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| Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, December 14, 1901.
DEWEY ALONE GIVES SCHLEY FULL CREDIT.
Majority Report of Inquiry Court Is Against the Hero of Santiago.
RESULT A REAL SURPRISE.
Ramsay and Benham Criticize Almost Every Act of Gallant Admiral But Dewey Stands By Him.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14.—The most prolonged, interesting and important naval tribunal ever held in this country came to a close yesterday, in open and secret session, lasted one week short of three months, when Secretary Long was handed the findings of the court of inquiry which inquired into the conduct of Rear Admiral Schley during the Santiago campaign. For seven weeks the court heard testimony and for fully a month it deliberated upon the mass of evidence, finally reaching the conclusions announced yesterday.
The result was a complete surprise and it is probable that no prophecy has approached the truth. Instead of one report there are two. Both are signed by George Dewey, president, and by Sam C. Lemly as judge advocate. This is a form said to be recognized in all courts of inquiry, the signatures of the other members not being necessary. But it is explained that Admiral Dewey signed the second report, a minority report, to express his qualification of or dissent from the views expressed by the court, comprising beside himself Admirals Benham and Ramsey in the first report
It is said at the navy department that there will be no further proceedings in this celebrated case on the department's initiative. Secretary Long and Judge Advocate Lemly positively decline to discuss the findings in any phase. The secretary received the reports at 5 o'clock last evening and has not yet acted upon them. It is probable that he will simply append his signature with the word "approved" to the whole record. The court itself recommends no further proceedings owing to the lapse of time.
A reporter conveyed the first information of the findings of the court to Admiral Schley. He was seated in the public reception room of a hotel chatting with friends and several newspaper men and evinced no signs of nervousness over the outcome.
When the conclusions of Admiral Dewey were read to him Admiral Schley showed his pleasure and it was evident from his manner that he regarded the statement from Admiral Dewey as a vindication of his cause. He declined to make any statements concerning the court's finding and excused himself from the little, company which had gathered about him, went to his apartments where Mrs. Schley had been anxiously awaiting to hear the court's decision. Later the official copy was brought to the hotel by a messenger from the navy department.
The report opens with a statement that the court, "having concluded the investigations reports its proceedings and the testimony taken, with a full and detailed statement of all the pertinent facts which it deems to be established, together with its opinion and recommendations in the premises."
The first facts recited are in regard to the departure of the flying squadron under command of Commodore Schley from Key West on May 10, 1898, under orders to proceed with dispatch (utmost) off Cienfuegos to capture the enemy off that port, if possible, or to blockade him and to maintain the blockade as close as possible. The arrival of the squadron off Cienfuegos on May 22 is cited and the findings on this point are as follows:
Fault Found With Cienfuegos Blockade.
"Commodore Schley did not proceed with utmost dispatch off Cienfuegos and blockade that port as close as possible." Then the report relates the incidents that happened during the Cienfuegos blockade. It also states that on May 24 the Marblehead and Eagle proceeded to a landing place near Cienfuegos, communicated with the insurgents, landed stores for them, learned that the Spanish squadron was not in the harbor of Cienfuegos, rejoined the squadron and reported to Commodore Schley the information obtained.
After the receipt of this information the court finds that Commodore Schley wrote a dispatch to the commander in chief in which he stated "I shall move eastward tomorrow."
The court says:
"No work was apparently in progress at the fortifications of Cienfuegos while Commodore Schley was off that port.
"No efforts were made by Commodore Schley to communicate with the insurgents to discover whether the Spanish squadron was in the harbor of Cienfuegos prior to the morning of May 24."
"At 9:30 A. M., May 27, the Harvard joined the flying squadron and her commanding officer delivered to Commodore Schley a dispatch in part as follows, addressed by the department to the Harvard:
"Proceed at once and inform Schley and also the senior officer present off Santiago de Cuba as follows: All department information indicates that Spanish division is still at Santiago de Cuba. The department looks to you to ascertain fact and that the enemy, if therein, does not leave without a decisive action. Cubans familiar with Santiago de Cuba say that there is a landing place five nautical miles west or six from mouth of harbor and that there insurgents probably will be found and not Spanish. From the surrounding heights can see every vessel in port. As soon as ascertained notify department whether enemy is there."
This dispatch was answered by Commodore Schley about noon May 27 telling of the serious disablement of the collier Merrimac, the coal shortage on most of the vessels of the squadron and the rough and boisterous weather conditions which precluded the possibility of coaling from the colliers and the now famous paragraph: "It is to be regretted that the department's orders cannot be obeyed, earnestly as we have all striven to that end."
The court then declares:
Schley Should Have Coaled.
