The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-07-25


bring this entire matter under discus
sion under the clearer and calmer re-
view OF my brothers in arms
This department will at once pro-
eeed in accordance with your request.
Very respectfully,
John D. Long,
ITO Rear Admiral w. S. Schley, U. S.
N"
Secretary Long acted without consul
tation with anyone and without com
municating the request of Admiral
Schley to the President. He then call
ed into his office Rear Admiral Crown
lnshield and Capt. Cowles, chief and
assistant chief, respectively, of the
Bureau of Navigation, and also Judge
Advocate General Lemley, who has
charge of formalities of naval courts.
He ais osent for Admiral Dewey. AL
though Rear Admiral Schley did not
ask specifically for a court of inquiry,
but left the action to be taken to the
judgment of the department, the Sec
retary decided that such court would
be the best means of making the in
VeStigation which the rear admiral
had requested, and the three bureau
officers We're called in for the purpose
of discussing the mode of procedure in
such cases. After his conference with
Admiral Dewey, who had responded
Immediately to the Secretarys request
for an interview, the Secretary said
that he had not had time TO decide
upon the composition of the court. but
in response to a question as to whether
Admiral Dewey would serve upon such
court, if requested to do So the Sec
retary said:
Admiral Dewey will do his duty"
Dewey Likely to Preside.
!,
been given on this point, it is assumed
about the Navy Department that Ad-
miral Dewey will be president of the
court which will inquire into the whole
controversy concerning Admiral
Schley's actions during the Spanish
war. There also is an impression that
the two other members of the court
will be retired naval officers, or at least
officers who had no connection with the
Santiago campaign. The selection of
retired officers would have a double ad-
vantage. Not only would they be free
from any prejudice growing out of their
active connection with the department,
but they would have no fear of future
consequences arising from their course,
while members of the board. The court
of inquiry probably will not proceed
with its work until fall. Secretary
Long said to-day that it would be un-
fair to ask a court of inquiry to con-
vene in Washington during the present
extremely hot weather for the prose-
cution of an inquiry which promised to
be quite protracted.
The information that Admiral
Schley's letter asking for a court of
inquiry had been received by Secretary
Long soon spread through the Navy
Department and not since the recent
war days has one theme excited such
general attention.
Congress in 1895 established the prin-
ciple that no court martial could be
held two years after the occurrence un-
der investigation. This is known as the
navy statue of limitation and while
it bars a court-martial relating to the
Santiago campaign, it does not bar
the court of inquiry. In this case the
court of inquiry would be effective only
in establishing records, and would not
be preliminary to a court martial.
An important feature in the order di-
recting the court is that specifying
whether it shall state only the facts
found, or shall also give an opinion
based on the facts. Unless the order
expressly requires the court to give
their opinion, they are confined to stat
ing the facts found. 1t is considered
quite probable, however, that in a case
rect the court to record it's opinion as
well as it's conclusion of facts.
Whether the investigation shall be
held in open court or not is decided
by the court itself, unless specified in
the convening order. This leaves it OPP
tional with the President or Secretary
Long to direct that the proceedings
shall be open or closed, but in case
no specific direction is given on this
point the court will decide 1t.
When the court of inquiry reaches
it's decision all the papers are forward
ed to the judge advocate general of
the navy and the final approval or
disapproval rests with the Secretary
of the Navy or the President, accord
ing to which one has ordered the court.
The Courts Personnel Unknown.
Secretary Long at the close of Of
flee hours to-day said that the person
mel of the court would be made known
tomorrow, at which time also the
precept covering the court probably
will be issued. Meanwhile there is
much speculation as to the members
of the court other than Admiral Dew
ey. The secretary himself says there is
no warrant for the announcement of
any particular name. as he still has
the question under advisement. He has
DGen making the udy
as to the availability of certain Of
ficers, and 1t is understood that some
telegraphic inquiries have been made
of those absent from the city to see
If there is any reason why they should
not serve.
The sessions OF the court will be held
in the large chamber formerly used
as an ante-room to the Office of the
secretary and assistant secretary.
sampson Says He's Glad.
Boston, July 24-Rear Admiral
Sampson said to-day:
II am gald that Rear Admiral Schley
has asked Secretary Long for an in
vestigation. / hope II there is an in
vestigation II will be a thorough one,
and that not detail of anything that
has been in dispute will be avoided by
the investigating board.
This whole business is inspired by
malice but now perhaps IL may all be
investigated, and II II is the President
of the United States will know all the
facts"
MacIny Also Pleased.
New York. July 24-Edgar S. Mac
lay. who criticised Rear Admiral
Schley In a history of the United
States navy said to-day:
ut is the proper course for Rear
Admiral Schey 10 demand court of
inquiry. IL Is his only means of vindi-
cation. After this court has deter
mined upon his case. then he can bring
F.a g. sstsg