The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-31
NO HAzING AT ANNAPOLIS.
Secretary Long Believes nm Invcsti-
gntioD Is Unnecessary.


Secretary Long recently wrote per-
sonal letter to Representative Sherman, of
New York, in regard to the resolution in
troduced by the latter in the House for
an investigation to ascertain whether
hazing was practiced at the United States
Naval Academy. In this letter Mr. Long
said that the enquiry would be welcomed,
and in effect. that he believed that there
was no hazing at Annapolis. II appears
that Commander Wainwright. Superin-
tendent of the Academy had been called
On for report. and that he gave the
opinion that hazing has not existed at
Annapolis for number of years.
Yesterday Mr.. Long sent an official
communication to Chairman Foss of the
House Committee on Naval Affairs. in
answer to request for his views in re-
gard to the sherman resolution. The let
tiers to Mr.. Sherman and Mr.. Foss follow:
Il have noticed the introduction of your
resolution with regard to hazing at the
Naval Academy. Both myself and the Su-
per!ntendent. Commander Wainwright.
would cordially welcome most thorough
and complete investigation IL Congress
desires 1t, believing that it would only re-
suit TO the credit of the officers and ca
diets. There is the serious objection,
which am sure you will appreciate, that
the accompanying sensation and inter-
ruption to the course of studies,
would be very injurious to the
Academy. and bly, demoralize
it for the rest of the year. Then,
too. there are the exaggerated missppre-
tensions which naturally arise in the pun
lie mind when an investigation is had,
even if it is afterward found that there is
no occasion for it.
do NOT in fn . ha
investigation. If it is desirable. as 1
should rather have one. with all the injury
lit would entail. than to have the Academy
under any suspicion.
Meantime, | have asked the Superin-
tendent about the matter. and he tells me
that he does not believe that hazing as
an institution has existed at the Academy
for number of years
The regulations are very strict and
enclose a copy of them. Even the cadet
code forbids laying hands on a fourth
class man Tagging ordering fourth class
men to perform mental services or forcing
them to fight have never been INDUCED in.
Commander Wainwright says further that
as to the preparatory schools he has never
heard the slightest intimation OF any haz-
ing there. II there were, 1t is a matter
over which the Navy Department has no
control as these preparatory schools are
entirely independent of it.
Now, will you let me suggest that L
send for Commander Wainwright and give
you conference with him? Or If you will
go to the Academy yourself, / shall be
very glad to give you letter and instruc-
tions which will give you every Oppor-
tunity for enquiry. Or. il You will call.
VIII be happy to show you Wainwright
report to me. and should be glad to talk
with you about the matter and furnish you
with all the Information possible"
Following is a portion of the letter to
Representative Foss:
Il need not repeat that both the de-
partment and the superintendent would
as stated in my letter to Mr.. Sherman
welcome any investigation. It should be
borne in mind, however, that such an in
vestigation will tend very much to demon
alize the Academy for the time being, and
probably for the rest of the spring term,
interrupting the course of study.
ought to say. further that no complaint
has come to me during the time l have
been Secretary of the Navy so far as |
now recall, of any hazing al the Academy.
This to me is significant, because parents
and friends are always extremely and
properly sensitive in case of any hardship
or wrong and had any such case existed
at the Academy / feel confident that COM
plant would have been made. 1t is also
noticeable that since the introduction of
Mr.. Sherman's resolution no such COM
plant indeed. no word at all, with rsfer-
ence to any alleged practices of hazing at
the Academy has come to me.
Il suggest further that before final ac-
ton the committee authorize me to sum-
mon the superintendent to appear before
it, where every facility will, of course. be
open to determine whether there is justif-
cation for formal investigation.
Il have written the above, not with the
Wow TO avert an investigation, If Congress
shall deem it desirable. In which case the
department, superintendent, and all the
officers will heartily cooperate in making
1t thorough and complete"