Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-11-08
BRANCH IS Dead,
Dies From Effects Of Ring
Fight at Annapolis.
Knocked Down and Out in 23d
Round by MeriWeather.
Fight Arose Over Latter Being Reported By
Branch 10 Line Of Duty.

ANNAPOLIS, Nd, Nov. 7.-Midshipman
James r. Branch, son of James r.
Branch of the Hanover Bank of New
York City, and secretary of the Ameri-
can Bankers Association, who was in
jured in fist fight with another mid
shipman, died, today. The midshipman
was operated on, yesterday, his skull
being opened and a clot of blood re-
moved, and there was hope of his re-
cOvery, but he suddenly grew worse,
today. and expired.
Midshipman Branch died from in
juries he had received, Sunday night
in the ring fight with Midshipman
Minor Meriweather, Jr., of Lafayette,
La. The fight lasted % rounds and
ended when Branch was knocked down
and struck the right side of his head
against the floor.
1t was not considered that the in
juries were very serious, but, Monday
morning, Branch's condition was such
that it became necessary to let his con-
dition be known to the authorities.
Young Branch was taken to the hos
pital and an operation was determined
upon. 1t was thought to be successful,
daylight and the patient died at 10
O'Clock. His father and mother were
with him at his death.
Meriweather is also in the hospital
suffering with a sprained wrist and a
bruised face. Branch was a second
class man and Meriweather a third.
Both have some reputation as athletes.
II is understood that the fight took
place because Branch had in his line
of duty reported Meriweather for a
breach of discipline.
Later in the evening it was possible
to obtain further details of the sad
affair which has thrown a gloom over
the whole town of Annapolis.
The fight, which occurred, Sunday
night, was hard combat, of % rounds.
but it was squarely fought. 1t ended
when Branch was knocked down. In
falling he struck, his head against a
piece of wood. There was little injury to
the skull. but the brain was affected
either by the blow against the wood or
by the over-exertion Of Branch in the
fight.
1t is difficult to get at the exact facts,
the officials maintaining a strange re-
ticencc on the subject. According to the
report which is in circulation among
the rnidshipmen, Midshipman Minor
Meriwether Jr., of Lafayette, La, a
third-Class man, took exception to the
action Of Midshipman Branch, a sec
ond-class man, in reporting him for an
alleged infraction of the regulation.
Meriwether believed he had been
wronged and it is alleged challenged
Branch to fight. Branch believed he
had only done his duty and accepted
the challenge. At the close of the fight
both participants were in bad shape,
Branch suffering from the blow on his
head, and Meriwether from a black eye
and Sprained wrist. Their friends,
anxious to keep the matter quiet, it is
said, got them to their quarters where
young Branch passed a sleepless and
| suffering night. Monday morning, he
lost consciousness and his friends be-
| coming alarmed, reported the case.
The operation was performed, Mon
| day night, and the physicians were
| quite hopeful Of its success. Young
Branch passed away at 10 o'clock, this
! morning, with his parents at his bed
side.
Tonight. Midshipman Meriwether lies
| in the hospital suffering from his
| wounds and wellnish crazed with grief
Rear Admiral Sands, the superintend-
ent. isNmaking a thorough investiga ton
of the sad affair."