Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-12-29
Midshipman Courtmartisi.

Annapolis, Md, Dec. 29.-The Sec
ond and last day of the Treumor Coffin
haziug court-martisl opened at the naval
academy at $50 O'Clock this morning.
Judge Advocate Harrison called two
witnesses in rebuttal OF testimony intro
duced yesterday attacking Midshipmsn
Kimbrough's reputation for truth and
veracity.
Midshipman Whitmeyer, Kimbro-
ugh's room mute testified that so far as
be knew Kimbrough was truthful but
admitted he was unfamiliar with his
room mates general reputation in this
regard The second witness Midshipman
Frank A. Braisted, first class, proved
Tartar for the prosecution. Asked by
the Judge Advocate as to Kimbrough's
reputation for truth and yerscity Braist-
ed said he had always found him truth
full in his statements.
Under cross examination however,
Braisted said this was his personal esti-
mate and admitted that among his and
Kimbroughs classmates there was
difference of opinion as to the latter's
yeracity which he had heard discussed
frequently.
Mr.. Theall, council for Coffin, opened
the argument He impressed on the
court that the presumption of inno-
cence existed for Coffin, and his
failure to take the stand in his own de-
tense could not be urged against him.
''The testimony of Midshipmau Hew-
lett" said Mr.. Theall, twas admitted
by the court, over the witnesses objec.
ton that he might incriminste himself
and this court is committed to the view
that what Hewlett said could not in
criminate him yet. Hewletts testi-
mony showed that Coffin was not doing
a think more in Kimbrough's room than
Hewlett himself was. There were 10 or
20 midshipmen in and about the room.
and any one of them may have stood
Kimbrough on his head
Counsel said Lieutenant Commander
McVeagh had testified that in his opin-
ion Collins confession was voluntary,
more or less"
Any doubt, Mr.. Theall said, and Mr..
McVeagh had shown himself doubtful,
should exclude the confession from the
courts consideration as being involun-
lary. Counsel directed the courts al
tention to Lieutenant Commander Me
Veagh's methods in obtaining the con-
fession, and congratulated the officer OH
being a good detective"
Mr.. Theall closed by saying that be
had attacked Kimbrough's verscity BY
the testimony Of upper class men, be-
cause he thought the court should be in
formed in this matter. He submitted
that no weight whatever should be given
KimbrOugh's testimony.
Judge Advocate Harrison submitted
no argument on the testimony and closed
the case by giving certain extracts from
the ourt-martial rules of testimony on
confessions, arguing that full weight
should be given to Collins admissions
to Lieutenant Commander McNeagh.
The room was cleared at ll:l5 aud
the consideration of the findings was be-
gun by the court.
The court concluded its deliberations short
ly after noon and the findings were forwarded
to Admiral Sands. superintendent ofthe Naval
Academy.
Admiral Sands has indicated that he will
send the findings with his recommends
ton OF action 10 Washington Tor the inspec-
tion of Secretary Bonaparte.
The court reeOnyened at two o'clock, after
closing formalities in the Coffin case, the trial
of First Classman Stephen Decatur. jr.. will
be commenced