The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-15
CADET G. PERCY IT, W IS.
THE or INQUIRY IN ms CASE be-
FORE AN OPEy COURT.
Ho Did Not Disclose tho Secrets OF W"
Class to His superior Oficers Bur w"
Carrying out Their orders

Military Institute, Is at home, on leave
pending tho completion OF tho inquiry
asbed for by him. which closed when
the evidence on his side had not been
heard owing TO the sickness Of 1enerA
Ship. whose testimony was needed De-
fore q could proceed further.
Cadet Halves. under instructions from
his attorney. will not say word IN re-
gard 70 the matter, but does not seem
TO be much worried about IL.
The old cadets i'm Richmond have taken
much interest I'm this ease. ana those AT
an familiar with the circumstances com
mend young HAYES for his strict adher-
once 20 duty under very trying crcuu'
stances.
The custom OF celebrating the class
year on New Years eve by the FIRST class
OF cadets I'm their Own peculiar way is a
breach OF discipline that has caused the
authorities there no little anxiety. though
It had its beginning but few years
back.
THE FIRST BREACH
In 1854 the first class for the first time
decided on celebrating their class year
by the uso of fireworks. explosives and
raising Cain On general. but. knowing that
such action would likely bring unpleasant
results they agreed that if any member
was caught and threatened with eNpul-
sion. the whole class would stand ~
him. and if necessary, leave WIN
him and. knowing further that without
extraordinary precautions. they wouid pe
caught. they tied the officer OF mo day.
W. L. Jones. Of Richmond I'm his hed.
placed the corporal of the guard IN MS
bed and tied him. and fastened Win ropes
the door TO- the room of tho officer in
charge.
The matter raised a great commoton'
but william Kigcr now a soldier I'D inc
United states army. was the only mem
Der Of the class expelled. he being touno
outside ~ his room that night Wnen nc
was under arrest in his room for another
offence.
Each year since that time disturbances
have occurred ON cach recurring New
Years eve. hut I'm the case OF 1adet
Halves ~ As the first time in the history
Of the Military Institute that the oIhcer
OF tho day was ever assaulted Wh"e o."
duty I'm full roeimcntals ana consigned I'd
the ouietudc ~ am empty room. Do ofa',
that the class plans might be ctrtleo
out
THE CLASS MEETINGS
The first class of the session had held
p,ootings previous to the New Year 10
nlan .or this celebration. and at some Ut
not all of these meetings Cadet ha"'a
was Droecnt Al that time Dee did not OK
.pecf to Doe the officer OF the day on l''
date OF the disturbance. but was thrown
ON I'm the place of another oihcer WI"
left 10 attend the funeral of his oIolnei.
When Il was known that Halves "ouiu
be- on duty that night a. represent aNN.
of the class went to him and informed
him that they had surrendered all idea
of making any demonstrations. ana ne
aid not know that any attempt would NJ
made. ....
Tho Commandant. however in the light
~ former experience. determined 20
break mp r. practice which Doe dee.heu
yey detrimental 10 proper discipline ana
ol-e the officer iu charge. suD-nroiee-
or. the officer of the day. young ha".3
and the corporal of the guard rI'Nlti
orders to prevent any disturbance under
penaltv il it was allowed fo occur.
III was while ohcying these special i0-
s,ructions that Halves was set upon nF
his classmates. tied and placed ODD "
room by himself and 30 was due prnci-
palIv 10 his quick action in getting loose
and reporting the circum stance tnat th"
CARRYING out of their plans was pre-
vented.
HAYES EXPELLED.
Believing THAT NlhHN" NN"'t
trated the plans of their celebration Dos
Giving away the secrets That Doe learned
while I'm the meetings of the class they
expelled linn from the class and in other
wavs ostracised him. Halves. who had
been for some days suffering with chliis
and fever and two days later
went 90 the hospital, and still later
came home ON sick leave. As soon as
able tO return he asked for the court OF
inquiry. which. as before stated. closed
without having reached any definite re-
suit.
Although the court was am open ono.
aud not "a court with closed doors as was
reported from Lexington. the evidence in
the case has never been comprehens.Niy
'rintcd. and the facts above stated were
reluctantly given by Mr.. Julian Bryant
in answer 10 am appeal that justice to nus
client made 80 proper that DE should give
the Information
Both CAPTAIN Mills the officer in charge
that day. and the Commaudaut Colonel
Price as well as the corporal OF the
guard as far as Doe knew about it testi-
fled that Cadet Halves did not BOO any
way. by word hint or act, divulge me
plans OF his class % his superior Of
hcers
The call for the court of inquiry states
that its purpose was "to report upon
upon the record OF G.. Percy H'~es as "
cadet and enquire in connection with
certain transactions between him and h's
class" but owing % the fact that me
inquiry was restricted 10 the year ls'r
the action OF the class towards Halves
after that date could not appear
WELL SATISFIED
Mr. BRYANT seemed Well satisfied w.th
the showing bis client made before ine
court. or rather. the failure to su1sian-
tilte any OF the reports concerning hi'
character or his conduct towards hs
class. and when asked what special ore
ders Young HIVES WIS acting under sew
Years eve. referred 20 the following
from the book OF regulations OF the in-
stitute as sufficient 90 show that q, IN
honorable officer Captain Halves was
compelled 90 report any disturbance while
acting as officer of the day.
Article il5-As obedience and suuordi
nation are essential 20 tho purposes or
this Institute any cadet who shall dis
obey a command OF the superintendent
or anay professor teacher instructor Oh
other superior officer Of behave himself
IN "a refractory or disrespectful manner
20 the constituted authorities OF The In
stitute shall be dismissed or severely
nunished according 10 The nature and
degree Of his offence.
Article 2i2-Qn regard 10 the oihcer OF
the day)-He shall after receiving his
guard. report for orders 90 the command
ant Of cadets and shall receive and obey
such orders as may be- given him during