Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-01-16

salls of the case and pass upon it's
merits, and that his decision is likely
TO be unsatisfactory to Admiral Schley
the feeling is quite general that the
last had not been heard of the matter
nor will it be even when the President
has ruled. Having been taken from
the navy department, where it was Of
ficially closed, it is pointed out that in
the event OF an unsatisfactory deci-
sion it will be claimed that congress
may then properly take the matter up.
While it is probable that such action
might be prevented, the question is
will it be deemed wise to deny this
last tribunal in the face of the popu-
lar demand that without the shadow
of doubt will be voiced by the people,
irrespective of political bias. The
President having set his hand to the
pillow, will not turn back, now, howev.
er, and when his opinion is rendered
it will comprise the clearest, most
comprehensive and readily understood
statement of the case thus far made
believe it will constitute an abso.
lutely just and equitable settlement OF
the question, but it cannot be to the
advantage of the President SO far as
his prestige is concerned, notwith.
standing that it will be equitable.
There is trouble on either side and
no tenable middle ground
in this connection" continued the
congressman, 1T is entirely proper tc
say that the recent statements made
in certain Chicago newspaper that
Speaker Henderson purposely blocked
10 icln 1.-Two oti H. oh tn,
on account of personal hostilityJto the
admiral, is utterly and absolutely with
out shadow of foundation. On the
contrary the reverse is true; Speaker
Henderson entertains the warmest per
sonal friendship for Admiral Schley
and the latter is not without knowl
edge of this fact.
The speaker, however, is a public
officer in high position. His first OBJ
legation is to the people and, without
regard to his personal feelings or de
sires, it was manifestly his plain duty
to do all in his power to keep the Unit
ed States congress free from the scan
dial attaching to the unfortunate
Schley controversy. The question is
not a suitable one for congressional
action; it is a technical proposition
involving questions familiar only tc
naval men; only trained naval officers
are qualified to give proper weight t.
evidence as to certain matters. Speak
er Henderson entertains the highes
regard for Admiral Schley both as {
man and as a brave and gallant nava
officer. The suggestion that he en-
tertained personal animosity ant
sought to give expression thereto b!
using his influence in opposition tt
dragging the controversy into con
gress could not possibly be furthe
from the truth"
| The friends of. Julian w. Richard.
of Waterloo, for many years the Chi
cago Tribune's. staff correspondent il
Iowa, private secretary to the speaker
are urging Mr.. Richards selection a
one of the assistant treasurers unde
Secretary-elect Shaw. 1t is under
stood that Mr.. Richards has some pc
tent influence behind him, although tn,
matter is entirely out of his hands
The suggestion came to him in the ma
ture of complete surprise, and he ha:
made no move on his own behalf, ye
the signs are indicative that he ma.
succeed Mr.. Allies in the treasury.