Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-12-28
Today's Telegraphic News
Midshipman CONTAMINATED.

Annapolis, Md. Dec. 2S.-The first
time 10 the history Of the Naval Acade-
my midshipman was this morning
placed on trial before a court martial
charged with hszing, in violation of the
act Of 1874. Midshipman Trenmor Cot
fin, jr., third class, OF Carson City,
Nevada, is accused of having hazed Mid
shipman Jerdone p. Kimbrough, fourth
class, OF Tennessee on Dec. lst. The
single specification alleged that Coffin
forced Kimbrough on the evening Of
that day to stand on his head repeated
ly during period OF ten minutes until
Kimbrough fell unconscious and was 50
debilitated az to be unable to go to his
quarters.
Lieut.. Commander w. X. Harrison.
as Judge advocate, administered the oath
to the court.
Coffin is a slim wiry ypungster. He
pleaded not guilty to the charge. Lieut..
Commander Charles ID. McVeagh was
the first witness called, but was for the
moment excused.
Midshipman Hewlett, was then called
aud said According to the law OF
Congress relating to hazing, any one
who witnesses hazing is guilty of hazing,
and il were to tell what saw there,
| would incriminate myself"
The Judge Advocate urged that an
answer by the witness would not infringe
bis privilege, and the court, after an
executive session, so decided.
Witness ordered to answer said that
he saw and recognized Coffin, Kimbrough
and Midshipman Whitmeyer, fourth
class. in room SO. As be looked in the
first time on his way to bis own quarters,
Hewlett said Kimbrough was standing
on his head. Five minutes later, Hew-
lett returned to room 90. Whitmeyer
bad disappeared, but KimbrOugh was
still On his head, and Coffin was watch
ing him. Hewlett was asked by the
court to show what standing on the
head" was. He placed his hands and
forehead on the floor and briskly kicked
his heels up in the air.
Kimbrough was called, but he failed
to recognize Coffin.
Kimbrough testified that q number Of
midshipmen visited his room the even
ing OF December II, and abused him.
Finally all but one left. The remaining
midshipman ordered him to strip his
blouse and get on his head. AS the Others
left the midshipman said eff be gives
out, I'll put him under the shower. /
stood on my head" said witness. ''and
the midsbipman told my room mate il
he did not want to see this to leave. He
did so. When | was getting exhausted
the midshipman threw a pitcher
of water on my head and shou 'ders.
From the time | began until bugle
call for study, when my visitor left,
| was on my head for ten minutes.
| got so tired could barely lift my feet
and my forehead was so sore rested it
on my arms toward the last. When |
was ordered to stop, my eyes were 80
stiff that had TO pull myself up by the
bedstead. l was very dizzy and could
not recognize anyone and after managing
to get my collar of, fell on the bed.
remember some one opening the door.
The next remember | was in the hos
pital." Kimbrough illustrated the art
of standing on the head" for the bene-
fit of the court. "Why are you unable
to recognize the midshipman who stood
you on your heads" asked the Judge AID
yocate. 1--WE are not allowed to look
at an upper class man except by per-
mission" answered Kimbrough. 81 did
not look at him all the time he was
there"
Lieut.. Commander McVeagh was re-
called. he told of sending KimbrOugh
to the hospital, and of his investigation
of the case at Admiral SsDds's orders.
He examined Midshipman Allewell, aud
learning that he knew the hazer, told
him he had twenty minutes in which to
name the offender. At the end Of that
time, Coffin appeared. Mr.. McVeagh
warned Coffin that if he confessed it
meant dismissal.
Counsel for the accused objected to the in
PRODUCTION of a confession.
Court took recess before deciding on this
point
Following the trial of Midshipman Coffin
the courtmartial will proceed to the trial Of
Midshipman Stephen Decatur, jr., first class.
The specification allege different counts of
hazing committed in the past two or three
months. The facts in Decatur's case are said
to be unusual in every respect.
Later-The court admitted Collins
confession made to Lieutenant Com
mander McVesgh, az being voluntary.
Mr.. McVeagh testified that after telling
Coffin he would probably be dismissed
if he conf s'ed, Coffin hesitated a
moment, and then said:
81 stood Mr.. KimbrOugh on his head
1t was for a period of about ten minutes
] would like permission to tender my
resignation, at have admitted this in
hopes of saving other midshipmen."
Fire at Niagara Falls.