Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1901-12-25

Washington. Dec. 2l.-A determi-
nation on the part of the administra-
tion TO absolutely terminate further
discussion OF the Sampson-Schley con-
troversy took shape in the publication
Of some remarkable correspondence
that has passed between Secretary
Root and Lieutenant General Miles
relative to the latter's interview, pub
lshed in Cincinnati paper, comment
ing upon the Schley case.
When the interview appeared ii at
tracted considerable attention official.
ly, but after the lapse of two days
without any sign OF official action. the
conclusion became general that the
interview would be ignored. There
fore the publication this afternoon of
the full correspondence on this sub
ject created sensation In army and
naval circles. II is seldom that so se-
we're reprimand is administered to
an officer of high rank in either ser
vice. What the result will be cannot
be foretold. although II is assumed
that Gen. Miles will submit without
further comment.
In his letter of reply. Secretary Root
says. in part:
Your explanation of the public
statement made by you is not salts.
factory. You are m error If you say
you have the same right as any other
citizen to express publicly an opinion
regarding Official questions pending
In the course of military discipline
The established and invariable rules
Of official propriety necessary to the
effective discipline of the service i'm
pose limitations upon the public cx.
pressions of military officers, with
which your long experience should
have made you familiar. Your duty
is to express your opinion on official
matters when called upon by your Off
cial superiors, or in the due course OF
your official reports and recommen-
dations. and not otherwise. Il was of
no consequence on whose side your
opinion was, or what 1t was. You had
no business In the controversy and no
right. holding the Office which you do.
to express any opinion. Your con-
duct was in violation OF the regula.
ton above cited and the rules OF of.
fetal propriety, and you are Justly liza.
BILE to censure. which ! now express"
The fact that simultaneously with
the publication OF the Miles CORES.
pondence. Secretary Root gave out a
copy OF Secretary Longs letter direct.
Ing that Maclay's resignation be re-
quested. and taken In connection with
the publication this morning OF the
final chapters OF the Schley case, SO
far as II has figured before the navy
department, Is taken as an indication
OF the presidents purpose to clear the
official record OF all pending issues In
the case.
The following order is one publish.
ed this afternoon by Secretary OF War
Root:
Navy Department. Washington,
Dec. 20.-Rear Admiral A. s. Barker
Commandant Navy Yard. New York
Sir: am directed by the president
to ask Edward s.. ..aclay. special Ia
borer. general storekeeper's Office
navy yard. New \ ork, to send In his
resignation. Very Respectfully.
JOHN ID. LONG. Secretary"
Long Approves Report
Washington. Dec. 2l.-Secretary
Long has disposed finally OF the
Schley case so far as the navy depart
ment is concerned, by acting upon the
findings and conclusions OF the court
OF inquiry. He approved the findings
OF fact. and the opinion OF the full
court. He approves the majority