Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-11-29
The Meriwether Case.

Annapolis, Nd, NOV. z5.-Nitu the
expectaiion of hearing Midshipmsn
Meriwether testify in his own behalf in
refutatiou of the charges on which be
has been for week on trial by court
martial. at the Naval Academy. the
largest crowd so far present filed the
loom in the officers club, this morning
A number of handsomely gowned women
and visitors in town, 10 attend the
Thanksgiving eve hop, were present.
At 1920. Admiral Ramsey admins
tered the oath to Meriwelher, aud the
bow took the stand. In a strong boyish
voice Meriwether, at the direction Of
Lieutenant Commander Robson, told
the story If his relations with Branch
nm IN the time of the fight. This
included the recitsl of many de-
tails of previous frictions between the
two Young men, in all of which Meri-
sether alleged Bran.h had been the ag-
vre,sor. Meriwelher did not describe the
tiobt in detail which resulted in Branch's
death. bat after explaining that Mid
sbipmeu Yeager and McKittrick, MS sec
onds, arranged the details, he stated
that in the fight, on one occasion, when
Branch slipped on some water in one
corner, Meriwether withdrew to the
centre of the room. Witness testified:
al said: .'Brauch this is geutleman's
fight and | won't hit you" Later, when
| fouled him accidentally, offered to
let nv seconds forfeit, but it was de-
cided to let the fight go on"
"Do you think that Branch would have
struck you had you been down. asked
Mr.. Robinson. ale would not have
strck me, SIR" During the fight Branch
rushed hard in the early stages, wit
ness testified. Two falls he described,
one against the blinds and the other
against the door. OF the third, about
the ! 5th round, be said; "Branch struck
me terrible upper cut | returned 1t
and fell short, then had to clinch. MY
right arm was twisted around his neck,
and his head was under my shoulder
blade When we fell his head struck
hard and WIS on top. My arm was
badly wrenched. 1t took the referee to
untangle us Meriwether told of the
close of the fight his apology to Branch,
and the statement that they would be
good friends from then on. Meriwethers
voice broke as he told Of his hearing OF
Branch's death. His voice was low, and
the room was very quiet. Every woman
present was moved to tears by the
emotion in Meriwether's tones.
A second later, Lieutenant Commar
der Robson, asked Meriwether how the
episode affected him and the boy replied:
at has hurt and grieved me beyond ex-
preston, in words, | think that Mr..
Branch is indeed more fortunate in 60
ing to sleep and not waking UP any more
than to be in my place, and have to live
life after his sad and deplorable al
fair"
"What would have been the effect if
you had not re sented Branch's cOnducl?
asked Lieutenant Commander Robson.
eff had not resented his action" an
swered Meriwelher, 81 would have
been in the same position as member
of nv class now IL; no one In my class
speaks TO him. He is in coventry. Ii
| we're in that position | would resign.
No gentleman would be placed that
way"
Under a rigorous cross-examination
by Captain Mark and United States Dis
trict Attorney Rose, Meriwether was
frankly honest and mistaken in frac-
tiona repetition of the story of hi' re'a-
tons with Branch.