Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-11-11
REVELATIONS IN NAVAL
COURTS OF INJURY

a
inquiry now progressing in the city Of
Washington to discover IL Admiral Schley
was coward az Santiago have lessened
public respect for the naval department
OF the government to remarkable de-
gree.
If il il not honey-combed through and
through with cliques and strategems It
has been certainly unfortunate in appear
snce and present reputation.
The country is paying dear prices for
everything connected with the navy, II
is an expensive arm OF the Federal ser
vice, but there has been a sincere impress
sion heretofore that our brave sailors were
real tip-top men in the work Of the gen
eral government and many degrees re-
moved from the enmities, rivalries and
political schemes which have dissraced
considerable number OF army officers,
great and small.
But the Schley trial has reversed all
such favorable impressions and the people
are opening their eyes TO the real condi-
ton Of our naval department as uncov-
cred in the slow progress Of this notable
case.
There was glory enough for all when
Cervera's fleet was driven upon the beach
and destroyed. but Admiral Sampson took
uTnbrage at tho request Of Commodore
Schley. who asked that the reports from
different battleships should be sent TO
him. that he might make a fun report TO
the commander-in-chief. Sampson, With
all the why's and wheTefores OF the en-
gagemeat that due honor might be given
TO each and all Admiral Sampson being
away on the, eventfUl sunday II VAS not
possible for him TO tell the story himself
as a participant. and II would appear an
improbab,lity that he should 81 any time
desire to be set down az present Snd help
ing when everybody knew be was not.in
time TO do single thing thing during the
entire sea battle. except to bring up the
rear and hear the beys hurrah over Their
victory at the Close.
It is possible that naval punctilio gets
its back UP on trines. but It is toe much
like child's play TO be thus FAR adopted
by grown and srizzled "sea-doGs." Ac-
cording TO the testimony, as reported and
printed air over the country. great sea
captains can turn out 10 be very small
men when a test is applied to certain
jealous. cnvious natures
These revelations are impalstsble as
well as msi-odorous 20 the reading pub
lie They have lowered the gnity OF
naval commanders u the minimum Of
common respect ara II seems pity that
these captains should net lfor Their own
sakes) be constantly kept oct At sea or
given some tasks which would curb and
prevent evil speaking, haekb.tlng and en-
vious detraction among themselves when
Of duty and en- shore.
Mr. Rayner and Captain Lemly are
sharp and skilled attorneys. and they un-
derstand how to ask questions. but they
are rubbing of all the paint and white
wash from our naval affairs in Washing
ton.
1t makes one shudder to think OF what
would have happened II cervera's ships
had escaped out to open sea and left Com
mOdore Schley 70 the rage OF HIS enemies
in the squadron commanded by Admiral
Sampson. The jawbone flourished by an
other Sampson on the Philistines in Bible
combats would have been less deadly than
the weapon welded by this modern Samp-
son. judging OF such indications from
naval court trials
Commander Schley should always have
been prepared to call on the hills and
rocks TO fall upon him II by any mis-
chance he should fail to carry out plans
proposed or imagined by such commander
as Admiral Sampson.
The knout and bow-string would be in
significant torture compared to the dis
grace which menaces naval commander
whose superior officer Is both envious and
exacting. unjust and Jealous. q
We have still had only glimpse at the
seamy side and are not enraptured at the
working methods OF naval commanders
after battle is over and the victory won.
Inc report presented by Commodore
Schley after Santiago. which report Of
Tended the commander-in-chief, looks
very respectful at this distance. and GER
tainIy harmless to the average mind.
II some of US had stood in Commander
schley's shoes we would have seen him
yes. observation-disclosures such a fair report
should have been 'doctored" to appease
the ugly irritation Of a chagrined officer
who had no part in the sea fight.
This naval court OF inquiry will run up
its thousands of expense on the United
States government. but there is one plain
and redeeming feature in the whole bust
ness.
The country understands the difficulties
under which an inferior officer labors and
is considerably acquainted with the SUI
peraltive littleness Of a commandments
chief dressed in a little brief authority"