With the commanding officer inside. and re-
NAMED the bridge
The executive officer had given previously the
"oer TO man the starboard batteries. sang out
% nm that going into action with port
Hem. and he shifted over TO the port battery. We
were then standing for the enemy and soon as
ne guns were brought 10 bear. Lieutenant Simp-
~a hred little off the port bow the first gun
NON the forward eight-inch turret. From that
Ine Oh We went considerably in toward them
then down TO where the Commodore
vas standing 10 get into the coming tower. when
nearo him sing out Look out. Cook; they are
ssns 70 ram you" Captain Cook said he would
s'7 alter that. and starboarded the helm little
y y parallel the course Of the leading vessel the
port.
DAMN THE TEXAS"
he had hardly made that sheer, however, to
.Ns before he fell off again. for the reason, ap-
s'Aentiy' that shot fired from the Brooklyn S
s.n'-hch gun The Teresa got abaft our port
~ ana helm ported the Brooklyn i'm
sels'eiy after that. We were swinging with port
I'll heard the Commodore sing Hard
ss'1 or words to that effect. and Captain Cook
e Out Helm is aport.' 1 saw at that time the
moment had arrived in making the turn
-, suggested 10 the Commodore that the turn
sn, run US into the Texas. very close to her
., "na, od you say. and what was the reply?"
eo eae Judge Advocate
AS near as / can remember I said. 'Commo-
~ ~ II you go to starboard you will run into the
'saas. ana he said.
m.., the Texas. I cannot help that. She
or, "A out for herself He will take care
MA 10 not propose to go I'm any closer
- "'eet myself to a torpedo attack.
snR,,s ees'ed then that we back the starboard
p ana ne wanted know why, and / said.
AM " would give the Texas a wider berth
ob,s..lsen ad'en our turning circle Captain Cook
her 10 this, and did the Commodore. but
xor,s was moments discussion as to whether II
small. Better 10 turn that shorter circle with
w,s = speed or take the larger tactical diameter
;e, Netef speed. II was decided that ii was
lnx sehtial TO get around quickly, the lead
Wars sn'sh ship was then standing TO the west
bad 'o The Brooklyn did not stop her sne
pu, ~ eo'o Chance of escaping. So the helm was