"At that date the flying squadron was accompanied by the collier Merrimac, containing 4,350 tons of coal. The amount of coal required to completely fill the coal bunkers of- all these vessels of the flying squadron on the same date was 2,750 tons.
"The conditions of wind, sea and weather from noon on May 26 to June 1, were favorable for taking coal from a collier at sea off Santiago de Cuba.
"At 3:35 P. M. Commodore Schley signaled to the St. Paul 'If Sampson comes here tell him half of squadron out of coal and collier engines broken down.'
The court then finds:
"Commodore Schley made no effort to ascertain whether the Spanish squadron was in the harbor of Santiago; he left said harbor entirely unguarded from 6 P. M. of May 26 to 5 P. M. of May 27, and guarded only by the scout St. Paul from 5 P. M. May 27 until about 6 P. M. of May 28.
"The flying squadron arrived off the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, seven miles south of the Morro, at 6 P. M. May 28, and established a blockade.
"Commodore Schley did not proceed with all dispatch from Cienfuegos to Santiago de Cuba.
"Early on the morning of May 29 the Cristobal Colon and other vessels of the Spanish squadron were discovered at anchor in the harbor of Santiago, about 1,200 yards from the entrance.
"No attempt was made by Commodore Schley on May 29 or May 30 to capture or destroy these Spanish vessels."
The court then goes into the incident of the firing on May 30 between the Massachusetts, Iowa and New Orleans on one side and the Colon and shore batteries on the other but its report on this incident is unimportant.
Coming to the battle of July 3, the court finds, in part, as follows:
About That Loop.
"The Brooklyn stood towards the Spanish vessels, with varying helm, fired one shot from her forward turret at 3,500 yards range, which proved short, and then engaged with her port battery. When about 1,400 yards distant from the leading Spanish ship, the Teresa, the Brooklyn turned to starboard, with her helm hard aport, and continued so to turn until she headed to the westward, parallel to the course of the Spanish ships. The commanding officer of the Brooklyn put the helm hard aport, and at almost the same instant Commodore Schley gave the order hard aport.
"The turn of the Brooklyn was towards the Texas. The Texas stopped and backed her engines."
This closes the statement of facts and the court gives the following opinion:
Commodore Schley, in command of the flying squadron should have proceeded with utmost dispatch off Cienfuegos and should have maintained a close blockade of that port.
He should have endeavored, on May 23, at Cienfuegos, to obtain information regarding the Spanish squadron by communicating with the insurgents.
He should have proceeded from Cienfuegos to Santiago with all dispatch, and should have disposed his vessels with a view of intercepting the enemy in any attempt to pass the flying squadron.
He should not have delayed the squadron for the Eagle.
He should not have made the retrograde turn westward with his squadron.
He should have promptly obeyed the navy department's order of May 25.
He should have endeavored to capture or destroy the Spanish vessels at anchor near the entrance of Santiago harbor on May 29 and 30.
Should Have Destroyed Colon.
He did not do his utmost with the force under his command to capture or destroy the Colon and other vessels of the enemy which he attacked on May 31.
By commencing the engagement on July 3 with the port battery and turning the Brooklyn around with port helm, Commodore Schley caused her to lose distance and position with the Spanish vessels.
The turn of the Brooklyn to starboard was made to avoid getting her into dangerous proximity to the Spanish vessels. The turn was made towards the Texas and caused that vessel to stop and to back her engines to avoid possible collision.
Admiral Schley did injustice to Lieutenant Commander A. C. Hodgson in publishing only a portion of the correspondence which passed between them.
Commodore Schley's conduct in connection with the events of the Santiago campaign prior to June 1, 1898, was characterized by vacillation, dilatoriness and lack of enterprise.
His official report regarding the coal supply and the coaling facilities of the flying squadron were inaccurate and misleading.
His conduct during the battle of July 3 was self-possessed and he encouraged in his own person, his subordinate officers and men, to fight courageously.
GEORGE DEWEY, Admiral U. S. N., President.
SAM C. LEMLY, Judge Advocate General U. S. N., Judge Advocate.
DEWEY'S MINORITY REPORT
Gives It As His Opinion That Schley Did All That Could Be Done and Is Entitled to the Credit.
In the opinion of the undersigned the passage from Key West to Cienfuegos was made by the flying squadron with all possible dispatch. Commodore Schley having in view the importance of arriving off Cienfuegos with as much coal as possible in the ships' bunkers.
The blockade of Cienfuegos was effective.
Commodore Schley in permitting the steamer Adula to enter the port of Cienfuegos expected to obtain information concerning the Spanish squadron from her when she came out.
The passage from Cienfuegos to a point about 22 miles south of Santiago was made with as much dispatch as was possible while keeping the squadron a unit.
