Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-07-24

the comparatively intelligent and
strong to take unfair advantage of the
inexperienced, to harass and annoy
them, is an act unworthy a civilized
man, and much more unbecoming an
officer and a gentleman. On the
other hand, to secure justice and pro-
lection to the defenseless 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 eradica-
tee" 1t was made the duty of the
irst-class and commissioned and nom
commissioned officers to see that the
order was faithfully carried out.
Last May, Lieutenant. Colonel La
zelle was detailed here from the In
dian country to take charge of the
cadets, with special orders to prevent
hazipg. A month or two ago mem
bers Of the third class showeda a dis
position to begin the practice on the
new comers, and have carried it so far
that the result is an order from Wash
ington directing their expulsion.
An interview with member of the
fourth class this morning tells the
story of the wrongs committed In
the rear of the grounds where the ca
diets are in camp is the sink. +"
Whenever members Of the fourth
class went there, cadets of the third
class followed. The plebes were made
to stand against the wall and try to
climb it, and were compelled to sing
Pm climbing Mount Zion. Then
water was squirted on them through
gaspipes. Some of them were knocked
down half dressed and other indigni-
ties were put upon them. A few
nights ago some of the plebes organ.
lied and resolved to fight their tor
mentors at the sink, y and a rattling
fight did occur, in which some of the
plebes received black eyes, as did
some of the third class. By accident
an officer observed this scene, and as
a consequence many of the third class
were put under arrest, among them
Cadets w. Stone, W. Allen, Langftt,
Sherman, Walker, Gooden, Menden-
hall, Whistler and Underwood The
last named belonged to the fourth
class, and are still under arrest for
refusing to give the names of mem
bers of the third class engaged in the
work. 1t is believed in camp that
Allen, Stone, Langftt, Walker, Sher-
man and Gooden have been expelled
Allen said he lad no doubt he would
have TO go, as his was a cold case.
1t is considered disgraceful among
membersof the third class fora "plebe'
to tell the officers anything about
their treatment, and if they do they
are Ostracised by the corps, and thei
cadet life made a burden. But Gen
Schofeld's order has banished tha
feeling, and makes it the duty of ever,
officer to expose hazing. The ire o
the third class seemed to be directet
against d. P. Baldwin, cadet of tn,
fourth class, who had been vigorously
hazed, and who impaired the in
formation to the officers a shor
time ago. Since then some mem
bers of the third class hav,
resolved to get even with him
and it is reported in camp this morn
ing that he was attacked in his ten
late last night, that the camp wa,
aroused by his cries for help, and that
five or six cadets were seen to leave
his tent hurriedly. When the officer,
entered it he was found with hand.
kerchiet tied over his face and ropes
laid beside him, it evidently having
been the intention of his assailants tC
FIRST buck and gag him, and then carry
him off the post. 1ie5 f1a
| Colonel Wherry was called upon
and said, in substance, that he could
not give any details until final action
was taken. He said that General
Scho6eld had fully determined to stoI
all hazing. At first so long as it was
confined to harmless jokes and inno-
cent pranks for the purpose of sharp
ening the wits of the newcomers, the
authorities took no notice of it, but
when to these were added insults and
injuries, it was deemed necessary tC
stop it at once. 1t had got so thai
cOrpOrals aided in the hazing, wher
the rules strictly compelled officers O
all grades to put a stop to it. HI
believed that the recent occurrence,
would put an end to hazing at Wes
Point forever, and the result thus fai
shows marked improvement in the
discipline of the third class, which
alone, as a rule, does the hazing.