The age-herald., 1900-12-16
INCIDENT CLOSED
President PoWers-aHd Commlrdant West Are Both Exonorated, and the Students Will Return to Mili-
 tary Duty Unpunished

vestigation of the rebellion of members of the Alabama corps of cadets at the State University by the trustees of that institution came to a close this after noon, having been in progress since Wednesday night. The result is that the status of affairs at the University is as it was prior to the night of Decem- Der 6, when the insurrection took place. The students make no apologies what ever for their conduct, but simply state that they will return to the performance of military duties. In view of this state ment the trustees absolved them frtIl punishment for all offenses committed.
 The president and commandant are ex- onerated by the board of all charges pre- ferred by students. In fact, the only ones were spoken of in uncomplimentary tones were the newspapers for having alleged eX- aggerated reports, and former comndl d- ar for Iaxness in performance of his du- ties.
 The trustees last nigat refused to give Gut enything, but it was known that pr. Powers made a statement. This afternoon the board gave cut various statements ntOG anu ISSOlull JIo DdooGIs
 President Powers Statement.
 Professor Powers statement follows:
 "Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees: I rise to a question of privilege, a question of the highest possible privilege. In such body the fidelity, integrity and character of your president have been assailed. In support of this statement l refer you to hearing of certain students before the fac ulty of the university on the 11th of the present month as set forth in the minutes thereof as kept by MT. Robinson Brown, secretary of this board and also to certain articles that have appeared within the past week in the State press, notably the Birm- ingham Age-Herald, Ledger and News, the Montgomery Advertiser and Journal and the Tuscaloosa Times and Gazette. l re- psectfully ask that you forthwith begin and prosecute to the utmost of your ability an exhaustive examination of every intima- ton, complaint or charge that reflects in the slightest degree on either my character or my fitness for my present position, that this investigation shall cover not only the references above gwen, but al any other intimation bearing on the same subject which has in the uast or may hereafter  place at your 1ispocal every record of my office as we'll as all the information of which I am possessed that may bear in the slightest degree on the subject.
 1T ask that the investigation shall cover my every act and word in connection with or concerning the University sicce the beginning of my present relations to the institution. In that investigation and in your deliverances of conclusions that fol- low, I ask that you will take absolutely no thought of me of my present interest or future career, but devote yourselves solely to the welfare of the university.
 Your oath of office dedicates your ale glance not to James K. Powers but to the University of Alabama-my Alma Mater which is enshrined in the hearts of all the good people of the State. l accepted your call in 1897 under conditions that are well known to you, not for the paltry salary at- tached for I we'll knew that could never compensate for what was in store, but with the hope that could assist you in building LID here a great university. Tor more than three years 1 have devoted whatever or energy I am possessed of to your service. The results are matters of history. II you find that I have failed in thought, manner, word, or deed that appertains to my posi- tion, say so frankly and fearlessly, ana pledge myself to join you in regaining un- der another whatever ground may nave been lost through your confidence in me- I ask that this investigation take prece- dence of all other matters at your hands. Respectfully, JAMES K. POWERS"
 Statement From Students.
 Shortly after this statement was made Sneaker Pettus brought 10 the trustees the following from the students: ..To the Honorable Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama. we, the students of the University of Alabama in mass meeting assembled, nav ing brought our grievances to the atten- tion of the board of trustees, and believing in their wisdom and integrity, do hereby resolve that we return to all military duties dating from tattoo December 14, 1900. Most respectfully submitted.
 "J D. MCQUEEN,
 -.1W B. DRENNEN,
 "W. R. CHAPIN,
 IF. G. STICKNEY,
 "Committee of the Students" This was followed by the Introduction Of a resolution by Hon. Tennant Lomax, ab- solving the boys from all punishment for the offenses committed on the night of the sixth and subsequently. This resolution was the subject of argument for several hours last night, and adjournment was had with | the resolution still pending. This morning the resolution was again brought up for | discussion, and to simplify matters, 1t was withdrawn by MT. Lomax, but afterwards | reintroduced by him. Argument on this was begun vigorously but it was finally re- ferred to special committee, with Gov | ernor Jelks as chairman. After discussing | the matter from g o'clock in the morning | till in the afternoon, general amnesty | act was passed in the folloing words, the | last paragraph having been accepted, from | Colonel Caldwell as as amendment, by MT. | Lomax:-
 The Amnesty Resolution.