The blockade of Santiago was effective.
Commodore Schley was the senior officer of our squadron off Santiago- when the Spanish squadron attempted to escape on the morning of July 3, 1898. He was in absolute command and is entitled to the credit due to such commanding officer for the glorious victory which resulted in the total destruction of the Spanish ships.
GEORGE DEWEY, Admiral U. S. N.
SAM C. LEMLY, Judge Advocate General, U. S. N., Judge Advocate.
RECOMMENDATION:
In view of the length of time which has elapsed since the occurrence of the events of the Santiago campaign, the court recommends no further proceedings be held in the premises.
GEORGE DEWEY, Admiral U. S. N., President.
SAM C. LEMLY, Judge Advocate U. S. N., Judge Advocate.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
For Higher Education.
Two magnificent gifts to the cause of education have been announced within the past week. One is the completion of the endowment of Leland Stanford, Jr., university in California, in the form of a gift of $30,000,000 by Mrs. Jane L. Stanford. The other is the offer of $10,000,000 by Andrew Carnegie for the advancement of higher education.
Mrs. Stanford's gift to the university founded by her husband in memory of their son is the largest single gift ever bestowed on any institution of learning. The real estate deeded included much that was originally given by Senator Stanford, but the deeds to which were found to be illegal, The real property deeded includes no less than 900,000 acres in about twelve counties of California, and comprises the great Vina ranch of 52,000 acres. A third deed conveys to the university Mrs. Stanford's home on the summit of Nob Hill, one of the most finely decorated houses in San Francisco which, with the big lot, is worth $400,000. This will eventually be converted into an art gallery and museum.
Leland Stanford, Jr., university now stands in the first financial rank among the big universities of the world. The vast possibilities opened up to it in the way of broader development will bring it well to the fore in any respect.
The exact gift of' Mr. Carnegie is not yet quite clear or what form it will take. The first announcement was that it was for the establishment of a great university in the city of Washington, but it soon appeared that this was incorrect and that there are to be no buildings and no grounds, but that the income of the whole sum is to be devoted to furthering the cause of investigation of special subjects and for carrying out original research along particular lines either at home or abroad. Mr. Carnegie has written to President Roosevelt about the matter and the government is asked to appoint trustees to direct the disposition of this money and to select the individuals who are to be aided. It is Mr. Carnegie's object to help those who are capable of adding to the world's store of knowledge especially along scientific lines, but who lack funds to perform experiments and carry on their research.
Now it seems that Mr. Carnegie's offer is not $10,000,000 in cash, but in bonds of the United States Steel corporation. If this is the fact it is likely that the government will decline to act as trustee for Mr. Carnegie. It could not afford to be embarrassed by the possession of bonds of a trust. President Roosevelt is conferring with Mr. Carnegie in regard to the matter and if the bonds can be converted into cash the government will probably accede to the request of the donor and accept the trusteeship.
But Mr. Carnegie's object is a most praiseworthy one. Nearly every inventor is a poor man who cannot afford to carry on his work. Thomas A. Edison is an exception to this, but he has made his money from the fruits of his inventions. Few men are capable of turning their brains into cash as quickly as Mr. Edison, and yet their work may prove to be as valuable to the world as that of the others if they could but carry it on. Mr. Carnegie would provide the means.
FINE LECTURE ON "INDIA"
By Rev. Robert Clements—Excellent Stereopticon Pictures Shown.
Rev. Robert Clements gave a remarkably fine talk on "India" last night at the [Cortland] Presbyterian chapel to a large company of interested listeners. It was a regular meeting of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society of the Presbyterian church and the president of that organization, Mrs. C. P. Walrad, presided. A Scripture selection was read by the president and prayer was offered by Mrs. J. W. Hughes. The reports of secretary and treasurer were given and then a duet was most acceptably sung by Mrs. James Walsh and Mrs. Charlotte Nash-Head.
The room was then darkened and about seventy stereopticon views were shown illustrating scenery, buildings, cities and people in India, beginning with the mountainous regions at the north and proceeding south to the coast. Mr. Clements' talk was a most delightful one, and coupled with the views gave an excellent idea of the country. The pictures were very fine ones, many of them being beautifully colored. The society was fortunate in securing the splendid electric lantern of the Traction [streetcar] company to show these pictures and with that strong light a very perfect result was attained. Mr. Buegler, the electrician of the company, himself operated the lantern and placed the society under obligations to him for his kindness in gratuitously contributing his services for the occasion.
At this meeting the regular Christmas offering for missions was received and the sum realized was about $50.
For the George Junior Republic.
