Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-10-10
ON THE RETIRED LIST.
Admiral schley Is Released From Ac-
tive Duty.

Washington, Oct. 9-Notwithstand
ing Admiral Schley was today placed
on the retired list Of the navy he was
in his accustomed seat at the court OF
inquiry and gave the usual attention
to the proceedings of the court. The
retirement of Schley is in accordance
with the law, he having reached the
age of 81 years.
The formal proceedings of the day
began with the re-introduction OF
Lieutenant Bristol, formerly watch
officer on the Texas as a witness.
Rayner began the examination with
questions concerning the accuracy OF
the statimeter for the measurement of
distances at sea- Bristol said he had
taken several observations with the
statimeter Just before the Spanish feet
came out OF the harbor and had check
ed these with the sextant. The found
the distance from MORO to be 5,100
yards. Bristol was questioned con-
corning the distance out of the block
aiding ship at Cienfuegos, but declined
to change his estimate of yesterday
that it was from eight to ten miles
distant from the harbor, notwithstand-
ing Schley's report stated that the line
four miles off shore. 81 have to stand
by my statement" he said.
Speaking of the weather during the
cruise of the flying squadron from
Cienfuegos to Santiago, the witness
said there were fresh breezes and a
moderate sea, but small boat could
have been lowered at any time during
the voyage.
Sticks BY Statement.
Rayner also Intercepted Bristol
concerning the estimate made soon af-
ter the arrival of the fleet off Santiago,
that the Spanish shore batteries
amounted but to little. He had said
yesterday the elevation of these bat
teries was from $50 to 200 feet. Ray
ner produced chart which showed the
batteries of MORO were 22O and $50
feet above the water line. The wit
ness said he had not seen the chart
when he prepared his stateme nt, which
he still stood by. Asked whether there
had been any menace to any American
ships July from the shore batteries,
Bristol replied there was danger to
the Gloucester because that vessel
was unarmored, but did not consider
the New York in danger.
No Opinions Go.
Rayner read from report by Sec
rotary Long, saying on that day the
New York had sustained the undivided
| fire of the shore batteries. do you
still say, in view of that statement,
that the shore batteries did not amount
to anything?" Rayner queried.
You asked my opinion" the wit
ness replied. II have given it you"
Dewey: I'VE don't want opinions"
Bristol was then excused.
Taylor Testfies.
| Rear Admiral Taylor was then call
ed. He stated when the battle off
Santiago July began, the Indiana. of
which he was in command, had occu-
pied the easternmost post on the line
of the blockade, having taken the place
of the flagship New York when it left
| for Siboney.
Not In Much Danger.
Taylor related the story of the bat
tie as seen from the Indiana and then.
in reply to the question, Did you OBJ
serve whether there was an attempt
on the part of Cervera's vessels to ram
any ship of the American squadron
he replied: 81 observed there was no
such attempt
Cross Examination.
Rayner in cross examination sought
to introduce certain signals sent from
the flagship New York on the morning
of July 8, to the Indiana, inviting the
latter to accompany the New York to
Siboney, and the reply of Taylor, de-
Ginning to go on account of work on
the ship.
Indiana Always Cleared for Action.
Taylor said on the morning of the
battle, the Indiana had signaled, 1.-THE
enemy is escaping. The Indiana
was always cleared for action. He
/ had seen the BROOKLYN while making