The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-07
points FROM THE ADDRESS
sCHLEY PICTURED AS A HERO AND
VICTIM OF ENvIOUs FOES,
who Can Afford to Await the Verdict
of POsterity Government Wit
nesses Held Up to RidicuIe.

WASHINGTON. Nov. 6.-The climax of
the SchIey court of inquiry came this after
noon when Mr.. Rayner. chief counsel for
Admiral Schley, concluded a brilliant argu-
ment of over three hours with a perora-
tion so eloquent and impassioned that all
within the sound of his voice were pro-
foundIy touched. This remarkable trial, he
said sought TO condemn the man who had
brought to a successful termination
great a naval triumph as was ever won.
In vivid colors ne painted the picture of
the Brooklyn, with Commodore SchIey on
the bridge, fighting the entire Spanish
fleet until the oregon appeared out of the
smoke The thunders of the Brooklyn,
music for the ears of his countrymen, he
said. aroused Admiral Schleys enviOus
foes He pictured the victorious sailor
suffering as few have suffered for three
long years while the fires of persecution
teaped around him and awaiting the
hour OF his vindication in the verdict of
the court And when il comes" he con-
cIuded, ''he can from the high and exalted
position that he occupies look down on
his traducers and maiigners and with ex
cellent pride exclaim: care not for the
venomous gossip of clubs drawing rooms
and cliques and the poisoned shafts of envy
and of malice. L await under the guidance
of divine Providence the verdict of pos
terity."
The scene in the courtroom as he finisf,Sl
with these words was thrilling. The at
tendance had been large all day and at the
morning session woman had tainted from
excitement. AS Mr.. Rayner began his
eulogy of Admiral SchIey those in the audi
ence. many of whom were women. leaned
forward in their seats. The spell of his
oratory was over them. and when he de-
scribed the admirars gallant deeds and the
long persecution 10 which he had been sub
jected many Of them wept.
The members of the court displayed evil
dences OF emotion and Admiral Schley HIM
self was plainly moved. He sat leaning
back with his hands behind his head His
chin twtched. and his counsel said he
could afford to await the verdict of pos
terity two big tears rolled down his cheeks.
He moved uneasily TO conceal his emotion,
and under the pretense of adjusting his
glasses brushed the tears aside.
For full thirty seconds after Mr.. Rayner
closed there was not a sound Then the
tension broke in a loud burst of applause.
Admiral Dewey. after about half a minute.
arose 20 remind the spectators that such
demonstration was out of place. A mo-
ment afterward the court adjourned. the
Judge advocate pleading that he could not
well 40 on to-day.
Then another remarkable thing hap
pened. AS soon as the gavel fell the entire
audience urged forward TO shake the hands
OF Admiral Schley and Mr. Rayner But
the on-coming spectators fell back a mo-
ment as they saw Admiral Dewey and his
two associates move round to the table as
II by common impulse. and congratulate
Admiral Schley and his counsel. Even
Captain Lemly, the judge advocate. came
forward TO join in the congratulations. Then
the public had its inning, and for fifteen
minutes after the court Adjourned Admiral
Schley and Mr.. Rayner were kept busy
shaking hands.
Mr.. Rayner's argument to-day consumed
the whole day of the court, except for half
an hour at the opening. when Captain Par
ker. his associate counsel. occupied in con-
Guiding. Mr.. Rayner took up the specifca-
tiOns one by one. reserving those relating
TO the retrograde movement until the last
SO far as he was able TO do so he used the
testimony Of the departments witnesses to
prove his contentious. With regard TO the
retrograde movement. which he discussed
Will greater StIlouSHtSS lidn the other
specifications. he adduced in Justification
not only all Admiral Schley's reasons for
believing the Spanish fleet was not I'm San
tiagO harbor. but argued that every officer
charged with the responsibility of COM
mand must be clothed with discretion in
carrying out instructions. He displaved
good temper in adverting TO the testimony
OF most OF the officers. especially the rank
ing officers who seemed 10 contradict his
client. giving them In each case credit for
honesty Of purpose. But with a few ne
dealt unsparingly. Wood. Potts and Bristol
he held up 10 ridicule
Captain Lemly will begin the closing ar
gument tomorrow afternoon. as the court
will not hold session tomorrow morn
Ing.
Admiral Dewey announced privately be-
fore the opening Of the court to-day that
there would be no morning session Of the
court tomorrow. Mrs. Dewey has been in
disposed recently and the admiral will de-
vote the forenoon tomorrow to removing