New-York tribune., 1900-12-23
HAZING AT WEST POINT.
PRACTICES INDUCED IN TO-DAY SAID
TO BE MUCH MILDER THAN
FORMERLY.
FORMALLY.


with a view to reform hazing; and in his
efforts to stamp out the custom which had be-
come so we'll established that it was looked upon
as an essential feature he enlisted the co-opera-
tiOn of the various classes.
Steps in that direction had been taken before,
but it was always well understood that Just
little" hazing would be allowed Tho little
always grew while the cadet corps was in camp,
and by the time the tour of camp duty was over
there had been many cases of hazlng as ever
before. The men who had survived tine heart
breaking experience wanted to get even with
the ne : men wanted the satisfaction of treat
ing others as they had been treated. and 1t re-
quired heroic measures on the part of the new
superintendent TO bring about change. The
various classes held meetings and passed reso-
lutions TO the effect that they would carry out
the wishes of Colonel Mills, and within few
months after his induction into office that officer
said: 'Hazing- at the Military Academy is a
matter Of the past"
Certain forms of hazing have probably been
discontinued. but the practice of putting the
plebe through course of sprouts" TO test his
manliness, his courage, his respect for superiors
and to make him appreciate the fact that he
is new and has no standing with upper class
men is still in vogue and probably with the full
knowledge of the Academy authorities.
"A certain amount of this sort of thing" said
d
out the best qualities in young man, makes
him sef-reliant and in instances where boys
come to the Academy with the idea that pull
will help them it is dOubly beneficial"
TRACING"
Since the investigation into the cause of the
death of Oscar l.. BOOz was begun by the board
appointed for that purpose there has been
much discussion the subject of hazing, and
the testimony of the cadets shows that the innO-
cent word "bracing' is used to describe practices
which calculated to break well brace
the plebe This practice has been described as
a kind of calisthencs devised for the purpose
of giving the plebe form" and teaching him the
art of walking in a sOdery manner, with
shoulders well back. stomach drawn in and chin
down. In connection with the bracilg move
ments there are certain tricks which plebes are
asked TO perform, and these are known as "ex-
ercsing." The bracing and exercising lessons
are not managed supervised by Academy
instructors by recognized officials. but by
upper class men who devise the exercises to
suit themselves in keeping with their regard for
the young man. If the plebe is a good fellow
in the opinion of the upper class men and has
shown the proper spirit when the first tests
applied, if he shows no disposition to talk
back and accepts the situation in a manner that |
is satisfactory to his self-appointed critics. his
bracing and exercising experiences will not be |
severe trials But if he ;hould show a spirit of
resentment and should rebel at the methods |
which his seniors employ toward him he would |
find that "bracing" and exercising" are difficult |
bridges to cross.
One form of hazing takes place in the mess |
hall, and although it is not practised as much |
in former times. it is we'll known to all |
men who connected with the institution. |
The victim of thi: prank is compelled to eat all |
that is set before rim and to eat nothing else |
at that meal Thus plebe may be compelled |
to make a meal of grddle cakes prunes, mo- |
lasses. bread beans, and while he is eating |
the upper class men take pains to keep him well |
supplied. This form of hazing is known as |
Qualifying"
Complaint to Academy officers would mean |
disgrace The officers would undoubtedly in |
vestigate any charges that might be brought |
before tn I'm, but even if he upper class were
punished, the plebe would remain in disfavor |
With them and with his own class comrades and |
would probably be crowded out of the in |
stitutiOn. This can be done by ignoring or cut |
ting the manufacturing his heart''-as it is !
called.
PENALTIES FOR THE INFORMER.
There is probably form of hazing |
than that which is practised toward the in |
former. He is avoided by all who wish to show |
that they do not approve of his actions. and the |
man who makes companion of him may look