Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-08-16
SCHLEYS COUNSEL
He Has a Conference With Them
Today.
TELLS His STORY OF THE FIGHT
Mr.. Rayner Speaks of the Result
of the Meeting.
LIS His STORY OF THE FIGHT
MEET AGAIN MON

L
| eral of Maryland, and Capt. James Parker
of New Jersey, the story Of his connection
with the Spanish-American war from the
1898, and gave an account OF his actions
| from the day Cerveras fleet was discovered
| in Santiago bay up to and including the day
of it's destruction, July 8, 1893 The con-
| ference between the admiral and his coun-
self was held in Mr.. Wilson's apartments
at the Shoreham Hotel, the suite on the
fourth floor overlooking 10Th street, occu-
pied by Thomas B. Reed while he was
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
| The gentlemen began their deliberations at
1915 am. and concluded at 1:30, denying
| themselves meantime to all callers. 1t was
the first time the parties had met since
Admiral Schley's request for court OF in
quiry had been granted and the attorneys
| retained by him had gotten an opportunity
to confer.
Mr. Wilson, who has been an intimate
friend Of Admiral Schley for years was
engaged by the latter to be his senior coun-
| sci white he was in Europe. Upon his re-
| turn last Saturday Mr.. Wilson saw Ad-
miral Schley in New York and acQuiesced
who is one of the most eminent lawyers in
Maryland and the attorney general of that
state, should be engaged associate coun-
sci.
Result of Capt. Parker's Investigation
Capt. Parker was retained as soon as the
court of inquiry was determined upon and
has been engaged since in a comprehensive
examination of papers and documents In
! the Navy Department having bearing upon
| the conduct of the naval campaign in Gu
| ban waters during the Spansh-American
war. He brought with him to the confer
ence this morning the results of this in
! his country place at Oakland last night and
| took apartments at the Shoreham. Admiral
and Mrs. Schley arrived somewhat earlier
| in the evening on the Pennsylvania system
register, but the news Of his arrival be-
came quickly known and he had number
| of callers, including many newspaper men.
His friends expressed pleasure at hts ap-
parent good health and he assured them
that he never felt better in his life. He
icourteously declined to talk about the ap-
preaching inquiry.
II will not say anything" he remarked
to an Evening Star representative, laying
his hnger on his lips with an expressive
gesture. IF talked to one / would have
to talk to all, and consequently will say
His earliest caller this morning was Mr.
Wilson, who went over from the Shoreham
Immediately after he had breakfasted. He
was shown to Admiral Schley's apartments,
and when he came down In the elevator
half an hour afterward the admiral accom-
panied him to the lower floor.
Mr.. Wilson on His, Trip,
Mr.. Wilson was seen Immediately after
ward by a Star reporter. When the re-
porter expressed regret that Mr.. Wilson'S
trip abroad had been shortened by business
demands on this side of the big water he
remarked that such an impression was in
correct
Il did not come home on account of the
schley case or anything of a business ma
just as it was taken, booking my return
passage for August 3. l have had a good
rest, which enjoyed very much and feel
much benefited by it."
Yes he responded in answer to an In
quiry of the reporter, there will be a con-
ference today between Admiral Schley, Mr..
Rayner, Capt. Parker and myself over the
course, had no opportunity to talk with
them on the subject, and thought it proper
| to arrive at some understanding"
The meeting place selected was not gen.
orally known, but to the cards of those
who did ascertain it's location the reply
was sent down that the conferees were
too busy to see any one. The inevitable
photographer was on hand with camera
deslrous or getting group picture of the
quartet, but his card met the answer that
such a thing would be inexpedient. Moth
ing daunted, he sat himself down in the
hotel office, determined to snap the men
get a chance at them together.
There was a small group Of reporters
present when the conference concluded
Mr.. Rayner was the first to come down to
the hotel office, and he was quickly sur
rounded.
Mr.. Rayner Talks.
After stating that Admiral Schley had
told his counsel his case, as announced
above, Mr.. Rayner was asked If the ques-
tion of witnesses had been considered, and
If all the surviving commanding officers of
the vessels engaged at the battle of San
tiago would be summoned.
admiral Schley will give us list of his
witnesses Monday, when we will have an
other meeting" said Mr.. Rayner. land will
ask for list of the Navy Department.
witnesses. l do not know whether their
names will be furnished us or not, but
think we have a right to them"
What else did you do besides hear Ad-
mirai Schley's statement" asked The Star
reporter.
I'VE considered the precept Of the court
OF inquiry and examined numerous papers
and documents bearing upon the move
ments of the fleet from the time 1t sailed
from Key West to May q, and then from
the time Cervera's feet was located In Sam
tfago harbor to July 8, when it was de-
stroyed."
Did you find any new points bearing
upon the case?"
Yes; several" was the response. .but II
would not be timely to speak of them now.
Admiral Sch1ey does not desire any secrecy
in this matter, but it Is well to await the
court Of inquiry
"Will Admiral Sampson be summoned as
a witness?'
II remarked before that the names Of
witnesses would be given the counsel next
Monday. We will meet at Judge Wilson's
office Monday morning and go thence to
the Navy Department, and then come here
to the Shoreham."
Does the visit to the Navy Department
mean that any steps viii be taken there In
connection with the case?.
Yes. Our purpose in going there will
be in regard to Admiral Schley's case"
Not at Navy Department.
Admiral Schley had not appeared at the
Navy Department up to late hour today.
The naval regulations provide that every
officer OF the navy visiting Washington
shall. within twenty-four hours after his
arrival, register his name and city address
at the bureau Of navigation, Navy Depart-
ment. 1t Is generally customary for offi-
GERS to comply with this regulation by an
pearfng In person, but under the practice
which obtains this Is not actually neces-
sary. Admiral 6chleys after his arrival