Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1901-08-03


4 ity with Admiral Dewey. who has
been honored with the recognition he
deserved. 1t may also appear that
the rear officers in the service who
deserve punishment for the part play
ed in conspiracy against the hero az
Santiago, but the statues OF Iimita
/ lions probably will protect them ii so,
and public sentiment viii have to be
looked TO to give them their deserts.
MUST SToP TALKING.
Washington. July Further dis.
cussion of the Sampson .schiey con-
troversy by naval officers is TO be pro-
hibited by Secretary Long in general
order which will be issued this week.
There has been, in the opinion of
the Secretary, roo general disposi-
tion TO comment and criticism, both
among high ranking officers and those
OF lesser rank. and in view of the
prospects that witnesses will be sum
moned far and wide to testify before
the court of inquiry it is deemed adj
| visable that expressions of opinion
regarding the merits OF this and that
subject involved In the controversy
al SIMPSONS views given in the inter.
view yesterday have been in meas
IRE responsible for the order. Mr..
Long feels that the public is entitled
To judee the testimony as it will be
presented to the court without being
prejusiced beforehand by partisan
statements and criticisms in which
intense feeling may be shown.
The order. OF course, cannot prevent
officers discussing it in their clubs and
on board ships what they think on
the subject at issue, but 1t will have
the result of effectually stopping all
i public interview on the controversy
by naval officers. The effect will be
beneficial to the cause of both Adj
mirals Sampson and Schley, and a
welcome relief to the Administration
1t is subject of favorable COM
ment that Admiral schley has refrain
ed from interviews and that he has
been discreet enough to keep his own
opinions to himself, and it would be a
matter of considerable relief to the
Navy Department if other officers
would follow his example.
The machinery of the NAVY Depart
ment has already been set in opera-
ton to secure the attendance of wit
nesses and to prepare the case for pre-
sentation to the court All this work
will devolve upon Capt. Samuel @.
Lemly, judge advocate, who has
secured a list Of officers, with their
present duties, who are liable to be
called as witnesses. 1t is said that
the witnesses may not necessarily be
confined to the captains and execu-
tives OF the ships in the West Indian
camnaign, but may include junior
officers, il it is desirable, their testi-
mony shall be received. For instance
it will be necessary to summon Lieu
tenant Hodgson. the navigator OF the
Brooklyn to explain this side OF the
Texas conversation alleged to have
taken place on the bridge of Schiey's
, flagship. Fortunately three-tourths
of the witnesses are on the home sta
tion or Pacific, and few are now be-
yond the seas, considering the large
number engaged in the campaign.
One of the executives, however is
now naval attache at Paris and will
probably be ordered home, while it
, is equally probable that several Off
GERS with the squadron at Manila
will also be detached to appear be-
fore the court.
UNREASONABLE the Navy Depart
ment is to press its case with vigoI
and not stone will be left unturned
: to present every particle of evidence
bearing on the controversy unfavorable
to Schley.
That the Administration regards
itself as ON trail equality with Schley
there is no question, for acquittai OF
J Schley on any OF all of the charges
: recited in the pIecept would be O
t strong implication that he had been
I prosecuted by the highest officials of
the Government Exoneration in any
t sense could be severe blow at the
Secretary OF the Navy and the Presi.
: dent, neither of whom has shown any
S sympathy for Schley in the crusade
: made by his enemies. Secretary
t Longs characterization OF Admiral
! Schley's conduct can only be justified
by proof of the charge before the
! court. If he should be found guilty
. in whole or in part the blow could
7 fall as heavily on the navy and it,
. best tradition. 1t is generally accept
ed that the Navy Department will use
, its utmost endeavor to prove the