The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1901-08-06
IT'S ABSURD
To Say That SchIey 10 At
Fault, Says
A SPANISH OFFICER
The Brooklyn Played the Star
Part In That Great Tragedy
at Santiago, He
Declares.

New York, Aug. 2.-The Madrid rep
resentative of the Journal has obtained
an interview from Captain Diaz Moreu
who commanded the Crlstobal Colon
during the naval conflict off Santiago
Says Capt. Moreu, in reference to
Schley:
"All the American officers without
exception did their duty in the naval
battle off Santiago. SO did we, although
1t is certain that we were vanquished
by superiority of force. 1t is absurd
and unpatriotic to make any exception
in the case of Schley.
1T is absurd because the Brooklyn
was in the thick of the fight through
out. She was at the mouth of the har-
Dor when we tried to pass out and en-
gagged us with a terrific fire, doing
frightful damage to the end. In the
pursuit of the Cristobal Colon we sur
rendered to the Brooklyn As miles west
of Santiago.
FIRST TO MEET THEM.
"The Brooklyn was the first to en-
counter us as we were coming out and
first to lead in the pursuit, and she
kept up the lead with the Oregon vastly
aiding. The Brooklyn landed shell
just ahead of my slip, and, with the
Oregon helping her, there was nothing
left for me to do but run ashore.
"The Brooklyn's conduct was brave;
hence Schley's was brave. Schley was
on post where he was put by Sampson
After the battle commenced each COM
mander acted according to circum-
stances and circumstances show that
the Blooklyn bore a brave part
should say Schley was not only brave
but very competent, as is Sampson
whom / know personally.
81 do not know Schley, but l am a
friend of Capt. Cook of the Brooklyn
whose photograph have. On the back
of it you can read the following:
DUTY to our flags brought us to-
gether in strife. The sea made us
friends. May God preserve your life
and give to you that measure of bless
ing which your courage so richly de-
serves. 80
DftoohIS1N ~ MUD 4 EAf-ooCD.
'Of all the American ships the
Brooklyn was the most exposed to our
fire and to that of our batteries. Com
modore Schleys own report was 3
model of a plain, sailorlike and gen.
tlemanly statement. Schley directed
that our officers retain their personal
effects.
"A coward is never generous. The
suggestion of cowasdice probably
comes from towards.
Il have read in Ell Mundo Naval that
this attack on an honorable naval Off
Ger has a low political basis. The navy
should be left outside of politics.
Simpsons own official report is evil
dence of the Brooklyn's active part and
OF Schleys competency and bravery.
The adverse criticism is obviously an
afterthought AS a naval officer de-
ploIe 1t, because the navy should be as
sensitive as woman about its honor"
SIMPSONS FORGOTTEN LETTER.
Capt. Thomas F. Schley, eldest son
of Rear Admiral Schley, stationed at
Fort Douglass, Salt Lake City, re-
called in his statement on Monday the
incident whereby the bureau of navi-
6atioh ioi 6ot W luoCIl III luc ouCidi
records letter from Sampson to
Schley, which authorized the latter to
remain at Cienfuegos.
/ This letter was in the possession of
the navy department at the moment
it was attempted to be shown that
Schley mismanaged the campaign at
Cienfuegos.
Heie is the letter, in full. of date
May 20, and received by Schley on
May 90:
After duly considering this tele-
gram, have decided to make no change
in the present plan; that is, that YOU
should hold your squadron off Cienfue-
gos.
IF the Spanish ships have put into
Santiago they muI come either "a
Havana or Cienfuegos to deliver the
munitions Of war which they are said
to bring for use in Cuba.
II am, therefore, of the opinion that
our best chance of success in capturing
these ships will be to hold the two
points--Cienfuegos and Hayana--with
all the force we can muster sloe|
IF later 1t should develop that these
vessels are at Santiago we can then
assemble off that port the ships best
suited for the purpose and completely
blockade II. et
Until we. then, receive more positive
information we shall continue to holt
Havana and Cienfuegos."
Wants Eiks' Home Exempt.
81. n