The weekly Louisianian., 1872-12-28
THE C0LORED CADET MlDSAIPMAN.
ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE
81
- az
NAVY, AND PUNISHMENT.

L r. t' -- Ill
The following is the text of the
order of the Secretary of the Navy
in relation to the statement 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 Fl.
Conyers, has been fully investiga-
ted together with the proceedings
and findings of the board, and the
review and recommendation of the
superintendent of the academy.
The department is constrained to
believe that the conduct complained
of was not only a deliberate viola
ton of its repeated injunctions, but
OF authority, finding expression III
unprovoked and seemingly concer-
ted persecution by some Of the par
ties charged of a fellow cadet of
equal official landing, and equally
entitled to official protection with
themselves. Under the operation
of new and beneticent laws, all po-
litical distinctions of race have been
abolished in our country; thepubl;c
burdens are imposed alike upon all
of our citizens and the worthy
members Of every class are alike
entitled to tho benefits and free to
contend for the favor of the gov
eminent.
In the exercise of his undoubted
legel@ right, q member Of the
National Congress, himself of Afri-
can descent; nominated to the Ma
val Academy a cadet Of his own
race. In recognition of his right,
the naval authorities confirmed the
nomination, and at once carefully
and Enthusiastically made known to
all at the academy that no IMPOSE
ton or indisnity upon this cadet,
on account of his race, would be
from any one.
As benefciaries Of the govern
ment, under training for future
command, tie first duty imposed
upon cadet midsi,ipmen, by their
and profession, is a prompt
and grateful compliance with every
order given for their guidance.
Certain of them however, have. I'M
in direct violations of re-
warnings, to manifest their
displeasure at the presence of their
fellow-student by a system Of per-
sonal persecution, which has found
expression in general insolence of
in petty indignities and
sometimes in acts of personal vio-
lence. AS an impotent protest
tho spirit of national law
such conduct was folly; as an inso-
Ient expression Of superiority to the
representative of a lately
oppressed race it was unmanly; as
apparently concerted, and certainly
,cquiesced i'll by the many against
one, it looked like cowardice, and as
IN open defiance Of the repeated
commands of their superiors it was
violation Of that principle of sub
mission to authority which is the
irst and most comprehensive of
professional duties. I
The government does not attempt !
o control the personal feelings nor Z
'egulate the personal associations l
# fanny of its officers; but while it
'xacts obedience as q principle from !
hose whose services and characters {
leserve the highest consideration,
{ can not submit to open defiance :
the youngest of its benef- i!
l
Certainly the department will not l
at the Academy, under any :
circumstances, a spirit Of rebellion I
gainst authority, and whenever Z
UGH a spirit manifested in overt &C. {
summary and invariable pun I
'hment must be expected. 6
The conduct of those cadet mid Z
hipmen who have been found vio- Z
Iting these principles and the.or-
ers made to enforce them, has been -:
arefully investigated by u board Of
onorable and experienced officers, F
nd their findings, as modified by
lie recommendation of the distin-