The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-02-21
tUKktN. IvPi.S.
lie Schley Verdict.

LUKKtN. lvpi.S.
The Schley Verdict.
III entertaining Admiral ScIiiey's appeal
from the findings of the Court Of Inquiry
approved by the Navy Department, il
thoroughly Investigating the representa-
tons on which it was based, and in rem,
| during the decision which is published
this morning, President Roosevelt has
been actuated solely by a desire to do
justice TO all concerned, and in so doing
to terminate q controversy which for more
than three years has demoralized the ma
val sevice and discredited me country.
It is, perhaps, too much to hope that mis-
purpose will be Immediately realized. but
there is reason TO believe that the dis
pute will now begin to lanSuish and THAI
the end of it viii not be long delayed
Congress has power to prolong it, but 1t
is understood that the leaders in Congress
are resolved to discourage all attempts
to nullify the Presidents judgment.
Beyond a doubt, his decision ought to
be approved by the country and accepted
in silence by Admiral Schley, though II
must BIS a bitter disappointment to him
and his Incorporate friends.-New York
Tribune.
Yes, it was a captains fight, as on
other levels of action it was a gun cap
tains' fight, and q g1nners' fight. But
Sampson was commander when the battle
began and his command he never lost;
and when we come to apportion the COM
manders honors by 4 universal rule OF
military practice the truth is that, with
the exception Of the Brooklyns loop, not
a helm was shifted, not a gun was hred,
not a pound of steam was put on in the
engine-room aboard any ship actively Ell
gagged except under orders from Rear
Admiral Sampson. To him the hnnors Of
Santiago are due as clearly an NJ
phatically as though the New York had
fired at the Spanish ships every shot III
her locker.
The schley bubble is exploded. and the
Schley mania cannot long survive It,
But incurable S the misery it has lett
in its train.-New York Sun.
The decision has been rendered. and
nc man who reads it can come to any
ether conclusion than that the President
has committed an ineNcusable piundef.
The Paper, in it's form and contents,
slows the action Of a mind racked with
prejudice 1t is not the verdict OF judi
cia, impartiality, hut must rank as the
enianation of such partisansh!p as IS
unDecoming in one sitting as a judge
The ONLY portions which contain aught
OF a vigorous or decisive character carry
with them preachinss which are rulh-
GUS to the foundations Of the morale OF
the service and its esprit de corps IL IS,
essentially, an eNhortation IN support "
Decentralization. and instead of ter1nl-
mating the controversy will serve but to
cor7plcatc il by introducing ne" ana
hitherto unknown causes for dlSsenslon--
Baltimore American.
Admiral Schley has now taken the last
step in his effort to clear himself from
the charges against his good name AS
the Herald stated at the time the court
rendered its verdict, ne has been vind:-
Gated unanimously OF the serious charges
made by an INSCRIPTIONS and partisan
historian, charges which were the ac-
tual cause of the investigation. Here let
the DISPUTE rest for all time.-BaltImore
Herald.
His opnion is strong, impartial ana
Just It is conceived in true judicial
e,,rl;t but presented with the vigor and
yiyidness OF the popular historian
Philadelphia Press.
The Presidents closing remark tl1a1
there is no excuse whatever from either
side for any further agitation or TINS
unhappy controversy" will be heartliS
approved by the general publlc-NeW
York World.
From this general conclusion there Will
be little dissent. 1t will be observed
that the "controversy" was not instituted
and has not been maintained by Admiral
Schley. vino urged from the first that
there "was glory enough for all. nut by
his antagonists who have multiplied ac-
cusations against him under tho authors
" of the Navy Departm till the coun-
try has come to regard him as the VIC
tin, Of unjust official persecution rms
fact the Presidents statement clearis'
though not expressly, recognizes. lt I'M
mistakably condemns the course or the
Navy Department toward Schley. ana
the immediate resignation of Secretary
Long is its logical sequel. If the Presr-
cent really means to END discussion, TINS
is absolutely essential, Till the men
who have been unjustly hourdng Schley
,re removed from positions OF ollic'ai
influence. the Presidents patriotic task
will not be accomplished. And IN any
cass the popular appreciation OF the VIC
tor of Santiago will remain undimmed.-
Philadelphia Times.