The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1901-01-01
HAZlNG is CONF ENDABLE
This Idea of the Cadets Prevents Its
Suppression.
so SAYS COMMANDANT AT WEST POINT
The Superintendent Shows Letters he has
Written the War Department in His IT,
fort to Abolish Brutality and
Secret Ou'rages
0By the Associated Press.)

West Point. y. Y Dec. 29.-The inves-
tfgation Of the charges of brutal hazing
arising out of the death of former Cadet
Oscar L. BooZ which has been in progress
in a court Of inquiry appointed by the
Secretary of War, with some inter
mission for the last two weeks, was con-
Guided at West Point Military Academy
This afternoon. The court left for Cover
nor's Island tonight and on Monday they
will examine the mass Of evidence which
they have listened to.
Lieut.-C0l. Otto l.. Balm, cOnr2andant at
The United States Military Academy, was
the first witness called to the stand today
TO testify before the court OF inquiry APP
pointed to investigate the allegations OF
brutal hazing of cadets. Colonel Helm
produced the superintendent sick re
ports which showed that Cadet BOoz had
only reported sick once while he was
at the academy.
The records made it clear that Booz had
never been absent from breakfast, din
ner or supper while he was at West Point
An extract from the records was read
by the witness who said Cadet BooZ had
availed himself Of the Saturday evening
privileges of going anywhere within the
reservation on SATURDAY august ulH, IIS
day of the Booz- Keller fight. Booz re-
ported his going away at 1888 p. IN. and
his returning at 3:1S p. m. In reply to
General Clous the witness said that in
the summer of 1899 through anonymous
letters the brutal hazing of Cadets Mac
Arthur and Haskell came to the knowledge
OF the academy officials. An investigation
was Immediately ordered, but no informa
ton as to the facts could be elected from
any OF those examined among whom were
Macarthur and Haskell. The regulations
prohibiting hazing provided punishment
for haZers and hazed alike.
In telling OF the agreement made by
the fourth class men in 1899. among whom
were Cadets Macarthur and Grant, not to
submit to hazing, Colonel Helm said
Il called the class together Git was a
very large one) an explained to them
the rules and regulations prohibiting haz-
ing. l told them if they would agree not
to submit to haZing and promise not to
haze anyone themselves, they would rid
the academy of foul blot on its reputa-
ton. Soon afterwards they appealed TO
me 10 be released from this agreement
but / refused.
L also heard" continued the witness,
that candidates preparing at Highland
Falls were being hazed, and l made an
Investigation, the outcome of which was
the severe Furnishing of the guilty cadets
Speaking generally of hazing, Colonel
Helm said:
"Hazing is traditional and I am sorry
to say is thought by persons inside as
we'll as outside of the academy, to be
commendabe, and as long as students
hear it spoken OF in this way it will be
impossible for the authorities to stamp
it out"
What methods do you think could
be used to stamp out the calling out
of fourth class men and subsequent fstic
encounters?' asked General Clous.
Why, | consider that form of haZing
and long as the cadets don't live up
to the agreement not to subject. to hazing
and the upper class do not cease inter
fering with them it would be impossible
to suppress it
Former Cadet Smith, of Carbondale,
Ills, testified to seeing Booz, on one occa-
sion holding out dumb bells and doing
wooden willies. He was exercised almost
daily.
Cadets Mayer and Nelly were exercised
frequently.
Cadet Truman w. Carruthera Of Iii
nois, the next witness said he was called
out Tor disobeying upper classmen and
general freshness His opponent was Mr..
shannon Of the present second class.
What was the result?''
Il got knocked out sir
Did you receive any injuries ?" en-
quired General Clous.
Yes, sir, | had an abrasion Oh the
forehead and my jaw was badly broken"
Did you go 10 the hospital?"
y es, sir; l was there Just two weeks"
was Shannon a good man."
Eyes, sir, 1 thought So replied the
witness, who laughed as he answered. He
was allowed to go then.
Colonel A. l.. Mills, SUPERINTENDENT of
the academy, was then sent for and after
a few minutes delay he came into court
and was sworn.
He submitted many reports and ex-
tracts regarding the regulations prohib
iting hazng and the measures adopted
By the authorities to abolish several
forms which existed at the post. He
also submitted long lists of cadets who
were summarily punished for violations
for these regulate
he superintendent said he did not
consider bracing injurious, but it causes
physical pain.
For the protection of the fourth class
men the witness said that he had in
creased the responsibilities Of the first
Grass cadets He felt that these men, on
the verge OF graduation would use their
utmost endeavors to abolish hazing meth
DDS.
colonel Mills said that great deal Of
dl1nculty had been experienced by him and
the other officers in getting information
from cadets about cases of hazing on the
ground that they might incrimnate them
selves.
The superintendent told OF his having
hn not -
the "Hod Carriers which existed among
candidates for admission to this academy
who were at preparatory school at High
land Falls, about two miles from West