The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1900-01-10
A Naval Academy Scandal.

w WASHlNHION, JduuuIy 4.-COnercSS-
man Latimcr, Of South Carolina, was
the central figure of n sensational scene
at the office of the Secretary of the
Navy to-day. This was the second
chapter of a sensation brought OH by
the unjust treatment ut Annapolis of
South Carolina boy, who is Il cadet,
the inspiration of this treatment being
Admiral McNair, the head the Naval
Academy. The result of it all is an
investigation into tho 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 Anderson. Max
well was, in the slang Of the Academy.
sent to cOnventry by his class because
of alleged implication in some dis
graceful proceedings that figured du-
ring Christmas .jolities ut Annapolis.
When the matter was first before tho
class the action was favorable to Max
well, but there was a subsequent meet
ing ut which Maxwell was decided
ag ainst.
When the boy got into the trouble
he telegraphed his father to come on.
His father asked Congressman Latimcr,
who appointed young Maxwell, to in
vestigate and accordingly, Congress-
man Latimcr went over there yester-
day. In the course of his isinvestigation
he found that the action. Of the class
had undoubtedly been inspired by the
Admiral. He.asked McNair about the
case and the old Admiral denied any
knowledge of it. When he discover
ed what he had reason to believe the
truth Congressman Latimer was very
mad and charged McNair with lying to
him. This brought the sensational
scene, the upshot of which was an
apology from McNair and the promise
that the wrong that had been done the
boy should be righted. The Congress
man made it plain that he would not
upheld 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 Nc
Nair's aides came to Latimer, begging
him not to make any charges against
the Admiral, and he agreed that he
would not if there was full rcparation
made the wrongcd cadet.
Later, however, the Secretary of the
Navy took up tho matter and sent for
Admiral McNair, who was here. The
Secretary had tried to get Latilner to
prefer charges, but the latter said he
did not want to give the old man
trouble and that he did not consider
that McNair was altogether respon-
sible for his conduct yesterday. When
the Admiral and Latimcr met face to
face, tho Secretary having in the
talked with the Admiral, the
latter was enraged beyond measure.
"You have charged that l was drunk"
he cried out to the Congressman; "you
lie." With that Latimer jumped ND
and was about to strike the Admiral,
when the latter apologized most ad-
jectly, taking back all offensive words.
l!e was evidently iaboring under in
tense excitement. After awhile, how
ever, he quieted down, and the matter
was left by the Secretary with the
that McNair is to in
vestigate the Maxwell case thoroughly
and make proper amends if any wrong
has been done the cadet. This, Mr..
Latimerinsists, must come in the shane
Of public apology by McNair to the
boy before the class.
1t is highly probable that there will
be official Investigation into McNair's
conduct, although there is q general
on the part of all concerned
to let him Off as lightly MS possible be-
cause of his age and the fact that he
will retire within year.-,Specinl to
Neirs and Courier.
LATER.
Representative Latimer, of South
Carolina who had Il clash with Adj
miral McNnir, superintendent of the
Nava! Academy, the other day at An
and who is said to have thrust
his fist into the Admirars face sub
Long, in this city, was at the House
care you. and the Admiral still on
the warpathT7 one inquired of him.
"Our matter has been adjusted in
peaceable way" replied the tall South
Car0linlan, In very. courteous tone.
Everything that asked was conced-
ed, and my cadet, Maxwell, is to be
given fair treatment. Admiral McNair
and myse!f reached an agreement,
made before the Secretary of the Navy,
by which the resignation papers that
my cadet was compelled to make out
will be destroyed. He will be restored
to his position in the class and proper
amends will be made by Admiral Nc
Nair. This was the agreement sapc-
toned by Secretary Long. With such
q satisfactory arragement l was not
to be severe nor 70 press any
charges that I might otherwise have
made against the superintendent"
Representative Latimer was asked
whether he did not fear that his cadet,
although restored to his former place
in the class, would be obliged" when
time comes for examination.
II have charges still pending" he
replied expressively, "but have not
cared to preSs them now. All / want
for nv oa6at 10 fOir frook,,,o,k -