The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-08-31
"72 Ashburton Avenue,
Workers. N. Y.. Aug. A. 1901.

"72 Ashburton Avenue.
 Workers. N. r.. Aug. A. 1901.
 Dear Sir--I have just returned to my home after a short visit to Sara toga and Lake George.
 owing to my detail as member of the court of inquiry, ordered to meet on September 12 next, find that many newspapers are giving me credit for having served my country. in the Uni- ted States Navy, for nearly half cen- tury. with honor.
 q see also that am thought to be objectionable as a member Of this court of inquiry, 1t being stated that l pub iicly expressed opinions on the conduct of the battle of Santiago. while serv- ing as commandant at the Boston Navy Yard, shortly after the result of that engagement was known.
 ''I believe the service knows, as I do. that do not attempt to make public speeches. write for magazines or pa pers, or make public utterances on navy or other subjects.
 Tt has been impossible for me to avoid the visits and questions Of rep reser tatives of newspapers while serv- ing at important stations and at times when the navy was busiiy employed.
 At Mare Island, during my long service there. particularly during the great railroad strike, the papers con- tained many statements said to have been obtained at my office. Most, if rot all of these reports, were harmless, readable articles on tho operations of th4, several naval attachments serving for the preservation of flaw and order.
 During my two years service at the Boston station, there was seldom C day passed without receiving visits from the representatives of the sev- eral Boston papers, and during the Spanish American war the navy yard there waI seldom without newspaper reporters.
 T found them to be polite and gen tlemanly. at all times. and whatever information or news I could reason ably impart, I gave them.
 '1 have often interpreted to number of them, the laws and regulations for the navy by attempting to answer their numerous questions relating to the du- ties and responsibilities of the several grades of officers throughout fleet of vessels from the commander -in- chief to the lowest rate of the crew.
 When the news of our navy's suc- cesa al Manila and again at Santiago reached Boston, the people there were not behind the rest of the United States in giving honor and praise to the navy and to the commander-in- chief of the fleets. The enthusiasm of the population in praise and honor for thu officeri and men engaged at San tiagO lasted for some time, until later whel the troubles commenced as to where the credit and honor should go fo; the success of this engagement.
 Tt Is no news tO the navy to say where all do their duties, the first honors of success go to the officer in chief command. Censure for failure also belongs to him.
 This newspaper in question con- tains a statement in which 1t is said that I mace comparison between Schley and Sampson, unfavorable to Schley. The word respected as used by the reporter, Is seldom or never employed by navy men in comparing the qualities possessed by officers, and I am sure I could never have said this as he reports, nor said that Schley had the reputation of being nervous and hot-headed in the naval academy.
 "One may say an officer stands high CT in his class if true; another may stand higher in scientific attainments, while another may be distinguished for eminent diplomatic and social QualltleS, while unOer 01ScuSSlOn are of good standing and proficient in their necessary professional calling.
 "I have no recollection of the gentle man representing The Boston Record, and I do not approve of his public statement as mine I cannot say that I have not discussed with acquaint- ances matters published in the news papers relating to our navy's success as we'll as the unfortunate disputes so widely commented on.
 "There are few or no persons in the navy or in our country who have not daily discussed these newspaper ar ticles.
 From the paper 1t appears that Ad- miral Schley has strong doubts as to my fitness to fairly judge this case with Admirals Dewey and Benham.
 AS 1t is a case of grave importance to those concerned and to the country, I am desirous of giving my little help to clear away the troubles.
 "The duties of members of courts martial and courts of inquiry are not sought or desired by officers.
 While I feel highly honored by the Departments selection of myself for tllis duty 1t is anything but a pleasant task to sit in judgment on brother of Ecers.
 However the honor of the selection nor unp. asantness of court duties do not enten pto the reasons for my now writing to 'ay to you personally. three things: N
 'First-TO reassure you that I am not responsible for, end did not give out Such an interview as fa alleged in