New-York tribune., 1901-09-28
MCALLA HITS SCHLEY.
HE SAYS COALING AT SEA
WAS EASY.
DECLARES COMMANDER OF THE FLY
ING SQUADRON TOLD HIM HE
FEARED COURT MARTIAL
SIMPSONS LAWYERS
BARRED OFT
BARRED OUT.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.I


Judge advocates principal witness. relied upon
to support nearly all the statements of the pre-
cept, was on the stand during the afternoon. and
gave more damaging testimony than any who
have preceded him. His recitals were those of
the unwritten history of the Cuban blockade
matters which In the greater part had barely
been touched upon in official reports. and which,
if uncontroverted. would perhaps defeat any in
clination of the court to be lenient.
There such reluctance exhibited by
Captain McCalla to calling things by their
proper names as had marked the testimony Of
earlier witnesses. His statements were fearless.
he took refuge in indistinct recollections. and
his opinions given with the confidence of
a recognized expert upon strategic and military
matters. Concerning his own ability to do the
things Schley had not done, to do better those
which Schley had essayed to do, Captain Nc
Gala emphatic and unhesitating. He had
studied the problems of the Caribbean through
the college course of 1897, had tested them
in actual practice as commander of the Marble
head during the winter when the conflict was
impending. and had held independent command
fleet of small vessels blockading the
south coast of Western Cuba until Schley had
relieved him and had taken him to the Flying
Squadron. q month after war was declared.
SOME FRANK CRITICISM.
Considerable portions of his evidence con-
sisted of opinions which may have been infiu-
enced by these facts notably his frank criticism
OF the failure to destroy the Colon and other
Spanish ships before Sampson arrived but in
great degree he presented declarations of fact.
quoted conversations and described matters re-
fecting grayely upon Schleys capacity for
commanding a great feet of modern battle
ships and cruisers.
Throughout this part. at least of the testi-
mony IL he had the slightest animus against
his superior officer 1t was not apparent, and
altogether his replies to interrogatories, well
as his remarks volunteered beyond the ex-
animation, bore every indication of sturdy, de-
liberate effort TO hide nothing which the court
cared to know. This willingness was sharply
curtailed by Admiral Dewey just at the close
Of the day when the Judge advocate was press
ing for an expert dictum the omission Of
the Marblehead from the ships that went In to
take pot shot at the Colon.
The chief facts produced by McCala were that
TO Captain Chadwick alone did he confide the
code he had arranged with the insurgents near
Cienfuegos; that he told Commodore Schley he
could easily coal at Cape Cruz; that he actually
had difficulty whatever In coaling at at
Cenfuegos Santiago at any time; that his
advice was never asked on any question. and,
cf greater interest to the court and to the pub
lc than any testimony hitherto adduced was
Is relation of conversation which he had with
- fuegos when the Comma nder-in in-Chef. perpexed
hv the various instructions he had received,
said he could not coal at Santiago, and If he
returned TO Key West he would be court mar
tailed
MCALLA'S ADVICE TO SCHLEY.
II said" added Captain McCalla, "Commo-
dore. think you must go to Santiago, even II
you don't stay there" and he replied This is
a matter shall have TO decide for myself You
may return to your ship" That night the fleet
started east.
The other new witness to-day was Lieutenant
John Hood, who was the Maine when that
ship was destroyed at Havana and who COM
manded the converted yacht Hawk in the war.
His examination regarding the delivery Of dis
patches tedious. and not very damaging.
although apparently expected to be.
The only disagreeable incident OF the day
Cured just before McCala heard. There
had been some discussion trivial point Of
admitting quotation of few words from a
magazine article signed by Rear Admiral Samp-
son. TO be used aiding the memory of wit
AS the cooquy closed, w. II. Stayton, Of
New-York. pushed past the marine guard OF
the court, and. standing behind the presidents
chair, presented a letter from Sampson request
ing that Stayton and Campbell be admitted to
represent him before the court. Admiral Dewey
read the letter and said to Mr.. Stayton: You'll
get answer"
Mr. stayton asked if he should remain with
in the bar, but the Admiral, with gestures Of
vexatlon and marked signs OF annoyance, said
10 the lawyer: wait outside till you get
answer. Leave the letter: I'll answer it,
SAMPSON BARRED OUT
After Mr.. Stayton had retired, the Admiral in
whispers dictated a letter to his secretary.
which was subsequently read aloud ruling that
Sampson not a party to the inquiry. Mr..
Stayton then asked If he could make a brief
statement, but this the Admiral peremptorily
declined TO permit. II is understood the attempt
Will be repeated tomorrow.
This occurrence made bad impression upon
the court and was regarded as unfortunate in
placing Rear Admiral Sampson In the position
OF volunteering to appear in the controversy or
regarded exhibiting lack of confidence in
the Navy Departments conduct OF the inquiry,
and the unmistakable imputation II cast the
Judge-advocate and the solicitor. who have sue
cessfuly resisted all efforts to attack Sampson
was warmly resented. Upon any repetition of
the effort severe rebuke will probably be ad-
ministered.
One OF the notable developments of the case
which struck every to-day, and which,
though gradually becoming apparent. has
been emphasized. is Admiral Deweys ready as
sumption of full responsibility for the conduct
OF the inquiry, and the exhibition of his deter
minauon TO expedite the proceedings and not
to let the counsel OF the court Of the appli-
can't transgress the rules that have been estab-
lshed- His mana cement of the Stayton incident
and his prompt support of Captain Parker's
protest against expressions Of opinions calcu-
lated TO help the court in its exclusive preroga-
tive OF giving the only permissible opinion
Schley's capacity, We're conspicuous demonstra-
tions Of this determination. While this is
indication that the court will become man
ahair, 1t encourages the belief that Its Judg
mept will be wholly unbiased by unsubstan-
uated vituperations.