The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1901-12-15
THE scHLzY VERDICT.


Schley court Of inquiry has adduced two YER
diets On the one hand Admiral George Dewey,
who enjoys the admiration and affection Of his fellow
countrymen to extent and a UnanimiW rarely
reached by any American, sustains and vindicates
every action OF Sehey before and during the battle off
Santiago. On the other hand, Admirals Benham and
Ramsey return adverse report IN every particular
except Historian" BIeclay's charge of cowardice.
Who is-George Dewey! Is there citizen of the
United States old enough to Hsp his own name who
doesn't NOW the record of this gallant admiral! Who
alo Benham and Ramsey Let us see Both re-
tired before hostlties with Spain began; both have
reached the age when the blood coos, when valorOus
deeds and conspicuous bravery fail to thrill the heart
Benham was retired In 1894, Ramsey IN 1891
Neither has ever handled the terrible war engines
of the new United States navy IN action. They may
have been good fighters n their day. but their day has
passed Benham was in the blockading service during
the civil war. Ramsey commanded battery of three
guns mounted on scOws IN the Mississippi river IN
that conflict. Benham's closest approach modern
navy work when he commanded division in the
ship parade near New YorN IN 1898 Ramsey has
been on shore duty most of the time since the civil
conflict.
These are the muzzle-loading, smooth-bore admir-
ais who say that Schley was guilty of the crimes the
bureaucrats charge against him. Such the men
who oppose their judgment to Dewey's. They didn't
know they couldn't know the rights and the of
the case. They incompetent to Judge Schley
as the shore-loving sailors who accused him. 1t re
qures no gift of second sight state whose opinion
the American people will accept.
Had Dewey found against Schley, with Benham
and Ramsey the other side, the popular faith in the
hero of Santiago must have been shaken. Dewey was
there absolutely impartial judge. lie has had
favoTs from the administration, he desired none.
The honors which have fallen to him have come with
out the asking. Dewey cannot be dragged from his
high estate ~ all the power the ring bring to bear
As honest man he could give honest opinion IN
mindful of the result.
When therefore, Dewey completely exonerates his
h, odd
glory, the country may feel secure IN the belief that
Schlev Is entitled TO 1t all. The Bro0kyns famous
loop in the Santiago battle Is not touched upon by
Admiral Dewey specifically. 1t may be taken for
granted though that when Dewey saws Schley is en-
titled to the credit for the glorious victory, he be-
heves the loop was a necessary tactical maneuyer.
1t may be true, the majority says that the
Texas was compelled 10 stop and back her engines but
that doesn't seem to have made any difference IN the
result and results what count Sampson if he had
been ten miles closer might have whipped the Spanish
more artstiealy but the darzies say Svhley shuk
'em up nightly The outcome of the inquiry Is IN
questionably victory for Admiral Schley.
The court was instructed to find out something
about the movements of Schleys feet prior to June
1895 about the blockade Of CenfUegos the blockade of
Santiago, the necessity for the loop made by the
Brooklyn In the battle, and such other matters as
might appear worth while as the investigation pro-
gressed. Among the other matters was the charge of
Aaclay, approved by Sampson, Crowninshied and 9th
ers, that Schley was a coward" and a "caitiff"
Happily the court is unanimous in the opinion
that Macay lied on this point. All three of the adj
mirBs say Schey brave and that his example en-
couraged his officers and men. Now the country viii
wait with Impotence to see what Secretary Long viii
do to Naclay. That little fellow isn't worth the
trouble of an investigation. He should be picked up
b the scru of the neck and kicked strenuousy out Of
the service.
1t is to be hoped that Admiral Schley and his
counsel wiz not seek further vindicatiOn Nothing
could be gained by congressional investigation
Schey and Dewey VIII into history the naval he
roes of the with Spain, and there VIII they be
when all others have been forgotten Now Schley goes
into retirement to spend the evening of his life in
peace and quiet To him his grateful countrymen viii
say, as did Rip Van Wrinkle in his famous toast:
Here's to the health of you ant your families
may YOU lif long ant prospere"