New-York tribune., 1901-01-19
ARMY OFFICERS ON HAZING
THINK PRESENT REGULATIONS AMPLE,
AND BELIEVE SF ECIAL LAWS
UNNECESSARY.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
Washington, Jan 1S.-The disclosures of the
Brooke Court of Inquiry and the Dick Commit
tee of the extent to which hazing has been car
ried at West Point attract greater interest
among Army officers in Washington than per-
haps any other class of men, and few so de-
plore the instances Of scandalous conduct and
brutality as the graduates of the Military
Academy. But officers, without exception, point
out that nearly all the cases of hazing devel-
oped by either of the investigating boards oe-
CURED more than two years ago, before the
present administration of the Academy began.
and declare that only two cadets have been
found guilty of hazing since that time, and
they summarily dismissed. 1t is contend
ed, with good reason, that the efforts of the Off
GERS now in control of the Military Academy
have been effectively directed to the mainten-
ance of perfect discipline, and the severest pen
alties imposed for all nfractions of the rules
and regulations. This is carried to such an ex-
tremity that the superintendent. Colonel Mills,
and his chief assistant Colonel Helm, have come
to be regarded regular martinets.
1t is said at the War Department that Colo
mel Mills and Colonel Helm have ample authority
to deal with all characters of offences at the
Academy, and that there is scarcely any neces-
sity for further legislation for the suppression
of the practice of hazing. An important essen
tial, however is the cooperation of the MEM
bers of the legislative branch in enforcing the
penalties imposed upon offending cadets. who in
many cases, exert powerful influence to
come the action of the Academic Board and per-
nit the offenders TO retain their places at the
Academy.
LEGISLATION UNNECESSARY, OFFICERS
SAY.
The proposition contained in the Senate amend
ment TO the Military Academy Appropriation
BILL printed in The Tribune this morning. could
not affect hazing in the slightest, according to
the authorities of the War Department, who
point out that it is not nearly severe and
comprehensive the existing regulations at
the Academy. Under the law, as it stands. any
cadet may be dismissed who dsobeys a COM
mand of the Superintendent or any superior Off
Ger; who drinks intoxicating liquor who brings
such liquor within the limits of the Academy;
who is absent without leave; who makes false
statement; who commits fraudulent act OF any
kind, or commits any of the offences that are
inseparable from hazing in some of its forms
Dismissals for these causes would be commoner
il is asserted. if Congress influences were not
SO frequently eXerted to keep favorites at the
Academy. That additional laws are not needed
Is strongly indicated by the following brief
selection from the existing West Point regu-
lations. designed to prevent hazing and to pre-
serve discipline:
The superintendent shall have power to investi-
gate EloiaIi9hs OF the regulations and all neglect
cadets These Investigations shall be conducted
in the discretion of the s1perntenden M be eui
on by boards Of officers appointed by the superin-
made under the authority conferred in this para
gTaph, the commandant of cadets the board of
officers charged with the conduct of the same shall
nave nave me rlgnt 10 require any cadet TO answer ques
within his knowledge refusal TO answer shall
be- be reported to the superintendent who may pro
to orders. If the refusal is the ground the
posed question, together with the objection OF the
witness W shall be submitted to the superintendent
CHALLENGES AND FIGHTS PROHIBITED.
No cadet shall send or accept challenge to fight
DISMISSED the service or otherwise less severely
principals, and shall be punished accordingly.
Any cadet who shall upbraid another for refusing
challenge shall himself be punished a chal-
Any cadet who shall in any way attempt to call
10 70 persona account another cadet for having while
Tected or reported the said cadet shall be dismissed
shall by any, means whatever traduce defame
another shall be dismissed the service or other
and degree Of his offence
Any cadet who shall strike. lay hands upon,
treat with violence, disturb in his room or offer
any bodily harm to another cadet. a candi-
GATE, with view 10 inJure. insult, annoy, modest
or hardss the same or who shall compel permit
ahother cadet or candidate to sweep his room.
make his bed, bring perform any other
menial service for him. or to do for him anything
Incompatible with the position of a cadet and gem
teman, shall be dismissed summarfly or be less
severely punished, according to the nature and de-
gree OF his offence.
All combinations under any pretext whatever are
strictly prohibited. Any cadet who, in concert with
others. shall adopt any measure. under pretence
of proving redress of grievances, or sign any
paper, or enter into any written verbal agree
ment with a view Of violating evading any
regulation OF the Academy, who shall combine
concert with or join others in expressing disaD-
probation or censure Of the conduct OF another
II. OT nnFNa wing
or disapprobation, who shall concert combine
with or join Others in doing any act contrary TO
the rules or good order and subordinate ton or who
snail endeavor TO persuade others TO do the same
shall be dismissed the service.
ANOTHER INDECISIVE DELAWARE BALLOT