The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-06
Testimony of Residents OF Bristol, Pa.
Who Knew the Late Young
West Point Cadet.
DIR. ALLISON EXAMINED AGAIN
SAYS HIS SERMON AT THE FUNERAL
WAS CORRECTLY REPORTED.
Case of Hobart Green, Late n Cadet
at the Annapolis Academy,
May BE Investigated.

BRISTOL, Pa, Jan. 5.-The congressional
committee which is investigating the al
legged hazing of Oscar Booz completed its
work here late this afternoon and will re-
convene in Philadelphia on Monday morn
ing. Most of the testimony heard to-day
related to Oscar Booz's mental, physical
and personal characteristics. Every wit
ness called spoke of the high character of
the young man. He was considered in
good health before he went to West Point,
and many persons testified as to his
changed condition when he returned from
the academy. 1t was also brought out
that he was proficient in his studies.
The feature of the two sessions held was
the examination of the Rev. Alexander
Allison, pastor of the Bristol Presbyterian
Church, at which the Booz family wor-
SHIPPED. DIR. Allison delivered the funeral
sermon at the obsequies Of Booz, in which
he made what the committee thought We're
implied charges of severe hazing of cadets
at West Point The committee had news
paper extacts of the sermon read to the
pastor, which he pronounced as correct.
The members of the committee, especially
Mr.. briggs. of New York, tried hard to
have DR.. Allison go over the statements in
the sermon. This, however, he could not
90, saying he based most of his remarks on
what the family had told him and of what
he knew of Oscar Booz himself
The committee probably will finish its
work in Philadelphia Monday and will be-
gin the taking of testimony of the cadets
at West Point on Tuesday. The commit
tees examination of witnesses here and
at Philadelphia has been most searching,
and the congressman say they will also
make their West Point investigation a
thorough one
DIR. VIM. H. Martin, the Bristol ply
stefan who examined Oscar Booz as to his
physical condition previous to his entrance
into West Point, was the first witness at
Bristol to-day. He was merely asked to
identify the report he made to Congress
man Wanger. who appointed Booz to the
Military Academy. He was followed by Dr.
Willis p Weaver, of Bristol, the Booz
family physician, who did not complete his
testimony yesterday.
DR.. Evan j. Groom, of Bristol who at
tended Oscar. said he treated him last
year for acute tubercular laryngitis. The
witness thought tobasco sauce would affect
a throat treated for laryngitis but did
not believe that it made him less able TO
resist the Judgment of tuberculosis germs.
had preceded him, in every detail as to
the personal characteristics of Booz He
did not think, however, that the young
man was suited for q soldier He did not
think he could stand the rigor of such
life.
DR.. Allison was on the stand for more
than an hour. Harry Larzelare, Lewis
Spring, jr., and Albert Baker, companions
of Oscar BooZ were called in the order
named. Each paid a high tribute to the
deceased young man. Larzelare said that
Oscar told him that upper-class men "had
treated him like a dog" Baker testified
that he had received a letter from Oscar
in which he said several of his teeth had
been loosened the result of his fight
Howard BooZ, Oscars younger brother
who became i'll while testifying yesterday
was recalled to-day. Howard related how
he went to West Point to see his brother
on which occasion he waited thirty-five
minutes, and then had to leave without
seeing him on account of a storm coming
up. Howard said ne vented to go to West
Point after Oscar had returned home, but
the latter said: You will be killed if you
do"
resignation given as a reason failing eye
sight instead of hazing for the purpose of
avoiding notoriety?
81 think he did," was the reply. HE
did not want to give the place a bad
name"
After William H. Booz, Oscars father
and Miss Nellie Booz, his sister, had tes-
titled to few minor details regarding
Oscars illness and his school studies, John
X. Widman, president of the board of
school directors of Bristol, also testified to
the good character of the young man. The
committee then adjourned to meet in Phila-
delphia on Monday morning.