New-York tribune., 1905-08-31
YOUNG TO BE TRIED.
BENNINGTON EXPLOSION
Secretary Bonaparte Goes Ouer
Court of Inquiry.

washington. Aug. So-secretary Bonaparte.
n his action to-day or the nndings Of the court
of inquiry IN the case OF - Bennington explo-
sion severely arraigns some officers OF the ves-
SCI for failure 20 look after the safety valves:
orders Commander Lucien Young before a court
martial 10 clear himself OF the charge OF
neglect OF Official duty. directs the court martial
of Ensign Wade on the charge of neglect OF
duty" and disapproves the court OF inquirys
finding that the Bennington was in an excellent
state OF discipline and in good and efficient con-
dRion."
Ensign Wade was in charge OF the machinery.
The action TO Commander Young was taken
IN view Of the fact that the court of inquiry in
its findings and opinion did not pass expressly
on his conduct and the question OF his respon-
sbiiity for the explosion. Secretary Bonaparte,
however approves the court Of inquirys in
dorsement OF the creditahle conduct of all the
survivors Of the officers and crew OF the Ben
u.ugton after the explosion occurred.
Secretary Bonaparte's Endorsement on the
courts findings is as follows;
The department has very carefully considered the
findings and opinion OF the court az inquiry, the
testimony and exhibits thereto attached and the
inoorsement OF the commander IN chief OF the Pa
cidc Squadron thereon. II has also considered the
letters OF re court OF inquiry coulmendatory OF
charles 7 Wade L s \. and the Endorsements
thereon by the commander in chief Of the squad
curry, being deemed BY the department OF excep
onsl Interest and Importance 10 the service. have
celiberatIon.
The department approves the several findings OF
fact bv the court of inquiry. with the exception
Of 50 much thereof as Is in The words following:
oelIent state OF discipline and in good and efh-
which were in fair condition and ef5cient consider
ing their age (ahout fourteen years. and the use
The Department. does not consider this particular
finding sustained BY the evidence; the proof tends
engineering division had been permitted 10 fall into
q their duty. and least OF this force were
also iuPerfecty instructed regarding their duties
II tie view OF the department the evidence estab-
lshes further that certain appurtenances to wit.
the safety and sentinel valves OF at least one Of
the boilers were not in an efficient condition at the
date mentioned and had not been in such condition
judgment Of the department.. this evidence renders
scieYt condition and that her boilers were in fair
condition and efficient inappropriate 10 the facrS
disclosed ny the proof.
The department. approves and concurs in the
opinion expressed by the court OF inquiry respecting
rhe said court was constituted 70 INQUIRE and the
said court
The Secretary then discusses certain portions
of the evidence which. he says, were sufficient TO
Justify the court in advancing another charge OF
neglect of duty against Ensign Wade and pro-
ceeGs:
The department approves the recommendation Of
L s n be brought 10 trial by court martial upon
court Of inquiry such court martial is hereby
ordered; bur the judge advocate general is in
structed 10 include in the charges and specCations
the further charge hereinbefore set forth.
lnasmuch as The court Of inquiry did not pass ex-
pressiy in It's findings and opinion upon the conduct
OF Connlander Lucien Young L s y, command
The question OF his responsibity for the explosion
rhereoH Ud consequent loss OF ife and injuries 10
persons and property. the department.
This silence as an implied finding that he was not
thus responsible After very careful consideration
TIE department is compelled 10 dsapprove this i'm
piled finding.
The Secretary then cites and comments upon
the various provisions of the navy regulations.
and concludes as follows:
The foregoing provisions Of the regulations. and
ouoiG-v and bv the fes1imorv and ex6bits thereto m
attached. make il the duty Of the department TO re-
Qulre 1omInander Luclen Young L 5 \, 10 clear
himself before general martial. OF the charge
Of neglect OF his oical duty above indicated Such
colfttIaIl4al is lheLelore oroerec, ana Inc judge
advocate-general viii prepare charges and specif-
part-ent herein above expressed.
IN view Of the many painful features Of this
faction 70 the department TO approve the findings
cor1-ns-5e- $, ief ~ he | panig ss OF me me
the letters Of the members of the court inquiry
with the further Endorsement Of the commander
n chief. respecting the highly creditable conduct
q all the survivors Of the officers ana crew of the
bennington after the explosion occurred II is but
Just 70 mention as included in this oommendation
ceInrlanoer Luclen Young I 5 y and Ensign
special reference ia the letters aforesaid IS made
standing the severe loss sustained BY the ship's
complement. and the suddenness and terrible con
maintained all the officers seem TO have discharged
their duties with entire presence Of mind inteili-
ence and courage: the crippled vessel was handled
1udicously and skilfulv. and survivors Of the
their unfortunate shipmates worthy Of the hon
orsoe tradiJions oi cur serElce, ne aepartnent
appalling and also dscreditable disaster.
GEN. WOOD TELLS NEEDS.