The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-11-25
TO EEXXHUME
The BODY
OF BRANCH

Annapolis. Nov. 25.-One Of the most re-
markable incidents in the history OF naval
court martial in this country marked yes
terday's session Of the court which is
trylng Midshipman Minor Merewether,
Jr.. I'm connection with the fist fight be-
tween himself and Midshipman James X.
Branch. Rear Admiral Alexander II.
Mccormick, next IN point OF rank OF the
members OF the court TO Admiral Ramsay,
its president, was challenged by Judge
Advocate Mark after the whole testl-
mouy for the prosecution had Peen sup
mitted, a preceding which the Judge ad-
vocate said had never been taken by him
In all his years OF previous experience,
The grounds for the challenge appeared
after the beginning OF the trial and were,
first, that Admiral Mccormick had con-
suited with a high medical authority
(Medical Director Thomas G. Walton, l..
:. n. retired). In relation TO the case;
second. that he had by his repeated and
continued discrimination OF the prose
cution's witnesses practically taken the
place OF the counsel for the accused. and
third, that he had evinced the possession
Of a theory in the case, which was so
deep-rooted that It would be impossible
10 move II by the evidence.
After Judge Advocate Mark had stated
these grounds Lieut.. Commander Robin
son. counsel TO the accused. jumped 10 his
feet and addressed the Judge advocate
capt. Mark he said. II am a very
young man. You wear more stripes on
your arms than / can hope to do for many
years. But"
At this point Capt. wainwright sug-
gested that counsel address the court and
a personal colloQuy was averted. Lieut..
Commander Robinson. though Admiral
Mccormick suggested that the question
was one for immediate consideration of
the court. continued an argument 10 show
that il was proper for a member OF the
court 20 ask such questions as he wished
20 elicit the facts in the case, and that
10 fail TO ask questions along lines touch
ing which a member was doubtful would
be wrong. II the members Of the court had
asked any improper question, the Judge
advocate should have objected TO them at
Admiral Mccormick said: IT should he
deeply mortified II / thought I had done
anything contrary 10 the oath ] took when
I became a member OF this court. but, or
course. ~ am relieved OF further duty
7 shall simply feel that q weight has
been removed from my shoulders. I have
had a conversation with Medical InspeC-
tor Thomas G. Walton and I asked hin
what other causes might have brought
I about a persons death and practically the
same symptoms have been exhibited as
those due TO external blows. / did this
in order that I might ask such questions
OF the witnesses brought before the court
as would affirm or negative the possibility
OF BranCh's death having occurred I'm the
d manner charged. am fully aware hat
im the end must reach my conclusions
upon the testimony or the witnesses be
] NNNN NINE H'NN n AAHN 90 NNAfA' W. WIZ
The court WAS then cleared. and upon
It's being rcopeued Admiral Ramsey an
nuuuced that the challenge against Ad-
/ mlrol Mccormick ltd not been sustained.
only second ln point or interest to the
challenge entered against Admira Me
CormiCk was The courts determination
TO request the secretary 81 the navy 60
I order tina the body OF Midshipman
/ ~. r.h DO cvruwcd and nm AUTOPSY held.
u is not certain how much can be re-
vt.fp4 HN 4u autopsy uUOu the body OF
I NIdsllumau Branch. who hHs been dead
/ for about three weeks. but 20 rs believed
q that almost absolute Information can be
d obtained ag 20 The existence OF any
previous diseased condition Of tho heart
or brain or organs such AZ would have
made death possible at the time from
amy cause other than the blows received
at tho request Of counsel FOR tho ac-
/ cuscd frc court directed that Medical In
/ apector T. &. AwcH % Surgeon James
~ g4fpwold. both OF whom are stationed
an Washington. Dc directed 90 Doe present
GO the autopsy