The Washington times., 1902-06-08

The naval court Of inquiry appointed
to investigate the conduct at Venice Of
three officers. a naval cadet and a
private Of marines, who were sentenced
by an Italian judge to terms Of imprison-
ment. but subsequently pardoncd by King
Victor Emmanuel, recommended that the
officers be tried by court-martial and
that no further proceedings be had
against the two others.
Rear Admiral Crowinshield, command
ing the European naval station, within
whose jurisdiction the matter came. dis
approved the courts views. This inform
alton is contained in the following brief
statement made public by the Secretary
of the Navy yesterday:
THE court of inquiry recommends
trial by court-martial of Lieut.. John
s. Doddridge, L. s. n; Capt. Robert
+. Wynne. L. s. NJ. c.: and Assist
ant Surgeon Robert +. Ledbetter,
L. 5. y. on the charge of unbecom-
ing behavior in public, and that no
further action be taken in the case
of Naval Cadet James C. Kress, L.
S. N, and Private Wilfred Langley,
U. S. NJ. c. Admiral Crowninstiell
has disapproved of the opinion and
recommendation OF the court of in
quiry where it is adverse to the Off
GERS, on the ground that the evidence
is not sufficient
The Navy Department has made
great mystery of the courts report For
nearly a week the department has had
information of the courts findings and
Admiral Crowninshield's action, but it
was deemed wise TO make no statement
or the subject until Admiral Crownin-
shields squadron had left Italian waters.
Fear of Bad Feeling.
The department officials feared that
Admiral Crowninshields S verbal acquittal
OF the officers concerned in the Venice
trouble would cause feeling and posi-
bly, hostile demonstrations among the
Italians against the American officers
and enlisted men attached to the Euro
pean squadron, and that offense might
be given to the italian government be-
cause Admiral Crowninshields action is
practically rebuke to the judge who
presided over the trial in Venice.
1t was arranged between the depart
ment and Admiral Crowninshield that
the squadron should leave Italian waters
yesterday, and that information about
the court of inquiry's conclusions and
the admirafs Endorsement should not be
given to the press until then.
Sailed From Castellamare.
Yesterday afternoon the department
received a dispatch from Admiral
Crowninshield saying that the squadron
had sailed from Castellamare The
squadron will probably not return to
Italy for some time. Mrs. Crownin-
shield. the admirals wife. is at Cas-
tellamare di Stabia, with her son. Cas-
per 5. Crowninshield who is the United |
States commercial agent there.
The official statement of the Navy |
Department is based on a telegram from /
Admiral Crowninshield. The formal rec !
ord of the courts proceedings and rec /
concentrations are expected to arrive |
by mail next week. 1t will be re- /
viewed by the Judge Advocate General |
of the Navy, and Secretary Moody may ,
make an official Endorsement of it. al /
though this is not necessary. as Admiral |
Crowninshield had the right to take /
final action.
II
that President Roosevelt. who has
taken much interest in the case. and |
Secretary Moody personally approve of |
Admiral Crowninshields disposition of /
the matter.
Attitude of Captain Dayton.
In the absence Of the official record, /!
1t is impossible to learn here whether |
the fact that Captain Dayton, of the !
Chicago, served as president os the !
court, after he had sent an official |
report TO the Navy Department con-
demning one OF the accused Off (
GERS, had any bearing on Ad- /
miral Crownirshield's disapproval of /
the courts recommendations The court
was appointed by Captain Craig, OF
the Albany, senior officer of the squad
ron before the arrival Of Admiral
Crowninshield in Europe
N. Mayor des Planches. the Italian
ambassador, said yesterday that he was
satisfied with the result OF the court
OF inquiry, and thought his government
would be. as the court sustained the
action Of the Italian court at Venice.