The times., 1900-12-27
Colonel Mills ON Hnxine.

Col. A. L. Mills is Superintendent of the
Military Academy at West Point. 1t is a
distinguished and enviabIe position, and
the gentleman who holds it is not only an
able but an extremely sensitive Individ-
ual. This quality is pointedly shown in
the avidity with which he resorts to the
press to ventilate his annoyance over
newspaper remarks and criticisms relat-
ing to the subject OF hazing at the insti-
tuition, and particularly to the case of the
late Cadet Booz, now under investigation
by court of enquiry. Grievance letters
to leading journals written by Colonel
is one which he has recently formed under
pressure of the thought that he and not
vicious system for the existence of
which nobody has been inclined to blame
him is under the fire of an indignant pub
lie opinion The-Times is aware. and no
doubt so are nearly all American journals.
that Colonel Mills did not take charge OF
the Academy until after the Booz affair
had occurred. AS far as We know, no one
has accused him of negligence in a matter
concerning which he was presumably ig-
York Tribune replying to an article
headed "Hazing at West Point" which ap-
peered in that journal. he objects:
'First-To the statement attributed to me in
the second paragraph Of the article that 'hazing
the Military Academy is matter OF the past |
have never Intentionally consciously made this
statement As applying 10 the practice of hazing
as whole. and If have given anyone
that impression, it not my intention 10 do
so. However desirable il is that all hazing
should end here and at other colleges. it never
Will, in my opinion, until human nature be-
comes radically different from what it now is.
All that can be hoped for is to create strong
sentiment against it, and, by n continual vigi-
lance, suppress and keep it within bounds.'
In his introduction to the above ate
ment. Colonel Mills complains that some
newspapers have made him the target of
condemnation and vilifcation in connec-
tion with the Bocz case, through wil.fully
false Misrepresentation" We rather
think that he identifies himself with the
matter more than he need; but as evi-
IDENTIFY he desires to take an active per-
sonal part in the controversy, his station
and merits entitle him to accommodation.
1t will be observed that Colonel Mills
thinks that hazing ought to be stepped.
human nature becomes radically different
from what it now is" Public sentiment
not only holds to the view that hazing is
undesirable, but demands that 1t shall be
stopped. If, as we take it, the present
superintendent wishes to express his per-
sonal hopelessness in the connection, and
his inability to accomplish what his pcsi-
tion requires, then it would seem to be
plain that he should step out and permit
the appointment TO the place of some
officer not, like himself, too sensitive"
but one who will do his duty ard track,
trap. and punish the coarse and cruel
young brutes who have scandalized our
famous national military school,
We are not in favor of waiting for a
radical change in human nature. A
shrewd. fearless superintendent, armed
with plenary authority, and backed by
Law Of Congress which shall provide peaal
servitude. with ball and chain attachment
for a term Of years. for the crime of haz-
ing. will be much more TO tbr purpose.