New-York tribune., 1905-12-31
PERJURY AT ANNAPOLIS
TESTIMONY CONFLICTS.
Tsco Midshipmen Sscear Decatur
Hased Them-He VII Deny 1t.

Annapolis Md, Dec. 30.-Two midshipmen or
the fourth class Isaac N. McCrary, of Calvert
Tex and Gaylord Church, of Meadvile, Penn-'
testified positively this afternoon that Midshlp-
man Stephen Decatur, jr., Of Portsmouth, N H,
q member of the first class had hazed them on
different occasions. Decatur pleaded not guilty,
and will, according to his counsel, go on the
stand Tuesday and deny under oath every state
ment which the two under class men made IN
eliminating him. AS the evidence of each OF
the prosecuting witnesses to separate in
cidents and entirely uncorroborated there is
possibility that the evidence will be considered
insufficient to convict Decatur, but the apparent
fact will remain, should the latter make the de-
NAL promised, that a perJurer is wearing the
uniform of midshipman of the United States
Navy.
Young Decatur was arraigned at 2: 80 o'clock
this afternoon and pleaded not guilty to every
charge and specification. Midshipman Nc
Crary was then called and testified clearly and
positively that he had been hazed by Decatur,
who, he said had sent for him to come to De-
catIr's room.
There he had ordered him to stand on his
head in the closet, and he had done so until he
was exhausted, about one hundred and fifty
times. Decatur then compelled him to do Num-
Der 49," and then he ordered by some one.
possibly not Decatur he said, to perform "the
the witness could do them no more. The witness
showed the court the manner of performing the
two exercises In Number 16'' the hands were
placed the hips and the body lowered and
raised by bending the legs outward and straight
ening them again In 1.-The leaning rest the
hands and feet were placed the floor with
the body rigid and the body raised and lowered
by bending and Strengthening the arms. This was
designated as Number z" in the specifications,
but this was apparently a blunder. McCrary was
rigidly cross-examined but his story was not
shaken. Finally he said. In answer to a ques-
tion. that he would not believe Decatur if he
swore that he had not told him to stand on his
head and perform Number 49,"
Midshipman Church testified that Decatur
had ordered him to stand his head, but he
not positive McCrary and admitted
that he might be mistaken. They were the only
witnesses for the prosecution
WITNESSES FOR DECATUR
The remainder Of the session was taken up by
witnesses who testified to the good reputation
for truthfulness enjoyed by Decatur. Those
who gave this testimony were Commander w.
F. Pullman Lieutenant Commander Edward E.
Capehart, Professor Harry P. Huse and Mid
shipmen Lawrence s. Stewart and Charles E.
HoYey.
Mr. TheaIl Decatur's counsel, said that the
accused uidshipnlan will go on the stand Tues
day and deny specifically every statement made
that he had hazed either McCrary Church.
and that there would also be evidence offered
tending to establish an alibi. He would prove,
Mr.. Theau said. that the case was one Of mis-
taken identity.
Charges have been fled against Midshipnnan
Worth Wright Foster, Of New-Albany Ind It
is specified in his case that he hazed Midship-
man Chester s. Roberts. Of Joliet, Ill, by COM
pelling him to get under the table while eating
his supper. This is another usual form of haz-
ing at the academy, but one which has not yet
been specified in any charge. AS an officer is
always in the room during meals. the hazing, If
it took place, must have been under an officers
eyes, but 1t is explained that he cannot see all
that goes on because Of the large number OF
1nidshipmen and the distances between the diff
ferent parts of the room.