Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1901-08-30
A DENIAL BY
ADMIRAL HOWIS0N
He Never Made Any Public Utter
anoe in Regard to the Sampson
Sohley Controversy.
A LETTER OF EXPLANATION
It Should Set at Rest the Criticisms to
Which the Old Admiral Has Been Sub
jeoted by the Partisans
Of Scbley.

Washington, d. c., Aug. 30.-Acting
Secretary Hackett made public a letter
received from Admiral Howison, dated
Yonkers, N. Y, Aug. "a, denying the
authenticity of an interview attributed
to him in which he comments adversely
on Admiral Schley. Acting Secretary
Hackett has heretofore, continued
Admiral Howison, as member of the
Schley court of inquiry, leaving the
court itself to determine any further
question as to his competency.
HOWISON'S LETTER.
Washington, Aug. 30.-Rear Admiral
Howison's letter is as follows
"Yonkers, N. Y, Aug. "a, 1901.-Dear
Sir: Owing to my detail as a member OF
the court of inquiry, ordered to meet
on September next, find many news
papers giving me credit for having
served my country in the United States
navy for nearly half century, with
honor. I also see I am thought to be
Objectionable as a member of this
court of inquiry, it being stated that
publicly expressed opinions on the
conduct Of the battle Of Santiago, while
serving as commandant of the Boston
navy yard shortly after the result of
that engagement was known. I be-
Iieve, the service knows, as I do, that
do not attempt to make public
speeches, write for magazines or pa
pers or make public utterances on the
navy. or other subjects. 1t has been
impossible for me to avoid visits and
questions of representatives of news
papers while serving at important sta
tions and at times when the navy has
been so busily employed"
The letter here refers to the writer's
pleasant relations with the newspaper
men at Mare Island Boston, and other
stations, and continues:
'This newspaper cutting in question
contains a statement in which it is said
I made a comparison between Schley
and Sampson, unfavorable to Schley.
The word respected as used by the re-
porter, is seldom or never employed by
navy men in comparing qualities pos
ssessed by officers. and am sure
could never had said this as he reports
nor said that Schley had the reputa-
ton of being nervous and hot headed
in the naval academy. One may say
an officer stands higher in his class, if
true; another may stand higher in
scientific .attainments while another
may be distinguished for eminent di-
plomatic and Social qualities, while all
under discussion are of good standing
and proficient In their necessary pro-
fessional calling.
IT have no recollection of the gen.
tleman reporting for the Boston Rec
ord and do not approve of his public
statement as mine. I cannot say have
not discussed with acquaintances mat
ters published in the newspapers rela-
tive to our navy's success as we'll as to
the unfortunate disputes so widely
commented on.
There are few or no persons in the
navy Of our country who have not
daily discussed these newspaper arti-
cles. From the papers 1t appears that
Admiral Schley has strong doubts Of
my fitness fairly to Judge this case
with Admirals Dewey and Benham.
'As it is a case of grave Importance
to those concerned and to the country,
am desirous Of giving my little help
to clear away the troubles.
sThe. duties as members of the courts
martial and courts of inquiry are not
sought or desired by officers.
while feel highly honored by the
departments selection of myself for
this duty, it is anything but a pleasant
ask to sit in judgment on brother off
. GERS.
However, the honor Of the selection
or the unpleasantness of court duties
do not enter into the reasons for my
now writing to say to you, personally
three things, viz;
"ist To assure you that / am rot
responsible for and did not give Out
such interviews as are alleged in the
dispatches, from Boston and as are sta
ted in the papers to have been mention.
ed by Admiral schley in recent let
ter to the department.
I'D If, however, the department
feels that the cause of the navy and
justice be better served by relieving amt
from duty on the court, I am entirel,
ready to withdraw voluntarily, or hav'
the department to relieve me upon 1T
own initiative.
I'D If. on the other hand the de
partment, knowing all the circumstan
.ces, desires that should perform tn
duty, I am entirely ready to perform
it, and can, upon my conscience ant
oath, do my duty as a member Of tn
& court WITHOUT partiality' as the laS
requires.
"Yous sincerely, and respectfully.
III. T.. HOWISON,
"Rear Admiral, u. s. N"
HACKETTs REPLY. I.
In reply Hackett wrote;
'The department, let me assure, ha
no purpose of relieving you of this du
ty. It has implicit confidence in you
sense Of justice and fairmindednes'
should the counsel for Rear Admire
schley proceed to offer to the coui
any objection to you, it will be for tn
court itself to decide the question
vni,r c0muetency to sit as q member,