National Republican., 1880-05-18
THE WHITTAKER INQUIRY.
Nothing TO remove tho cloud of suspicI,

NotbtnR TO HcmOvo the Cloud OF suspicion.
WEST POINT. N. Y, May 16.-The court of in
quiry in the Whitaker investigation to-day ex-
amined Colonel Lazellc, commandant OF the corps
of cadets. He testified that in an interview with
Whitaker IN the commandants office. on the
Wednesday evening after the occurrence Whit
tnker said positively that the night of the out
rage his gas was lighted aud burned low. He said
this statement was made BY Whitaker In response
10 question OF the commpndant as TO how he could
see one of the persons take handkerchief out.
DR.. Alexander was recalled at the suggestion Of
WlHtGkers counsel lie said that the day after
the Outrage Whitaker showed nervousness and
iahtness whilo undergoing surgical examination,
and blood flowed from the w0undsin his ears; there
was paleness in his face and faintness observable
and the examination was stopped because of such
appearance. Witness noticed no abrasion on the
head.
Recorder Sears testified that he called UP every
member of the guard OF April and 6, aud every
member was questioned closely about seeing inys-
terous characters-thrce IN number-togetcr on
the post, or any mysterious characters, and each
one replied he had not
The court put the question 10 the recorder at the
suggestion OF Professor Grccucr:
Was the letter written to Whttakcr's mother
aud not sent given to the Experts among the first
Rocorder-It wus given to all the experts the
second time papers were handed them, but not the
first time, for the reason that the context would
snow the identity OF the wfitCr.
Thomas Samson, chief detective OF the United
States treasury was sworn. lie had been Put on
the case by the secretary Of the treasury at request
OF General SchOileld. His Instructions were to
ferret ont the whole matter If fpossbc without bias
lie began by having interviews with sixteen cadets
from each class or sxty-four cadets in ALL They
were representatives from all sections Of the coiIIl-
try. They admitted prejudice against Whitaker
partly on account OF his color, and partly because
of his mnnnerlsm All denied any intention to dc
Whitaker bodily harm at any time, but all were
desrous at all times 10 let him severely alone All
OF ne slNty-iour cadets We're frank aud candid,
not appear to be so frank and candid and impul
sive but the witness attributed that to his isolation
and ostracism, and not TO any idea of his guilt.
The reason witness calldd 50 many cadets was
because he desired to lodk them alliu the eye to
see ii they weakened. Among them he included
Cadets Burnett, Blake, Mcdonald, Andrews and
C0tlin. He thought Catlin was little reserved
but hc attributed that to bis general manner only
lie spoke TO Whitaker about his colorcd friends
(WcStcr and Mars), and asked Whitaker TO assist
all hC could In the investigation. Whilta ker told
him he had no suspicious whatever when witness
suggested tile names OF Blake Mcdonald, Andrews
etc. Whttnker said he did not believe the cadet,
told him to think the matter carefully over
and he would call again. Detective Sampson
was at first impressed against the cadets
lie suggested that perhaps Mcdonald might
have been party. bu, Whitaker relieved
his mind of that view. lie had pursued every
rumor and every clue, and could nd nothing
whatever Whitaker told witness that his hand
was cut in attempting to save his arS. He said the
man cut his cars with his right hand and held the
candle with his left. Whitaker raid this twice.
Detective Fisher was examined and testified to
following various clues, but he discovered nothing
Whitaker told him the outrage might have been
committed by somebody for political effect; some
ignorant colorcd person might have done 1t, not
however, with his knowledge
Professor Grecner was recalled.
Q.-flave you any personal or other knowledge
of any lncts not already known 10 the court which
would tend to free Cadet Whitaker from the i'm
putations cast on him? Al cannot say that
have any facts.
OFF YOU obtain knowledge of such would you
communicate II TO this coiIrtY Al would.
The recorder stated thai he had obtained 10 i'll
formation OF importance from Mr.. Fiero.
Adjourned