Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-21
An Investigation Ordered at the
Washington Navy Yard.
Two COL0RED MEN KEEL-HAUEED
Trouble in the Class of Seamen
Gunners.
WHAT Mr.. M'ADOO SAYS

Assistant Secretary McAdoo today order
ed a court of inquiry to assemble at the
Washington navy yard Monday morning
next for the purpose of investigating the
alleged haZing or maltrea tmant of certain
members of the class of enlisted men under
instruction in ordnance at that yard by
other members of the class. The sufferers
were colored men, and it is alleged that
they We're haZed by being thrown over
board and otherwise ill-treated on account
of race prejudice The court is composed
of the following named members: Com
mander Washburn Maynard, Lieut.. Com
mander Richard Wainwright and Lieut.. w.
W. Kimball, with Ensign Warren ]. Ter
hume as recorder All of these officers are
on duty at the Navy Department, and were
selected because of their entire diSintereSt-
edneSS.
Object to COlOrcd Men.
The present class of men under instruc-
ton for service as seamen gunners has
been recently organized at the Washington
navy yard. 1t is composed of thirty
men, of which number four are colored.
The presence of these four in the close re-
lations required by the service has been a
source OF discomfort among the white
pupils for some time past. 1t Is said that
regular campaign was organized against
the colored men. beginning with social
oStracisIH, and followed, it is said, by acts
of personal violence. mild form of haz-
irg, tending to make 1t generally unpleas-
ant for the colored men. not serving to get
the m out of the way. harsher methods
Were resorted to. The matter at last reach
ed a point where it became necessary for
the authorities to interfere, and the entire
class was placed under nominal arrest,
pending an official Investigation.
Two COlorcd Men Keel-Hauled.
This climax was reached as a result of a
species of keel-hauling said to have been
practiced on Thompson and Johnson. two
of the colored students, on the night of the
l1th instant by number of their white as
scciates. According to the story, these men
we're reque Sted to leave the class, and on
refusing to do so they were forcibly taken
from their beds and dGcked into the river
several times. The water was cold and their
experience was decidedly Wp pleasant
Composition of the Class.
The seamen gunners' class Is made UP
from the best and most intelligent enlisted
men of the service. The course Of instruc-
ton covers a period of four months. and is
intended to complete their education in
practical gunnery. The class was composed
entirely of white men until two months
ago. since which time four colored seamen
of exceptional aptitude have been added to
1t. The men mess at the same board and
all sleep in the same dormitory. There are
no race distinctions in the naval service,
and all men are treated alike according to
their rank and station.
Whit Mr. McAdOO Says.
Assistant Secretary McAdoo said to Star
reporter today that the question Of color
did not enter into the investigation at all,
the court being appointed to ascertain the
facts in the matter. without regard to the
race of those involved. If it should turn out
that any members of the class have been
i'll treated, justice Will be melted out to the
offenders, regardless of any question CT
color on either side AS he explained it. the
colored men will receive the same consiiera-
ton as would be accorded white men under
similar circumstances.