The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-02-27
Also Listened to Com
plant Of independent
Oil Dealers-The New
Regulation Bill Ex-
planned by Mr.. Knox,
Navy Measure Brought
Out Spirited Debate.
Tillnnan Blames the
President for the Ex-
listing Conditions.

Washington, Feb, 22.-The senate
today listened to the reading of the
complaint of the Independent Oil as
sociation of Pennsylvania against it's
unsuccessful fight of II years against
railroad discrimination; passed bill
for the leasing by the government of
coal on the island OF Batan, p. l.,
heard the explanation of Mr.. Knox, of
Pennsylvania on his new railroad rate
regulation bill and then passed an
Annapolis hazing bill after a spirited
discussion and amendment.
The measure defined hazing, and in
addition to providing for court-martial,
gave the secretary of the navy discre-
ton to remove any midshipman whose
continued presence at the academy
was deemed Objectionable.
Mr.. Teller, (Colo.), opposed the
granting of such absolute power. He
denounced Annapolis hazing as one
of the greatest disgraces of the coun-
try and declared that the victims
would be warranted in using club.
MIGHT USE GUNS.
I'm some cases a gun might with
propriety be used," he exclaimed.
Mr. McCumber, IN. d., thought the
measure ought to contain some provi-
sion to prevent haziag as well as to
provide punishment.
Mr.. Tillman, S. c., insisted that
the present conditions were due to
the interference of the president and
congress in previous cases.
Mr. Newlands, New, whose state
had a midshipman recently dismissed,
wanted the bill to be made retroac-
tive.
Mr.. Spooner, (Wis.), insisted that
all midshipmen were entitled to
trial, or none was.
Under this bill there is provision
recommended by the secretary of the
navy that ought not to be there"
he said. The secretary of war is
not given discretion to remove stu
dents at West Point. Why this dis
elimination" u
He termed the power sword of
Damocles, that hanging over the heads
of the midshipmen who might incur
the dislike or ill-will of some profes
sor.
Mr.. Culberson, (Texas), wanted in
serted clause requiring executive
approval before the order of removal
became effective. This was done.
Mr. Clay, tGa), wanted to know
whether a hearing was to he given
the suspected midshipman.
A WORD FROM TILLMAN.
I'VE don't want any court trial."
retorted Mr.. Tillman, I'VE merely
hang the club up to let those fellows
know that they have to stop their
devilment."
Mr.. Culberson declared that one
man power was bad enough, but he in
sisted that the bill provided for "un-
bridled license in the removal of
midshipmen
An amendment was accepted giving
TO midshipmen whom the secretary
desired to remove. the right to have a
court martial before dismissal Mr.
Lodge, (Mass,), opposed it.
What university is there that
would exist one hour if the pupils
were given the right of trial by jury
as an appeal from the decision of the
institutions head?" he exclaimed.
Mr.. Dick, (Ohio), thought it an er.
ror to consider hazing youthful
prank
"The midshipman has in effect be-
come an officer of the navy" he said
"He is taking on himself responsible
tiles and dignity, and he is educated
at the expense of the United States"
Mr.. Dick characterized hazing as "the
education in brutality" and this in
famous thing" which should be stamp
ed out, and he declared that he would
have those found guilty given the Sc
verest punishment the law permitted.
An amendment offered by Mr. Mel
son, Mimi, providing for the fling
OF testimony in all cases of hazing,
was agreed to. In this amended form
granting to all naval academy hazers
OF suspects, the right of hearing if
they SO desired, the bill was passed.
KNOX'S RATE BILL. ~
There was unusual interest mani,
tested when Mr.. Knox introduced his
rate regulation bill, in view of the
previous pre-announcement that the
former attorney general has been Sc
lected by the president to draft a
court review amendment that might
harmonic conflicting interests. Mr.,
Knox said:
'It has been very generally report