The Washington times., 1905-12-05
BONAPARTE ATTACKS
NAVAL HONOR CODE
First Account of Stewardship Deals With Tragedy at
Academy-Would Enforce Respect for Uniform
Warriors Death for "Old IronsdeS

"A very painful incident has recently
attracted public attention to the Naval
Academy and caused grave concern 10
the department" says Secretary OF the
Navy Bonaparte. in the first account of
his stewardship. submitted 10 the Presi-
dent today
"One of the midShipmen there died
early in the month OF November as the
result OF injuries received in a fist
fight with another midshipman. The
department felt bound TO order the trial
of the latter by court-marial, and in
view Of this fact ] refrain from any
further comment on this particular oc-
currence, but il may be well 70 make
perfectly clear the attitude of the de-
partment with respect to similar pre-
arranged encounters between midship-
men, since this attitude has been ap-
parentIy misconstrued and therefore un-
justly criticised in certain quarters
There may be something TO be fairly
said in favor of permitting such con-
hicts. just as there may have been some
thing TO be fairly said in favor of per
mitting dueling. but such considerations
IL they exist. address themselves proper
ly TO the legislative branch of the Gov
ernment. As the law stands now ali en-
counter of this character is crime
ana this department must and will en-
force the law. If the Congress shall
see fit TO change the law, of course this
viii alter the attitude OF the depart
ment. but while the articles for the gov
ernment of the navy remain unchanged
all participants in such proceedings
must be punished with a severity cor
responding to the gravity of their Of
fense- To avoid any possible miscon-
FtructiOn. however. ] should say here
that 1 do not advise any such change
IN the existing provisions Of law, Tot
consider the custom of thus adjusting
personal controversies between members
OF the naval service as highly objec-
uonable and essentially unmilitary.
Drastic Action Inadvisable.
''Since. however. this custom is un-
dOubtedly OF long standing at the Naval
Academy. II may not be possible to sup
press II Immediately or without difficult
ty. The department will deal with each
Incident connected with It as this arises
and according TO the peculiar circum-
stances. and 1 hope that its melancholy
results in the recent instance above
mentioned may serve TO awaken to its
Evils some who may have been hitherto
1nduly tolerant of them"
Would Compel Respect for Uniform
Continuing in his report, Mr. Bona
parte says:
he dlltHAlOl OL the department was
rallied some months since to the action
Df one OF its employees at a navy yard
In refusing TO carry out a contract he
had made with enlisted man of the
navy to let a portion OF his house tc
the latter, on the ground that the In
tended lodge expected 10 wear his uni.
form In reply 20 a letter Of inquiry
the employe in question admitted thi.
statement to be substantially correct
but gave as an excuse that his wifi.
feared her social position would b,
affected If a man in sailors clothe.
were seen going into or coming out q
her house. On the admissions containe,
In this answer l dismissed him from tn
public service.
Il recommend that the Congress maxi
any refusal on the part or the proprietor
ment. an innkeeper OR a common
carrier 10 furnish accommodation to az
orderly and well-behaved person in tn,
naval service able and willing 10 paw To-
such accommodation an cffense agains
the United States, punishable by fin'
and Imprisonment.
Frigate Constitutions Fate.
Erroneous or greatly exaggerated re
ports as to the condition OF the ole
friEate Constitution. now at the Boston
navy yard, led recently to some popular
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