Any friends who desire contributing to the George Junior Republic may send articles to the chapel of the Presbyterian church Wednesday, Dec. 18, between 3 and 5 o'clock or at any time previously to Miss Olive Edgcomb, 22 Court-st., Cortland. The box is to be packed on Thursday. Anything suitable for boys or girls between the ages of 8 and 16 years will be acceptable, either clothing or Christmas gifts.
Death of Mrs. Palmer.
Mrs. Esther Conger Palmer, widow of Raynesford Palmer, died at her home on Grant-st. at 10:40 o'clock as a result of a general breaking down of the system. Her age was 83 years, 7 months and 29 days. She is survived by two children, Mrs. Walter F. Dates of Cortland and Nelson C. Palmer of Binghamton. One brother also survives, Mr. Beman L. Conger of Cortland. The time of the funeral has not yet been decided upon.
PREMIUMS AWARDED
At the Poultry Show Which is Just Closed in Cortland.
The awards given at the Cortland poultry show, which was brought to a successful termination at the rooms in the Garrison block last night, are as follows: [awards are omitted due to space considerations in this blog—CC ed.]
ODD FELLOWS AT MCGRAW.
Cortland Men the Guests of Their Brethren— Banquet Served.
Over 100 Odd Fellows from Vesta Lodge, No. 225, and John L. Lewis Lodge, No. 587, went to McGraw last evening on special trolley cars upon invitation of McGrawville Lodge, No. 320, to witness the working of the second degree. The work is reported by the visitors to have been excellent, and the treatment accorded the Cortland men is spoken of by them in the higher terms of praise. A banquet was tendered the visiting fraternity men which was excellent in every respect. The Odd Fellows returned home at 12 o'clock.
CAUGHEY-PETHCAL.
Wedding In Binghamton at Which the Groom Was a Cortland Man.
Miss Nellie M. Pethcal, the charming and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Pethcal, 72 Oak-st., was married Wednesday at high noon to Chester H. Caughey of Cortland at the home of the bride's parents. Rev. Dr. John McVey of the North Presbyterian church performed the ceremony.
The wedding march by Mendelssohn was played by Miss Eva L. Kinney for the bridal party to enter the parlor, where the ceremony was performed before a bank of flowers and vines. The bride wore a gown of white silk entrain, trimmed with lace and pearl trimmings. The bridesmaid, Miss Ellen Caughey, sister of the groom, wore a gown of blue silk. The maid of honor, Miss Ida Hadley a niece of the bride, wore pink and white organdie. L. D. Thomas of Cortland was best man.
Following the ceremony an elegant wedding dinner was served to fifty guests.
Mr. and Mrs. Caughey left on an afternoon train for Syracuse and after an extended bridal tour of about three months will return East.
The gifts were unusually elaborate and beautiful. They were very numerous. Among them were charming specimens of silver, mahogany and oak furniture, a set of Haviland china, bed and table linen. Two beautiful vases were received from Mrs. Caughey's Sunday school class of the West Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Dr. George T. Hand is the teacher.
The out of town guests present included Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Caughey, father and mother of the groom; Elmer Caughey, brother of the groom; Misses Ellen and Mary Caughey, sisters of the groom; D. D. Thomas, Ralph Hatfield, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coulter and Mrs. Homer Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fuller, Archie Fuller and Miss Fannie Delaney, all of Cortland; George and William Caughey of Tully, Mrs. Harmon Hotaling of Middleburg and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Benn of Altamont.
BREVITIES.
—Commencing Monday the dry goodsstores will be open evenings till after Christmas.
—The Palace Confectionery company has placed an electrical piano in its rooms for the entertainment of patrons.
—New display advertisements today are—Glann & Clark, Shoes, page 8; Buck & Lane, Crysolite ware, page 6.
—A meeting of the Church Protective union will be held Monday night, Dec. 16, at 8 o'clock for the election of officers,
—Mr. Fred Frost of Gracie died at his home last Thursday, aged 69 years. The funeral will be held from the house tomorrow at 1 o'clock, burial in Cortland.
—At the regular meeting of the Cortland Science club this evening, Dr. F. J. Cheney will give a lecture upon the subject, "History as an Exact Science." Reviews of previous papers will be read by Mr. J. W. Orr and Dr. F. D. Reese.
—Syracuse university has secured the Raynor property adjoining its campus. The new purchase includes thirty-four acres and will make its campus eighty-four acres. Mt. Olympus is a part of the new purchase. The university will now have a remarkably fine campus.
—Mr. E. S. Mar Ella of Urumia, Persia, will speak at the Y. M. C. A. rooms tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock and at Grace Episcopal church at 7 P. M. His subject in the afternoon will be "The Life of the Orient and the Gospel in Persia," and in the evening "The Assyrian Catholic Church of Persia."
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