The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-01-05
NAVAL CADET CAUSED A STIR.
BETWEEN CONGRESSMAN LATIMER
AND ADMIRAL M'NATR.

Cadet MRxwelI's Resignation Led to
InvestiEntion-OId Admiral Chnrg-
ed with Inspiring Action of His
CInSs-La timer aud McNaIr Almost
Had Personal Encounter-Dc-
pnrtment Considering II, and Max
welI May he Rcinstnted.
Washington, Jan. 4.-Cougressman Lati-
mer of South Carolina was the central ng-
ure in a sensational scene al the onice
of the Secretary of the Navy to-day.
This was tTe second chapter Of a sem
sation brought on by the unjust treat
ment at Annapolis of the South Carolina
boy who is cadet there, the inspira-
ton of this treatment being Admiral Nc
Nalr the head of the Naval Academy.
The result of it all is an investigation
into the conduct of the old Admiral by
the Secretary Of the Navy, and there
can be no doubt of the reinstatement of
the cadet. He is Cadet Maxwell of An
derson.
Maxwell was, in Inc vernacular of the
academy, sent to Coventry by his class
because of alleged implication in some dis
graceful proceedings chat figured in the
Christmas jollities at Annapolis.
When the matter was first before the
class, the action was favorable to Max
well, but there was a subsequent meet
ing at which Maxwell was decided
against. The boys father asked Con-
gresham Latimer, who appointed young
Maxwell, to investigate, and accordingly
Mr.. Latimer went over there yesterday.
Inspired by McNnir.
In the course of his Investigations he
found that The action of the class had I'M
doubtedly been inspired by Admiral Nc
Nair He had asked McNar about the
case and the Admiral had denied any
knowledge of it. When he discovered he
had reason to know the truth Congress
man Latimer was very mad and charged
MeNair with falsifing to him. This brought
on a sensational scene, the upshot of which
was an apology from Admiral McNair and
the promise that the wrong that had been
done the boy should be righted.
The congressman made It plain that he
would not uphold the boy if he was in the
wrong. but he proposed to have fair play.
To-day the scene of action was trans
ferred TO Washington. One of McNar' S
aides came to Latimer. begging him not
to make any eeharges-aesaiast.. .ihesA6lEaihal
and he agreed that he would not If there
was full reparation made the wronged ca
det.
Later however, the Secretary of the
Navy took up the matter and sent for
McNair, who was here. The Secretary
had tried to get Latimer to prefer charges,
but the latter said he did not want 10
give the old man any trouble, and that
he did not consider that McNair was al
together responsible for his conduct yes
terday.
Hot Words Were Passed.
When the Admiral and Latimer met face
to face, the Secretary having in the mean
time talked with the admiral, the latter
was enraged beyond measure
you have charged that ! was drunk"
he cried out TO the Congressman. you
lie"
With that Latimer jumped up and was
about 20 strike the Admiral, when the
latter apologized most abjectIy, taking
back all offensive words. He was evi-
IDENTIFY laboring under intense excitement.
After a white however he quieted down
and the matter was left by the Secretary,
with the understanding that McNair Is
to Investigate the Maxwell case thorough
ly, and make proper amends If any wrong
has been done the cadet. This, Mr. Lati-
mer insisted, must come in the shape Of
a public apology by Admiral McNair to
the boy before The class.
1t is highly probable that there viii be
official investigation into Admiral Me-
Nairs conduct although there is a gen
eral disposition on the part of all con-
cerned to let him off tightly as possible,
because of his age, and the fact that he
will retire within year.