Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-10-24
COURT OF INQUIRY
INTERESTING DISCLOSURES TO
BE EXPECTED
When Admiral Schley Takes the Witness Stand
In His Own Behalf-Capt. Cook for the
First Time Explains the Reason for Max.
Ing the Loop-To Prevent Spaniards
From Running Into the Brooklyn.

Washington, D. c., Oct. l4.-Within
few days Schley will take the witness
stand in his own behalf, and it is expect.
ed that he will have most interesting dis
closures to make, after these three years
OF the controversy during which he has
been silent. When he becomes wit
ness his personal explanation Of the mat
ters under discussion will for the first
time become public.
How far the court will allow him to 60
If it insists that Sampson must not be
brought into the case, it is impossible to
say. As Schley is the applicant, how
ever, and his reputation is at stake, it is
probable that he will demand and be
granted wide latitude.
Capt. Cook, who has been summoned
by Schley, will be one of the most i'm
portant witnesses in the case. He, it is
said, will assume responsibility for the
loop. One point in his evidence which
will be against Schley is the fact that
he objected to the retrograde movement
to Key West. 1t is now practically SET
tied that Sampson will not be called.
Capt. Cook was the first witness called
by Lemly this morning. Cook was a
witness for both sides. He testified that
the first intimation regarding Cervera
was received May 10, when it was report
ed that the Spanish fleet had left Cadiz
for the Canaries. He said it was for the
purpose of intercepting the Spanish fleet
that the flying squadron was sent to
Cienfuegos.
Schley was told by the commander of
one Of the scout ships that the latter be-
lieved there were coaling facilities south
of Cuba; but he (Cook) did not think
favorably of the Cape cruise mentioned.
The blockade of Cienfuegos was insti-
tuted the moment the flying squadron
arrived there May IL. Admiral Schley
was confident he had Cervera there.
Cook, for the first time, explained the
reason for making the loop. He said
the direction steered by the Spaniards
made it clear to him that they were try
ing to get between the Brooklyn and the
Texas; that thereupon he ordered the
loop, for the purpose OF heading them
of, in which he succeeded, forcing the
Spaniards to turn.
After the Brooklyn had made the turn
she alone was receiving the fire of the
OOAOA 0AAO N4uCuuOs
Cook said the squadron left Cienfuegos
for Santiago as soon as it was definitely
learned that the Spanish fleet was not in
the former place. The retrograde move
ment was begun because Schley feared
he would be caught with short coal
supply.
Schley turned back to Santiago as soon
as the weather moderated ami it was
nOssihle to coal at sea-
Cook says he ordered the loop without
Schley's suggestion or knowledge, and
that there was absolutely no danger Of
colliding with the Texas.
He could not say what would have
happened had the Brooklyn been
handled differently, and he declared that
everything that was done was highly
successful.
Schley and his counsel were delighted
with Cooks testimony.
Raynor said he was strongly inclined
to place Schley on the stand and then
rest the case.
Cook in close examination was asked
what was Schley's conduct. He replied
that Schley was "an enthusiastically
brave and patriotic officer"