Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-10-31

Washington, Oct 26.-When the
court OF inquiry adjourned yesterday
Schley had not completed his testi-
mony. The adjournment was taken
twenty minutes in advance of the usu-
al time, due to the fact that the ad-
mlral and the court had become some
what sensitive as a. result of his con-
tinued talking Thursday and yester-
day. The court adjourned until Mon
day Yesterday was a notable one in
court. By large odds the largest
crowd that has yet attended any ses-
sions was present and earnest interest
was manifested throughout the pro-
ceedings. Long before the beginning
Of the morning session all seats re-
served for visitors were occupied and
a greater portion of the space in the
rear OF these was covered by people
standing. They not only stood upon
the floor but upon the window stills
and tables and even the rude elevator
machinery in that portion of the hall
was covered by men. On only one occa-
sion was there any effort at applause.
and this was suppressed before it
| reached any magnitude
! The chief event of the day was the
admirals relation Of the events OF
July 8, when the American fleet sent
| Cervera's squadron to the bottom of
the sea or to beach. He told the story
| of this historical occurrence in plain
words and in unaffected style, but the
narrative was straightforward and to
the point, indicating close familiarity
with all phases of the event
! He said the Brooklyn had for the
time sustained the fire OF all four
/ Spanish ships, and also the fire of the
Spanish land batteries. Explaining
| the historical turn of his own flagship,
the Brooklyn, he said he had not ap-
preached to within less than 600 yards
of the Texas and he had never con-
sidered that vessel in the least dan
ger. He also stated, in response to
the Interrogation from Rayner, that
| he had never before the battle en-
! gagged in any colloquy with Hodgson
and he had not used the expression at
| tributed to him by Hodgson. He re-
! ferred to the colloquy in which the ad-
miral is charged with having said:
Damn the Texas" Schley also gave
| details of the reconnaissance of May
81 when the Spanish ship Cristobal
Colon was bombarded. In this con-
nection he denied the statements at
| tributed to him by Commander Potts
of the battleship Massachusetts.
| In telling Of the return of the Brook
Ign Schley, speaking steadily and
clearly, and never hesitating for
word, said he had never seen a ship
turn more steadily. The turn" he
said, was absolutely continuous, no
easing of helm and | never saw the
starboard side of the Texas. | am
sure we were never nearer that vessel
than 600 yards. We were so distant I
never had any thought of danger in
connection with the Texas" Telling
of the fight, he said: THE roar Of
our projectiles was such as can only
be heard once, and once heard, can
never be forgotten
Telling of the coming up of the Or
egon during the chase, Schley said he
had never before realized that such
rapid fire was possible as was emitted
from these two vessels (the Brooklyn
and Oregon. Both looked to him, he
said, like sheets of flame. Then he
told Of ordering word sent to the men
below and describing the killing of
Woman Ellis his voice faltered and
lowered. Speaking Of the effect Of
the Spanish fire on the Brooklyn, he
said it was so heavy that all the rig
ging of the Brooklyn had been cut,
even the speed cones were but shot
away.
Before the court adjourned Lemly
had invited attention to the fact that
Notwithstanding his declared willing
ness to have Sampson summoned.
the counsel on the other side had not
yet made known his intentions. Ray
ner said he would not object to Samp-
sons being summoned, but every one
knew he was not in condition to be
called into court.