Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1901-09-19
HOWISON DISQUALIFIED
Proceeding of Court Of Inquiry Ter
inmate Abruptly.

Washington, Sept. 13.-Within three
lours from the time of converting the
Schley court of inquiry yesterday 1t
Was announced that Rear Admiral
Howison was disqualified from serv-
ing as a member of the court and was
excused from further duty. This
brought proceedings to an abrupt ter
mination and caused temporary adj
journment of the court in order to
permit the navy department to desig-
nate an officer 10 succeed Admiral
Howison. No further session is prob
able until the first of next week.
1t had been expected that little Of
fetal business would be accomplished
on the opening day. and the prompt
decision as to Admiral Howison came
somewhat as surprise.
The first skirmish was opened by
Admiral Schley rising from his seat
and speaking in strong voice, calmly
rnd deliberately, challenging Admiral
Howison's eligibility as member of
the court. Three witnesses were
brought forward in support of this
challenge, namely, Francis s. Frost,
William +. Spon and Foster Nichols.
They gave very positive testimony as
to expressions they had heard Admir-
al Howison make favorable to Ad-
miral Sampson and unfavorable to
Admiral Schley. Mr.. Frost testified
TO a statement Admiral Howison had
made to him at Boston while the wit
ness was seeking news as reporter,
Mr.. Spon to remarks made while he
and the admiral were journeying back
to this country from Europe on a
transatlantic steamer, and Mr.. Mich
oils to a conversation occurring dur
ing business call at Admiral Howl
sons private residence at Ionkers,
Y.
On concluding this testimony. the
question arose whether Admiral How
ison would join issue with the state
ments made by the witnesses, or
would rest on his privilege to with
hold any answer until he chose TO
submit it. The admiral met the issue
by turning at once to Admiral Dewey
and announcing that he would make a
writ of rejoinder to the statements
of the three witnesses. This re-
joinder he prepared very speedily.
While conceding the accuracy of some
points in the evidence, it threw con-
siderable doubt on other points and
disclaimed any recollection of the
talks said to have taken place on the
transatlantic steamer.
1t was not Sufficient, however, to
counteract the very direct testimony
given by the three witnesses, and
moreover. the admiral himself, in con-
Guiding his statement. indicated plain
ly that he had no desire to remain on
the court, and was there simply in
obedience to orders. He even APP
pealed to his assistants on the court
to decide all doubtful questions as to
his eligibility in favor of Amiral
Schley.
Before submitting the challenge to
the determination of the court, Mr..
Raynor cross examined Admiral How
ison very infinitely as to his personal
sentiments toward Admiral Sampson
and Admiral Schley, and developed
that Admiral Howison had expressed
certain definite convictions as to Adj
miral SIMPSONS retention of author
ity and responsibility. even while he
was absent temporarily from the feet
at Santiago.
The challenge then was submitted
to the court, which, under the cir
cumstances, was narrowed to Admir-
al Dewey and Rear Admiral Benham
20 pass upon. After hardly more than
fifteen minutes spent in retirement to
the consultation room of the court
Admiral Dewey briefly announced that
that Admiral Howison would be eX.
cmSed from furthe ATTENDANCE.