Daily Kennebec journal., 1905-11-30
IN own DEFENSE,
Meriwether Testifes Be-
fore Court Martial.
Says He Was Hounded Into
Fighting With Branch.
Through Repeated Slurs and Insinualions--'
Defense Closes Its Case.

Defense Closes Its Case.
Annapolis, Nd, Nov. 9-Midshipman
Minor Meriwether, today, told the story
| of his fist fight with Midshipman James
r. Branch, Jr., which was followed by
the death OF Branch. He closed it with
the words:
Il have never seen him since. We
parted as friends"
He was testifying in his own behalf
before the court martial which is try-
ing him on charges that embrace man.
slaughter in connection with the death
| of branch. When he left the witness
stand, the defense rested.
The prosecution called in rebuttal
several midshipmen, DIR. Thomas, of the
John Hopkins hospital; Surgeon
Byrnes, Of the Naval Academy, and
Capt. George p. COlvocoresses, COM
| mandant of the midshipmen.
1t is expected that arguments Of
| counsel will be concluded and the case
given TO the court, Friday.
Midshipman Joseph r. Williams, of
Paterson, N. j., a member of the first
class of the Naval Academy, who
testified before the court martial, yes
terday, was, this morning, dropped the
navy for general inefficiency by order
of Sec Bonaparte. He was not dropped
| on account of this testimony, but, it is
stated, because he has been unsatis-
factory in several of his studies during
the present term and was set back a
class, last year. The superintendent
| recommendation that he he dismissed
was made before the Meriwether court
martial proceedings began
Annapolis, Md, Nov. 29.-The court
martial in the case of Midshipman Mi
ner Meriwether, Jr., charged with man.
slaughter in connection with the death
of Midshipman James r. Branch, after
fist fight, reconvened, today. Midship-
man Meriwether was the first witness
offered by the defence. He was warned
by the court that he was not obliged to
commit himself in any way. He said:
"The first time had seen Mr.. Branch
was Sept. 1, 1904. was on the Santee
and Mr.. Branch was put there for mis-
conduct. He made himself generally un-
pleasant to Inc during the four days he
was there. On Oct. l, he returned and
lived on the same floor just a few doors
apart. Branch began to run ME. 1t was
particularly disagreeable. No midship-
man objects to hazing, but running
gives power to the runner to insult and
is worse than haZing or physical per-
secution. Branch frequently told me
that he intended to 'bilge' me. Early in
the year l had a fight with Midship-
man Humphreys and I was knocked
out. Branch ran me further, and COM
ing at me said that he was going to
port me and did tell the midshipman
in charge.
While on the Hartford at Newport
News some fruit was being brought on
the ship. Witness, Branch and many
others were helping themselves to fruit.
Branch told me to turn in. Witness
said: "Go to He'll" Branch made a re-
port of insubordination, disrespect and
not turning in promptly.
Il told these facts to the executive
Office" said Meriwether, land he took
Off all but the last charge. heard that
Mr.. Branch wanted to fight, but paid
no attention to it,"
"AbOut six weeks afterwards we were
transferred to the Arkansas. I had
heard that Branch requested first-class
men to report me for sneaking.
when we returned to Annapolis
Branch and l were put in different
classes. When Branch was put on
duty l knew l must be very careful.
saw Branch go to my room for an
extra inspection. He came to my
room and asked me about my civilian
clothes and said that I would on pap
Kochler, to whom the clothes belonged
told me had told Noyes about it, I
saw Noyes talking to Branch. l told
him not to interfere. l went to Mr..
| Bradley and asked him if there had
been an extra inspection ordered. He
| then told me that he would not let the
| report get in but that Branch had
asked to get a report against me IL
he bradley could.
That night after consulting my
| friends l went to Branch's room with
Jasger. l asked Pritchard if l could
see Branch and was told that l could.
| l went in Branch's room and the light
was turned on. l said that had come
to see him about what occurred.
Branch said: You are a damn fool to
come to see me. you know that my
class hates you 1 said: That is not
so, you are the only one who does
Branch then asked: What If 1 do" I
said: Then you are a damn sneaking
coward and I will fight you though I
am not in fighting condition. l added
If you get up l will lick YOU He
said: You mean you will try That's
what I WILL said, and if you get, up
will show you He did not get up
and after little further conversation
Jaeger and l left the ROOM"
| Il called Branch what did because
was told the custom was that a fight
would end feeling and Branch had told
me he was going to 'bilge' me, that is,
make me fail and l wanted to fight
and end the matter. l did not intend
to fight when I went to the room but
he again told me that he intended to
| 'bilge' me-"
During the fight" Meriwether cont,n-
ued, 1--WE first fell under the blinds. About
| the 18th round I rushed Branch ana hoth
! Continued on Page Three,)