Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-25
BILL PASSED BY THE HOUSE
Cadet Officers Must Report Infractions
of the Rules.
REPEAL OF THE PRESENT LAW
Mr.. Hepburn Declares Ineficiency of
Naval officers is Due to the Prac-
tees at the Naval Academy.

Hazing at the Annapolis Naval Academy
was dealt with by the House OF Representa-
tives yesterday in the passage of Senate
bill with House substitute. The action
was taken after protracted debate. which
placed In the Record the impressions of the
special committee which investigated the
subject recently. and a severe criticism of
efforts to condone hazing by Mr. Hepburn
of Iowa. Several amendments were pro-
posed TO the measure. but all We're rejected
save one making 1t the duty of cadet OF
ficers as well as other academy authorities
to report infractions of the rules
The bill repeats that portion of existing
law which makes it compulsory to dismiss
mldshipmen guilty of haZing in any degree
ana substitutes punishment according to
the nature of the offense. Cruel and brutal
hazing may be punished by dismissal
Prior to the hazing bills consideration
go pension bills were passed
After The Stars report yesterday closed
Mr.. M. w. kitchin ((N. C.) who had made
a minority report on the bill explained his
views The measure he contended, was too
great a modification of the present law in
the direction of leniency. 1t would he said
greatly encourage hazing.
Mr.. RiXey followed stating that the sit
uaton seemed to be that 40 young men
at the academy were guilty of hazing; that
a very small minority ought to be dis
missed; that the balance. instead of going
scot free, ought to be punished with some
thing more mild than dismissal His sub
stiture was TO prevent any dismissal with
out the trial of the accused by court-mar-
tial
Mr.. Smith Qowa) made the observation In
answ erng MIR. Stanley tKyD that If polit-
ical interference with the naval and mill
tary academies should cease the officers
in charge could absolutely abolish hazing
Mr. Dawson Qowa), who followed gave
weight to Mr.. Smiths opposition. because
the latter was a member of the appropria-
lions committee. and had had personal ex-
perience of being hazed by the House dur
ing the week.
A speech by Mr.. Hepburn Gowa) was a
severe criticism of what he said was a per-
version of the real object of the training.
These cadets were being prepared at the
expense of the nation. to command the
SHIPS and men of the navy. They were as
matter of fact. living in constant and
open rebellion of plain law of the land
with which they We're more familiar than
with any other.
he said, was shown by the inefheiency of
naval officers He called attention to a
list of twenty-five ships which had met dis
aster by bad navigation, and added refer
ence to the recent mix-up in New York
harbor. Yet, he said, there was no punish
ment ever inflicted on naval officer They
were tried by their friends and former
classmates.
A defense of the cadets was made by Mr.
Padgett Crenn) a member of the special
hazing committee, who rnnimized the gem
eIdl charge as que 10 the FRANKS OF boys.
Mr.. Weeks (Mass.). who graduated from
the Naval Academy twenty-five Years ago.
advocated the passage of the bill. He said
in the past an epidemic of hazing had re-
suited in two efforts at legislation. Both
laws We're seemingly ill-considered were
drastic to the last degree and had done no
good. This measure. he said. defined hazing
and provided graduated punishment.
An effort by Mr.. Underwood (Ala.) to
amend the bin so as 10 require cadets
upon entering the academy to pledge them
selves not to participate in hazing failed.
Mr.. Hepburn secured the adoption OF an
amendment requiring cadet officers. as well
as instructors and naval officers to report
infractions of the hazing regulations, after
which the bill was passed.
The House adjourned at 80 o clock.