Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-10-10
BRISTOL PROVES A t
CONFIDENT WITNESS
Places His Visual observations Above
Measurements Of Distance by
the Stadimetar.
STANDS BY HIS OWN STATEMENTS
Even as Against Those of Com
modore Schley. 81
HIS VIEW of ClENFuEGos BLOCKADE.
Associated Press Dispatch b special wires.

Associated Press Dispatch by Special Wires.
Washington, Oct. 9.-Notwithsta ndiuR to-
day marks an important turning point In
the career of Rear-Admiral Schley, being
the dHto OF bis transfer from the active to
the retired list of the navy, he was in his
accustomed seat within the railing of the
Schley Court OF Inquiry and gave his usual
attention to the proceedings of the court.
The retirement of Admiral Schley is In
accordance with law, he having reached the
age of 62 years. It was generally remarked
that he did not look his age.
The formal proceedings of the day bega q
with the reintroduction of Lieds. M. L.,
Bristol, formerly watch officer on the Texas,
witness. He was under discrimination
when the court adjourned last night and MIR.
Rayner continued his questions.
Mr.. Rayner began his examination of
Lieut.. Bristol with questions concerning
the accuracy of the stadimeter for the
measurement of distances at sen. He asked
IL he would rather trust his own visual OBJ
servation for 1900 yards range than the
instrument. The witness stated that the
stadimeter was more accurate for distances
Dclow 1000 yards Than above that distance.
At that distance he would make several
observations tor confirmation of visual
observation. ,.s ..,,,l.,,. (,
the greater tina distance.
Gould you p.ve me, " asked Mr.. Rayner,
"a point from wlinh It is entirely reliabie?''
Yes" was the rpsly, Sat zero 1T Is abs
solutely accurate. sss Fl
The witness considered tie sextant much
more reliable in measuring the distance
between ships.
Lieut.. Bristol also was asked by Mr..
Raynor concerning the distance out OF the
blockadinR ships at Cienfuegos, but he do
clined to change his estimate yesterday that
1t was from 8 to 10 miles distant from the
harbor.
MIR. Rayner said: ~ will read you Com
modoie Schley's report as TO the blockade
off Santiago. He says: A line of blockade
was established about four miles off shore
and at night an inshore line was maintained
consisting yariously Of the Scorpion, du Point
and Castine, the last named vessel arriving
on the 2Sd, conveying, the Merlimac. !. IL
you are right the commodore has stated
whit has not occurred when he says: A line
of blockade was established about four miles
on shore at Oienfuegos. That Is not a
correct statement of the commodore "a, is itYn
The statements l makear what thought
and what believe to be right. do not
question other peoples words"
Now refresh your recollection with an
official report. The statements you have
made are that during the day time the
squadron lay off Cienfuegos from Alto to
10 miles; and during the night from 8 to 10
miles. Without questioning either Com
modore Schley or yourself, when read ynu
his official report, do you still stand on your
statement, about 9 TO 10 .miles?"
II have 10 stand by my statement.
Speaking of the weather during the cruise
of the Flying Squadron from Cienfuegos to
Santiago, the witness said there we're fresh
breezes aud that there was moderate sea-
small boat could, he said, have becu
lowered at any time during the voyage.