The sun., 1900-12-22
The lIOOz Case.

While the military investigation into
the cause Of tho death OF ex-Cadot Booz
at Vest Point has not been completed.
and while similar investigation by a com
mittee OF Congress Il only just beginning
the facts that have been so far developed
arc sufficient for fair and intelligent pre-
lminary judgment Of the case All that
the dead cadets friends have 70 say has
been heard. while the testimony OF the
cadets as now taken at West Point Il clearly
but a repetition OF what has been taken
previously.
Booz died from tuberculosis OF the
throat which his parents allege set in
as the result OF an enforced swallowing
Of large quantity Of tabasco sauce while
the young man was attending the Military
Academy. But the doctors who attended
Booz. at his home. were not willing 70
declare before the Court Of Inquiry that
the infamed condition Of his throat
necessarily came from an irritation such
as L. described. or. even II IL was so
caused. that 1t in turn gave rise TO the af-
fection OF the throat from which Booz
died. The allegations as to swallowing
the tabasco sauce and the other charges
Of Ill treatment rest solely upon the declara-
tons OF young Booz himself He never
mentioned the names OF his tormentors,
The cadets at the Academy say unanimously
that the tabasoo sauce which Booz swal-
lowed was only two or three drops, and
that practically all the members OF his
class were subjected to the same process.
Booz engaged in fist fight some weeks
before he left the Academy. II seems
to have been a trivial affair. very speedily
ended. and Booz made no complaints OF
injuries from II at the time. That Booz
came TO his death. therefore. from injuries
received at the Military Academy seems
very doubtful. and verdict of at least
" not proven must be rendered by fair
minded people upon the charges made by
his parents against his fellow students.
On the other hand, It Is established that
the first year Of cadet life at West Point is
one long period Of bedevilment at the
hands Of upper classmen. Ii Is some-
thing which the traditions OF tho Academy.
the desires Of the upper cassnen them
selves, and the feeling OF those in charge
VI tilt llIdl al WINS - I''Ni't w 'tihS
the conceit out Of the boys and make them
good soldiers" conspre 10 retain. 1t is
described as a very moderate kind Of
harassment. The cadets are required to
stand for various lengths Of time in dis
torted and unnatural positions. eat bowls
Of molasses, swallow Nxo or three drops
Of tabasco and other fiery sauces. stand
on their heads in tub partly filed with
water and subject themselves 10 other
petty huniiations.
Now experience proves that in an instit,i-
ton where this sort Of thing is a practice 1t
is apt In many instances 10 be carried TO
brutal and cruel extreme. and even to de-
into downright outrage. 1t is
frankly admitted by the authorities at
West Point that brutal forms Of haying
were in vogue there up to two years ago.
when Col Mills. the present Superintend-
ent of the Academy entered upon his term
Of office. but 1t Is said that since that time.
owing largely to Col. NlILLss severity.
only moderate forms of hazing have pre-
vailed. Of course. the idea that pro-
ceedings OF this nature are necessary for
the future well-being Of officers Of the
army is ridiculous.