Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-12-29
HARD TO DEAL
WITH HAZINC.
So Says the Military Commandant
at West Point
PRACTICE Is PUNISHABLE.
Hut Some People Outside and inside
the Academy Call IL Commend
able and Encourage It.

West Point, N. Y, Dec. 2o,--Lieut-
COL otto l.. Helm commandant at the
United States military academy was
the first witness called today to testify
before the court Of inquiry appointed to
investigate the allegations Of brutal
hazlng Of cadets. Col. Helm produced
the superintendent sick reports which
showed that Cadet Booz had only re-
ported sick once while he was at the
academy. lie was excused on that oc-
casion from one drill, as he was suffer-
ing from an acute attack Of diarrhoea.
The records made 1t clear that Booz had
never been absent from a meal while he
was a cadet at West Point.
An extract from the records was read
by the witness. who said Cadet Booz
had ayailed himself OF the Saturday
."~ns privileges ~ going anywhere
within the reservation. On Saturday,
..-s 900, ,.u. cas- u-y Vi the pvJ4- neuer
fight, Booz reported his going away az
1855 p. m. and his returning at 3:lS p.
IN.
In reply to Gen. Cous, the witness
said that in the summer Of 1899
through anonymous letters, the brutal
hazing Of Cadets Macarthur and Has
kell came to the knowledge Of the
academy. officials, An investigation was
Immediately ordered. but no informa-
ton as 70 the facts could be elected
from any of those examined. among
whom were Macarthur and Haskell.
The regulations prohibiting hazing pro-
vide punishment for hazers and naZed
alike. In telling OF the agreement made
by the fourth class men IN 1888, among
whom were Cadets Macarthur ana
Grant not to submit to hazing, Col.
Helm said:
"a called the class together Qt was
very large one), and explained TO
them the rules ana regulations prohib-
iting hazing ! told them u they would
agree not 10 submit to ha2ing and
promise not TO haze any one them-
selves, they would rid the academy Of a
foul blot on It's reputation. Soon after
wards they appealed TO be released
from this agreement, but ! refused
Il also heard continped the witness,
that candidates preparng al Highland
Falls were being hazed and | made an
investigation. the outcome Of which
was the severe Furnishing Of the guilty
cadets"
The remainder Of the commandments
testimony was mainly an explanation Of
the actions and measures taken 70 sup
press hazng at the academy. The pun
ishments were increased and the num-
her Of cadets found guilty Of violations
Of the regulations in 1899 were greatly
In excess Of the previous year
Speaking generally Of hazlng, Col.
Helm said
"Hazing is traditional and / am sorry
to say is thought by persons inside as
we'll as outside of the academy to be
and as long as students
hear 1t spoken Of in this way 1t VIII be
impossible Tor Boo authorities 10 stamp
II out"
What methods do you think could be
used TO stamp out calling out Of fourth |
class men and subsequent fist enc0un- !
tersy' asked Gen. Clous.
why. | consider that form Of hsz- |
Ing and as long as the cadets do not |
live up TO the agreement not to submit !
10 hazing. and the upper class do not !
cease interfering with them. il Will be .
impossible 20 suppress IT,
Former Cadet Smith Of Illinois tesu- |
led that one night several OF the Wit I
ness class called on BOoz. were called .
10 ex-Cadet Hairless tent TO be eXer-
Used Witness ala not remember any
me having tainted. he himself was very
much fatIgued but not TO the point Of
exhaustion.
Did Cadet Booz ever complain to
'ou?'
no. sir; he never complained Of his
reatment."
Cadet Truman W. Carrthers. Of IL
inois. the next witness. said he was
allied out FOR disobeyIng upper class
men and general freshness His Op-
,onent was Mr.. shannon OF the present
econd class.
What was the result" inquired Gen.
'lous.
Il had an abrasion on the forehead.
ny jaw was broken. and / went 10 the
hospital for two weeks
Col. A. l.. Mills superintendent OF the
cademy. was then sent for and was
worn.