The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-21

Washington. Feb. 2i.-President Roose-
velts intention to have the schley con-
troversy end officially with his memoran-
dunn on the appeal of Admiral schley
from the eondemnatory findings and
opinion Of Admiral Dewey and Rear Ad-
mirals Benhsm and Ramsay, constituting
the notable court of inquiry, was en-
phasiEed yesterday in a letter sent by the
presidents direction 10 Secretary Long
The letter was written by George h.
Cortelyou. secretary 10 the president. 1t
speaks for itself as follows:
MY Dear Sir: The president requests
me to state that after full and most
careful consideration OF the appeal OF
Admiral Schley and OF the answer sub
mitted thereto by the navy department
through you. he has made the enclosed
memorandum on the case. which he di-
rects shall be filed Herewith and the case
treated as closed. Very truly yours,
GEORGE h. CORTELYOU.
Secretary to the President"
With the filing away I'm the navy depart
ments archives of the presidents MEM
orandum the Schley case will become a
thing of the past so far as it's official
aspect Is concerned.
1t Is the intention of the president TO
Is generally satisfactory TO the naval SER
vice. Among naval officers on duty there
is feeling OF relief that the controversy
has been buried and many of them ex-
pressed the hope that nothing more would
he heard of it
Strangely enough the presidents dis
position of Schleys appeal caused little
comment In naval circles. III had been
believed generally by officers that the
president would indorse the findings of
the court of inquiry. and would deny
Schley's claim to having commanded the
American squadron which destroyed Ger
vera's ships.
That he did so was a cause OF con-
graduation among them. Even among
the Schley partisans there is dispos-
tion TO coincide that the president showed
a spirit of fairness throughout his review
of the case. No complaint has come from
any Of those who believe that Admiral
Schley was guilty OF all that the court
Of inquiry found. although few would
have been better satisfied IL the president
had-bcen a little more emphatic In his
commendation OF the work done by Ad-
miral Sampson prior to the naval battle
Of July :. 1875. However. this view was
not put forth In any spirit OF criticism.
LONG MAY RETIRE.
with his course In the schley case sus-
tained by the president. Secretary Long
has determined 10 carry out his frequent
ly expressed desire 10 retire from the
Cabinet. lie has retained his portfolio
this long only because, he has said.
he would not retire under fire" a refer
ence to the criticisms OF newspapers
which supported the cause OF Admiral
sohley.
Mr.. Longs resignation will he entirely
voluntary IL will not he rendered for
tx.rA al. ~
secrstary's earnest wish TO become a pri-
vste citizen again there is every reason
TO believe that the resigns tion will be
accepted by Mr.. Roosevelt
Twice during the first term OF Presi-
dent Mckinley. Secretary Long en-
to surrender his portfolio but
MIR. McKinisy prevailed on him to remain
in the cabinet.
II was generally understood among Mr.. |
Longs friends at the beginning of Mr.. |
second term. that the secre- |
tary would not consent To serve for an |
other four years. His reasons for desir- \
Ing 10 retire were and are private and |
personal. which Mr.. Roosevelt under |
stands thoroughly.
Mr.. Longs marked domestic traits. his |
ove for his Massachusetts, home. and his l
iesire to resume the practice Of law In |
Boston. are partly Indicative Of his dis |
position IN the matter.
when Mr. Roosevelt became president 1
Mr. Long. like the other members of |
Mr.. McKlnley's cabinet. placed his resig-
nation at the disposal OF the new chief
executive. without regard 20 the fact
hat the sohley court ives then conducting
~ inquiry. IN which Mr.. Long considered
1mself as deeply CONCERNED officially. \
Mr. Roosevelt asked Mr.. Long to STAY in
he cabinet.
More retentlv the appeal ~ Admiral
,chley 20 the president bver the head ~
Secretary Long made II necessary for the
'ecretary 10 foreeo for the. time being
- sphzou % ne court been allowed 10