The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-11-13
CADETS ARE TO
TAKE BACK WORDS.
Given Ten Days to Re-
tract Protest in
Writing.
ALL WHO REFUSE
ARE DISMISSED
Board of Visitors of the V. M. |.
Conclude Investigation of the
Complaints Of Cadets
Relative to Poor and
Small Supply
Of Food.
Special to 1ne Times-Dispatch.) )

(SDSClll 10 nc
LEXINGTON, VA, Nov. 1..--Thc Board
OF Visitors OF the Virginia Military In
situtc last night on the stroke OF the
midnight hour concluded their nyesti-
CATION OF the complaints made by mem
bcrs OF the third class OF cadets rela-
live to insurcIent and badly prepared
iood
In the matter OF discipline growing out
Of the mutinous and lnsuboroinute con-
duct Of a part or the third CLASS, the
board, after complete and searching
investigation, reacned TWO conclusions:
rhat the act OF characterization was pre-
cipitated by tho thoughliessness of a few
indiscreet men, and that the ends OF JUS
tee could be met BY giving the indl-
yiduul members OF the class ten days
in which to retract in writing the often
svc language in their u,imatum to the
superintendent. General shipp. 1t was
intimated 10 the board that many Of the
third class now saw their error and
were willing TO admit it and express their
regret for the same in this way. II any
& fail to do this In the time designated
prompt dismissal Will be the consequences.
The findings Of the board in this matter
will be announced in general orders at
dress parade tomorrow afternoon.
Strenuous Session.
The board spent three days in session
at the institute or arduous and pains
taking inquiry. with every member pres
ent except DR.. j. w. Southall. and was
convened upon the call Of the Superin-
tendent After thorough Investigation
and inquiry, which embraced the testi-
rFV bn mi rl a NJ hr r
OF cadets. many prominent citizens OF
Lexington and others, the verdict was
reached that the evidence did not sus-
tainsth charge mad e: in sensa tlorsri and
newspaper articles that the
institute conmfSsary waa negligent and
inefficient The proof was practically
conclusive that there was and had been
good fare furnished the cadets. At times
the service was poor, and the food not
up to the standard. but this was the
exception and not the rule This con-
in several ways. principally due to the
fact that the mess hall and kitchen were
burned in May, 1905, and that the present
mess hall and kitchen are improvised al
fairs and makeshifts. The mess hall is
nearing completion and In the mature 81 81
things, the kitchen cannot be rebuilt untli
the close of the present session: 80,
The present commissary. Mr.. ]. w. Gil,
more, will be retained. and the, board
deemed 1t proper to give MN lhe SCI.
Nv
gmittee was appointed. consisting or ".
ITpshur, Captain Brown and Mr. Ravehei,
who in connection with the superlntenu-
emf were charged with the duty OF Sc
curing promptly such person.
Cause for Inquiry. /,
E The investigation by the board has
brought out the causes leading up 70 the
present condition of affairs. Win rev
executions the third class sent a written
communication to the superintendent,i
signed by the complaining members, de-.
8clnring their intention OF WithdrnWlng.
from the school unless FOOD conoltions
Improved They later desired TO WITH
draw, the paper. and sent 10 the super
intendent "a committee VINO Netn1lIS I. ~
uuested its withdrawal General Shlpp
notified the committee that the request
to withdraw the paper wonld nave u 70
be made in writing before the mater
would receive consideration. THIS the ca
diets failed to do. trnce the whole matter
was referred TO the board of visitors for
INQUIRY.
The board proposes to have the evidence
taken before 1t in the food investigation
published in pamphlet form as soon as
practicable for the information off the
public.
The nnrcnts of cadets and others in
terested who were in 1.eX'nRtnn during
A he Investigation evnress themselves as
pleased with conditions IN regard to
the food and saw the board has done
It's duty and should be upheld and sup
ported,