Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1880-04-23
WEST POINT.
The Whitaker Inquiry.

WEST PoISr, April 22.-Lewis Simp'
son, coiored, said to be Whittaker's inti-
mate friend, and who was brought here
from Washington by detectives, testified
that on Sunday, April 4th, Whitaker
came to his room and showed him note
OF warning, saying he thought he ought
TO show it TO the commandant. Witness
had no idea who wrote the note. He
had an idea that the investigation would
come out different from what the OIL
GERS expected. He thought Congress
would act. He was under the impress
sion that Whitaker did not do the deed.
tie did not think Whitaker was
Justly treated, and that there
were prejudices against him on the part
OF the officers and cadets, but he never
saw anything wrong on the part ol the
officers.
Mitchell, the colored man, testified
that he told DR.. Saunders that he had a
clue to the parties who perpetrated the
outrage, but did not give the details.
hree cadets drinking and agreeing to
fix Whitaker. He heard 1t from two
men named Brannigan and Pierce. He
heard John Marr say that John Powell
had said in Mars saloon that he could
pick the man out OF the ranks that COM
mItted the outrage. Mari said two fish
ermen were in his place when Powell
said it. Witness had no reason to think
but that the officers would mete out JUS
tice to all without regard 10 race or
color lie thought colored Cadet Flip
per got fair play, but not Cadet Whit
taker
The examination OF the entire corpse Of
cadets is finished.
Just as the examination OF Witness
Mitchell was drawing to close the Re
cOrder asked Mitchell about the affair
between the Southern cadet McDonaldl
who han struck Whittakgr on two oC-
casions, which blows Whitaker did not
resent. Mcdonald, it will be remem-
bered, was suspended year for this.
Mr.. Townsend asked: "Do you under
stand that it is the rule oi the authori-
tia here that when man is struck he
must fght7"
Answer-Well, understand this
much. From what have learned from
seeing what the cadets do here
Mr.. Townsend (interrupting)-l am
talking about the rule. Do you under
stand that the rule requires a man TO
fight when he is struck
Answer-The rule don't require him
TO fight.
Ii prohibits, lon't it?
II prohibits him, think-l'm sure OF
il.
Mr.. Townsend Tin sarcastic tone)-
Except in the case OF q colored cadet, 1t
perhaps may
President Mordecai with flushed and
indignant tone)-Does the assistant
counsel desire these remarks made by
him to 20 upon the record?
Mr.. Townseud-No, sir.
The Court-Then the counsel.
Mr.. Observation-Disclosures cannot
quite avoid it.
The Court-These remarks reflect on
the officers OF the Academy.
Mr. Townsend-I am not rehecung
on anybody. | lam only rejecting on
pretence that
The Court (interruptingl-The re-
marks, then, of the assistant counsel that
reflect on the officers Of the Academy
Will clIuNh lllN lNNOiNs
Mr.. Townsend-l hope they will not
60 upon the record. am very careful.
| don't want to get into trouble, but !
want YOU to feel that | ain't afraid to
strike hack.
Great excitement prevailed in the
court during this episode and as the
session had come To a close IL was
thought the court would be forthwith
adjourned, but President Mordecai sud
denly announced that the court would
withdraw for consultation. Just as the
court retired General Schofeld, who had
been witness Of the whole scene, and
apparently laboring under great excite
ment. stepped up 10 Townsend and re-
marked most emphatically, 81 think you
are very much mistaken, sir, II you
think that We don't teach, or ought not
to teach, a boy to resent blow when he
receives one here. / desire that opln-
ion to go upon the records and be
Judged in Washington. They may
teach that in the Bible. but they don't
teach it here"
General Schofeld turned on his heel
and refused TO listen 10 Townsends re-
ioinder. Townsend was then addressed
by Lieut.. knight, counsel for Whitta-
ker, in thes4 words: IL don't think
there is anything 10 justify your sitting
here and insulting us officers. Pardon
me for saying this 10 your gray hairs;
but viii protest against Il TO any oae.
The Court now came in and read the
following statement: The Court would
say that on account Of the last remark
made by the assistant counsel before all
left the room, We direct that the remarks
made during the examination Of this
lsst witness, be retained on record"