The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-07-19
HAZING AT WEST POINT.

DETAILS OF THE RECENT TROUBLES RESULTING
INDIGNITIEs INFLICTED ON THE FOURTH CLASS
MFN-EFFoRTs OF THE AUTHORITIES TO STOP
THE oUrIAGEs-A CADETS IDEA OF HONOR.
WEST POINT. July 49, 1879.
The Cadet corps is busy discussing the latest
advces from Washington announcing the expulsion
of at least six cadets upon the recommendation of
Major General Schoheld for hazihg. Ever since
General schofeld took command of this department
he has striven to wipe out the disgrace of hazing,
as it had grown to be enormity requiring the
most rigid discipline. His nrst move to issue
an order against 1t. in which the following oc-
curred:-
For the comparatively intelligent and strong to
take unfair advantage of the Inexperienced to harass
and annoy them is act unworthy "a civilized man.
and much more unbecoming an officer and gentle
man. On the other hand, to secure justice and pro-
lection to the defenceless is the office OF the gentle
and the brave The honor of the Corps OF Cadets, as
we'll as that OF the officers of the Academy, requires
that the unkind treatment OF new cadets shall be
wholly eradicated.
The order referred to was issued long time ago.
and it made the duty of the first class and COM
missioned and noncommissloned officers to see that
it was faithfully carried out. Last May Lieutenant
Colonel Lazelle detailed here from the Indian
country to take charge of the cadets with special
reference to the prevention of hazing. month or
two ago certain members OF the third class showed
a disposition to commence the hazing process upon
the men coming in, and have carried the matter
far that the result in the shape of order
from Washington directing their expulsion.
HAZING PROCESS.
An interview with Q member of the fourth class
this morning tells the story OF the wrongs COM
ntted. In the Of the grounds where the cadets
in camp is "the sink. to which. when necessary.
cadets retire. Whenever members of the fourth
class there the cadets of the third class
and then would commence the hazing process. The
plebes made to stand against the wall and en-
deavor to climb. and compelled to sing I'm
Climbing Mount Zon" then water was squirted on
them through gas pipes. and some OF them were
knocked down half dressed. and other in
dignties of a humiliating character were put
upon them. few nights ago some of the "plcbes''
organized aud resolved to fight their at
.'the sink, happen what might, aud a rafting fight
did occur, during which some of the "plebes'' re-
ceived black eyes did also OF the third class
BY accident officer observed this scene. and "
conseq uence many OF third class were put under
arrest among them being Cadets W. Stone W. Allen
Langfitt, Sherman Walker, GOoden, Mendenhal,
Whistler and Underwood. The two last named be-
long the fourth class and still under for
refusing to give the names OF members of the third
class engaged in the work.
CADETS VIEWS.
Although it is not positively known it is believed
in camp that Allen, Stone, Langhtt, sherman
Walker and Gooden have been expelled. Allen in
interview said he had no doubt he would have to
go. saying his was cold case. He said the officers
went their way to detect the thing and i'll the
opinion Of the cadets they had resorted to dishon
orable means in going to the rear of the camp to
watch at the sink. thing unheard of before.
Another fourth class man says that the hazers used
tine most vile and insulting language to the
cadets, and committed disgraceful attacks upon
them physically till at last they were compelled to
fight back in selt-defence or leave the post.
IDEAS OF HONOR.
1t is considered disgraceful among members Of
l,,vI.1 fnWo sr.lo ta1f
thing about their treatment and il they do they
ostracized by the corps and their cadet life made
toned feeling by his order, and 1t is and has
been the duty OF every officer to expose hazing. for
are liable to expulsion. The ire OF the third class
seemed to be directed strongly against D. p. Bald
win cadet Of the fourth class. who
had been vigorously hazed. and who i'm
parted the information to the officers short
time ago. Since then some members Of the third
have resolved to get even with him. and it is
reported in camp this morning, that he attacked
in his tent late last night that the camp aroused
by his cries for help. and that in the confusion five
or six cadets to leave his tent hurriedy.
when the officers entered it he found with
handkeEchef tied over his face and ropes laid be-
saiants to rs buck and gag him and then carry him
OF his post
Colonel Lazelle was interviewed. but he assured
the correspondent that his duty would not permit
upon. and said in Substance that neither could he
give any details until final action taken. He
said General Schoheld had fully determined to stop
all hazng OF any SORT At irst SO long the matter
included only harmless Jokes. innocent pranks.
&C.. Tor the purpose OF sharpening the wits
OF newcomers, the authorities took notice
of it, but when to those were added
insults and injuries from knockdown blows 1t
deemed highly Important to close the business up.
1t had got 50 that corporal aided in the haxing.
when the rules strictly compelled officers of any
grade to put stop to it ut sight He believed that
the recent occurrences would put an end to hazing
at West Point forever and the result thus far shows
marked improvement in the discipline of the third
class which alone. Us = rule docs the hazing.
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