The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-21
DICK TO WEST POINTERS
TEXT OF THE CONGREsSMAN's MID
NIGHT SPEECH ON SATURDAY.
Report of the Committee Probably
Will Exonerate Haxers In the
Cases of BOOx and Breth.

VEST POINT, n. Y, Jan. 20.-The con-
gressional committee left here to-day for
washington after concluding its mission
Of investigation at the Military Academy.
Before its departure, however, through
voluntary agreement of the cadets, haziEg
was abolished. This agreement yyas the
result of meeting of TIL, entire corps CT
cadets held in Grant Hall last night. This
action came as surprise to the committee.
which consisted OF General Dick. of Ohio;
Judge Smith, of Iowa; Congressman
Wanger of Pennsylvania, and Messrs.
Clayton and briggs, of Brooklyn. All the
members of the committee were pleased
with the action of the cadets. 1t was
nearly midnight when Colonel A. L. Mills.
superintendent of the academy, handed
copy of the cadets resolution to General
Dick. When the other congressman
learned the nature of it Mr.. briggs moved
that it be read by Colonel Mills. and that
afterwards it should be added to the
record.
Atkins, who signed the document on be-
half of their respective classes, were called
before the committee. The courtroom was
filled with army officers and their wives
and daughters, and none of them had any
idea of what was coming. AS soon as
Colonel Mills read the resolution General
Dick addressed Colonel Mills and the four
cadets. synopsis of what he said was
sent out last night Following is the
text:
"This action taken by the corps now
at the National Military Academy will be
received by the country with signs of APP
probation and appreciation. What you did
here to-day will mark an epoch in the his
tory of West Point, and, perhaps, In the
history of all educational institutions in
this country; for, when hazing no longer
finds a place at West Point 1t will not
find Judgment In other educational fnstitu-
tions
"a hundred years Of history has brought
this institution, perhaps more closely than
any other, to the hearts of the American
people. What you have done for 1t to-day
will leave it still higher in the good opin-
ion that all true Americans have for IT.
We know and appreciate that men who
come here sacrifice everything else in a
desire to serve their country. This duty
and this sacrifice does not go unappre-
ciated among your fellcw-countrymen. 1t
is with a. design to add still greater luster
and fame to West Point that Congress
has endeavored, by a careful investigation,
to find means for the eradication of any
thing which might be out of harmony with
=
Your voluntary action will be made
permanent Congress VIII make permanent
what you have done: but in anticipating
the action of Congress, you have added
to the great regulations already achieved
here. In dismissing you, 1 hope you will
carry to your classes the congratulations
of this committee, its well wishes and its
thanks.
"And, Colonel Mills, I'm leaving. I EXPRESS
the opinion Of every member of this COM
mittee when l return to you. for many
courtesies, our sincere thanks and desire
further to attest that in our efforts here
we have had the full and hearty co-opera-
ton of yourself and your associates You
have been very kind in the aid that has
been extended to this committee While
We are anxious to leave, we are not happy
to leave; we hasten away simply because
urgent duties call US elsewhere. While
our duties nave seemed at times unpleas-
ant, we feel happy In the thought that in
their discharge we have served this spIen-
did institution, of which you are head to
some purpose. That you have accomplished
much toward exadicating this one fault will
be SO stated In our report: that you have
had the cooperation of all your fellow
officers here, we are also glad to testify.
and we shall go back to Congress. and
through Congress to the country COM
mending the excellence of your institution
and hope to convey to the people some
idea of the sense of the Obligation the
people should have for this excellent
branch of our government. Recollections
memories. We say to all of you not a
good by. but a farewell. and wish for YOU
and the academy. long, happy and sue
cessful career" IApplause.J
came here they have worked nearly sixteen
hours daily In public and executive So
sions. The committee will hold their next
meeting In the room Of the COMMITTEES On
interstate and foreign commerce at wash
ington. ID; c.. at 10 o'clock on Tuesday
morning. They expect to make their report
in about ten days. and it Is said on good
authority they will recommend that
the number Of tactical Officers az
the West Point academy be Increased
1t Is also said they will report
the deaths OF former Cadets Booz and
Broth were not caused by the hazing thew
received at West Point In the case of
Booz the testimony showed that he was
not very strong at any time and II is
said the members Of the committee believe
that HIS health had been injured bv his
treatment at the hands OF his feiIow-cadefs
In the academy. At the same time n a.
said that the committee has failed 10 t3is-
cover any connection between the swai
lowing Of tobasco sauce and the sufneons~se