The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-12-08
OLD TIME HAZING METHODS.
Some Citadel Forms of Initiating the
Recruit.

The following has been written for
the Evening Post by an alumnus OF
the Citadel:
So far as the recent alleged hazlng
at the Citadel is concerned, too much
attention seems to have been attracted
to the incident and none should COM
ment wildly. The fact is that IN re-
cent years i1azing at the South Caro-
lima Military academy has practically
disappeared. When young men are
gathered it is natural to expect that
Dranks will be played, but the more
serious methods Of Eazing have dis
apDeared so reliable cadets inform the
writer. In those days, perhaps, re-
cruits suffered many miseries because
Of the practices of the "old" cadets,
but rhese harmful pranks have ben
abolished entirely and if any hazlng
exists it is merely of harmless ma
ture.
Victims of hazing, of course, are
not expected to see the mirth pro-
voking features, but those who prac-
ticed used to consider it great fun.
To have a "rat" or ''plebe,' as recruits
are variously called, drink a mixture
Of vinegar, molasses, water, coffee,
salt, pepper, sugar and other like
substances funny, but to old boys it
was a rare mirth provoker. Many a
recruit of military school in other
days can personally testify to the
taste of this concocti'on. None, so
far as the writer remembers, ever SUIT
fered illness from partaking. This
was one method of teaching a new
conner to be respectful to his seniors.
A popular form Of entertainment
was the three handed quadrllle, IN
which two old cadets and one rat
danced Recruits used to think 1t
GREAT honor to be invited to dance
with senior-before the nature OF
the figure was learned. One by one
rats were admitted to a room. CON-
pleting the circle first one cadet and
then the other would go through the
arms of his two partners. and then
the rats turn came. AS the recruits
bent over to pass through he was CIV
en- vigorous kicks by his partners and
told to sit in the corner and remain
quiet, being permitted to watch 9TH
ers initiated into this popular dance.
Sandwiches weren't good eating,
but they had n1any devotees~ First
mattress. was spread upon the floor;
then came layer Of four rats. Osu-
allv four layers were used, mattress
being on top. Old cadets would climb
the pile and dance about wildly to the
discontinue of the ''meat" IN the
sandwiches,
! Leap frog was another form OF dl-
vertisemen and few recruits OF otnel
davs missed these functions. vi
course an old boy was the post. i1s
recruit went over he felt the broad
side OF swords and bayoAets. once
the writer recalls having seen BLADE
smashed on the back OF strapplns
recruit from the country, youth OF
more than six feet and built Ill pro-
norton. The blow raised an ugly welt.
Midnight bed turning was pretty
regular occurrence, but because OF the
noise made it was dangerous, as the
heA turner was liable to be caught
orr Of his room, where his place was
ahed Catching the side OF cot
brace Of old cadets would quickly
-nrn the cot upside down and the
awakening rat would experience
oueer sensations at finding his blan-
Lets under him and his mattress on
ton Cadets have practice OF creas-
ing their dress trousers between the
sheet and mattress and once the writ
or recalls Beau Brummel sort OF
chap who was very particular in TINS
resoect When a party, called IN the
we sma' hours to invert his cot the
how half awakened and already on
the floor, sang out: :sFor Lords sake