The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-12-27
BOOZ INQUIRY.
Hazing Investigation Is Resumed at
West Point

West Point, December 27.-After a
Christmas recess of three days the mill
tary court of inquiry resumed its inves-
LEGATION Of alleged brutal haZing at the
West Point military academy. Twelve
witnesses were examined by Generals
Brooke, Bates and Clous. They were all
of the present first class and classmates
of former Cadet Booz.
The witnesses were all questioned as
to whether they had held any CONVEX
sation with other cadets as to the with
holding of testimony at the investiga-
ton. and they denied that such a thing
occurred They said that on the con-
trary all the cadets were anxious that
the right should be told.
The first witness called was Cadet
D. F. Brown, of Virginia, now of the
first class. Cadet Brown said that he
had taken part in feet inspection 5"
which consisted in dropping hot candle
grease upon bare feet of fourth class
men He said Cadet Breth was never
dragged out of his tent or put in a
straightjacket
do?'
Nothing in barracks but bracing."
answered the witness. In camp I have
had a fourth class man act as special
duty man. He cleaned my gun and
bayonet, and carried water and cleaned
my tent"
have been made to run down the COM
pany street while others threw water on
them. This was called taking a bath
Did you ever see a man braced or
exercised to the limit of his power of
endurance asked General Brooke.
Il could not say, sir; but l have seen
them pretend to faint in order to be ex-
cused from going any further with the
exercise"
What was the most exhaustive thing
you yourself were required TO do as a
fourth class man.
'-Eagling, sir" was the reply.
T0ae -7lA
TT is a. modification of the settingup
drill for back and legs"
WAS it on account of the danger of
hazing or because they wished to avoid
caused classes to do away with the
practiceS?''
There was no danger. sir, and we
voted to do away with the hazing be-
cause of the stories published about it"
replied witness.
What besides bracing do you require
a fourth class man to do?" inquired
General Brooke
I'VE have them do ridiculous forma-
tons. one of which we call the barn
yard The men are designated by
names of barnyard animals, and when
they are told to perform they initiate
the noises made by the animals"
DO you make them do anything you
tell them?''
mo. they are told to do it, and they
generally do all they are told
plicit obedience?' asked General Brooke
The witness seemed to be puzzled for
a moment, and then said. well when
I was a fourth class man the idea of
refusing to do all I was required never
entered my head, sir
Was there any brutality?"
No, sir. there was no spirit Of brJ-
tality in it. If there was brutality by
word the fourth class men would re-
sent it,
Then he would have to fght?' sug-
gested General Brooke.
Yes, sir
And get beaten?''
No. not always. sir: the fourth class
men have won fights
do you know OF any men being
specially prepared or instructed in fight
ing2'
ssNo. sir"
was Cadet Keller prepared for his
fight with Cadet Booz?"
No sir; Keller was rather a poor
boxer" was the reply.
Did Keller ever have any other fight
before he fought Booz2" asked General
Bates
No sir"
Then he was not known as q fighting
man2" asked General Brooke.
No SIR
These questions were evidently
prompted BY the receipt of a newspaper