Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-12-16

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14.-Ihe following is the
text of an order of the secretary of the navy
in relation TO the treatment of the colored cadet
at Annapolis:
The testimony taken by the board of officers
appointed TO investigate the conduct of certain
cadet midshipmen at the naval academy toward
their fellow cadet, James NJ Congers, has been
carefully investigated, together with the pro-
ceedings and findings Of the board and the re-
views and rect lamentations of the superintend-
ent of the academy. The department is con-
strained to believe that the conduct complained
Of was not only deliberate violation of its re-
peated iniunciOns, but was the result of spirit
rebellious TO authority, finding expression in
unproyOked and seemingly concerted persecu-
ton by some of the parties charged on fellow
cadet OF equal official standing and equally ell
titled to official protection with themselves.
Under the operation of new and benefcient
laws, all political distinction Of race has been
abolished in our country, public burdens are i'm
posed alike upon all our citizens, and the
worthy members of every class alike are en-
titled to the benefits, and free TO con.
tend for the favor of the government
in exercise Of his undoubted legal right. mem
Der of our national congress, himself of Alri-
can descent, nominated to the naval academy
cadet of his own race. In recognition of his
right, the naval authorities confirmed the nomi-
nation and at once fully and Enthusiastically
made known to all at the academy that 10 i'm
position or indignity to the cadet on account of
his race would be permitted from any one as
beneticiares of the government under training
for future command. The first duty imposed on
all cadet midshipmen by their situation and
profession is prompt and grateful compliance
with every order given for their guidance Ger
tain of them, however, have undertaken, in
direct violation of repeated warnings, to mani
fest their displeasure at the presence of their
fellow student by system of personal persecu-
ton which has found satisfaction in general in
science Of demeanor, in petty indignities, and
sometimes in acts Of personal violence. As an
impotent protest against the spirit of the nation
al law, such conduct was folly, as an insoleut
expression of superiority to a solitary represen-
tatiye Of the lately oppressed race, it
was unmanly; as apparently concerted and GER
tainly acquiesced IN by many against one it
looked like cowardice; and as an open defiance
ofrepeated commands of their superiors, it was
a violation Of that principle of submission to
authority which is the first and most comprehen-
sive of professional duties. The governmentdoes
not attempt to control the personal feelings nor
regulate the personal associations of any Of its
officers, but while II eXaCts obedience as prin-
ciple from those whose services aud character
deserve the highest consideration, it cannot
submit 10 open defiance from the youngest OF its
benelicaries. Certainly the department will
not tolerate, under any circumstances, Il spirit
OF rebellion against authority; and whenever
such spirit is manifested in overt action. sum.
mary and inyarlaDle punishment must be ex.
ecuted.
The conduct Of those cadet mdshpmen who
have have been found violating the princinles
and orders made to enforce them. has been care.
fully Investigated by a board of honorable and
experienced officers, and their findings ara
modified by recommendation of the distin.
guisled superintendent OF the academy, and
will be carried out by the department. No one
can take exceptions to the punishment which
the offenders, after repeated warnings, have
brought upon themselves.