Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-04
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS
Action Taken in Recent Trials
for Hazing.

for HaZing.
The naval court-martial at Annapolis,
which has just taken recess, tried four
teen midshipmen on charges OF hazng. Or
that number six have been convicted and
dismissed one (Miller) was convicted ana
pardoned two (Mayo and MANN were &C
quilted. and the cases of five. presumably
convicted are under consideration at the
Navy Department. Powerful influences are
being exerted in the cases as yet Enacted
on to secure executive clemency on similar
grounds 20 those successfully employed in
the case of Miller
Probably the most interesting case under
consideration is that of Midshipman Meri-
wether the young man who was recently
urt-martialed for engaging in fist fight
with Midshipman Branch. as result OF
which the latter died. Meriwether was SEN
fenced to one years confinement within the
limits of the Naval Academy grounds. he
was subsequently convicted of a mild case
of hazing and sentenced to be dismissed
Before being arraigned for trial he ten
dered his resignation. but it has not been
accepted.
1t is expected that Secretary Bonaparte
will announce his action in this case To-
morrow. The complications IN the case III
is said will be settled by denying his april
cation to resign, dismissing him from the
academy in accordance with the sentence
of the hazing court-martial and releasing
him from further confinement under his
original sentence.
Clemency to Naval Deserters.
Secretary Bonanarte has sent to the
House and Senate naval committees a draft
of a clause authorizing the mitigation or
remission by the Secretary of the Navy OF
the loss of civil rights imposed by law upon
all persons convicted of desertion from the
naval service in cases where the offense
was committed in time of peace and where
the exercise of such clemency will not be
prejudicia1 to the public interests. 1t Is
suggested that this provision be inserted In
the bill to promote the administration OF
justice in the navy.
Seaman Rowland Killed.
The Navy Department is Informed that
Robert b. Rowland, a seaman attached to
the cruiser Rainbow. was accidentally shot
and killed on board that vessel at the naval
station Cavite, P. l.. on the 31st uit. Row
land lived in Marengo, Iowa, and was sefV-
ing his first enlistment.
Reserve Supply Lacking.
The Joint army and navy board appointed
To investigate the condition of the reserve
supply of arms and ammunition for a naval
force has made a confidential report to Sec
rotary Bonaparte to the effect that this
government is practically without reserve
supply of ammunition and without extra
guns for ships of war.
New Cavalry Equipment.
One of the results of Gen. Chaffee's OBJ
servations of the maneuvers of the French
army last summer is the adoption by the
general staff of the bit and bridoon prin-
cipe for all mounted troops IN the United
States army.
Signal Corps Promotion.
The appointment of Col. James Allen as
chief signal officer, with the rank of brga-
der general. has resulted in other promo
tons in the Signal Corps, as follows: Lieut..
Col. Richard Z. Thompson to be colonel;
Maj. William A. Glassford, to be Heuten-
ant colonel. and Capt. Charles NICK. SaitZ-
man, to be major
Lieut.. Schmidt Reprimanded.
First Lieut.. William J. Schmidt, 18th In
fantry, was recently convicted by court
martial at Vancouver barracks, Washing
ton, of the charge of conduct to the preju-
dice of good order and military discipline,
absence without leave in four instances
being alleged. He was sentenced to be rep
rmanded and to be confined to the limits
of his post for one month.
Gen. Williams. commanding the Depart
ment of Columbia, approved the sentence
and issued the required reprimand.
New Army Revolver.
Tie War Department has decided to go
back to the heavy callber for army revolv-
ers, and has adopted cartridge proposed
by the ordnance bureau carrying a bullet
nF To no
in use. The reason for the change is that
it is desired to have bullet with greater
stopping power than that now in use. OPP
portunlty also is given for a decided inno-
walton IN the type of revolver. The ord
nance bureau has invited manufacturers Of
pistols to enter into a competition and to
submit samples of reviewers, either CT the
automatic type along the lines of those
now used by the army. All wea pons sub
mitted, however. must be made for the 10
caltber cartridge which has been adopted.
The competition will take place some
months hence. thus giving ample oppor-
tunity for those Interested to evolve a type
of pistol for entry in the contest.
To Have Turbine Machinery.
The board on naval construction has
decided TO recommend the installation OF
turbine machinery on board either the
South Carolina the Michigan, the two
battleships now being designed The aues-
ton has been under consideration for some
time 1t is probable that bidders will be
invited to offer their own designs for iur-
bine machinery for one of the battleships
New Naval Training Station.
The Navy Department has received and
approved the plan for the establishment OF
a naval training station on the Great Lakes.
The execution of this plan will cost about
100000. Although there is some oppos-
ton In Congress TO expenditure of 50
much money. the chances of favorable ac-
ton said to be good. especially as Rep
resentative Foss of Illinois, chairman OF
the House naval committee, is interested in
the project. The plan contemplates sta
ton for the housing and training of a thou
sand young men similar in its general de-
sign 10 the stations at Norfolk Newport
and Yerba Buena, Cal.
Miantonomah for Maryland.
The Navy Department has granted the
request of Gov. Warfield and will shortly
turn over to the state of Maryland the
monitor Miantonomah. to be used by the
State Naval Militia. The Miantonomah Is
now undergoing repairs at the League Is