New-York tribune., 1901-01-13
GOING DEEP INTO HAZ1NG.
CONGRESS COMMITTEE LEAVING NO
STONE CNTURNED-HoW CADETS
MOTHERS FEEL ABOUT IT.

West Point, y. Y. ian. 12.-When the Congress
Investigating Committee resumed its probing proc
ess into TIE haZing curriculum OF the West Point
Military Academy this morning there was
usually large gathering of spectators in the ex-
animation room.
Interest in the sessions is daily growing. The
sensational evidence brought out yesterday in the
examination of Cadet Tyler who exercised to
an extraordinary degree. forced the committee 10
show rs hand as 70 the line Of examination TO be
followed by II in the present investigation.
The examination of the cadet witnesses has been
deeper and more far reaching so far than that made
by the Military Board, and the committee is evil
IDENTITY bent on getting the bottom Of everything
in any way connected with the charges Of cruel or
brutal treatment Of cadets by upper class men.
The h-st witness called this morning was Colonel
A. L. Mills. Superintendent OF the Academy. lie
vas sworn last Wednesday when the committee
reached West Point. and he was asked to resume
his testimony in regard TO mis- acquaintance with
the long standing traditions of the Academy.
few minutes after the Superintendent took the
stand Horace Booz, Of Buffalo entered the room
and took seat beside Sergeant-at-Arrns Kasson
He ia a brother Of former Cadet Booz whose death.
II is alleged. superinduced by the hazng which
he received at West Point during the summer en-
campment OF 1895
Judge Smith, the Iowa Representative examined
Colonel Mills The witness said that he was grad
uated from the West Point Military Academy in
June, 1873. During his experience a. a -adet he
said that fourth class men required 10 be
obedient and respectful TO the upper class men, but
not in the same measure which they would be
obliged TO recognize the authority of an Army Off
Ger. The same demerit system which exists
then in vogue
Colonel Mills told the committee that cadets who
had been lighting did not usually show marks of
punishment that might attract attention OF the OFF,
GERS.
Well we have had testimony here that two
thirds Of the fourth class men. who are generally
the defeated parties in fights have had 10 so to the
hospital for treatment" said Judge Smith
Colonel Mills then went on explain that the en-
forcement of regulations almost entirely in
trusted TO the ten tactical officers of seventy
one Army officers at the post.
Why are not all the officers required to report
evidences of violations as we'll the tactical off,
cers?''
That is not the policy. sir"
''why?"
We'll If officers were required to do so they
would be considerably handicapped In the perform
ance Of their duties" replied the Colonel
Il don't think it would take much of their time 10
report evidences Of the dozen fights that take
place in a year!" exclaimed Judge Smith
THE difficulty about getting information" said
Colonel Mills. In the afternoon ''as 20 the cause of
black eyes or other marks, which would indicate
that cadet was fighting was illustrated BY a wit
ness who said: Gentlemen. it may seem strange to
you that the officers here know nothing about fights
who had black eye and asked him how he haS
got t. HE replied that he had been sparTiag I
tight "Many bruises, discoioratlons and spTsins
have been caused by work in the gymnasium rth-
letlc games and horseback riding, added the Colo
mel
Mr.. briggs said; II have heard il said in several
parts Of the country, that hghting is traditional
at West Point. Now, want ask II it is rue thar
you West Point officers are so imbued with the ira
ditions OF nshting that YOU do not care TO have it
stopped?'
That is certainly not true" replied the witness
with some feeling. and the officers of the Academy
arc the ones who want 10 put il down. Fighting
is not traditional here. l am strongly opposed 10
II. as you will see BY the records l have to-day
on are KNOWN all over the country"
briggs. and known brave man and brave
soldier. NOW. will ask you If it is not cowSrdly