The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-03-27

Washington, March 24.-Hazing at
the Annapolis naval academy was
dealt with by the house today in the
passage Of a senate bill, with a house
substitute. The action was taken af-
ter a protracted debate, which placed
In the record the impression OF the
special committee which investigated
the subject recently, and a severe
criticism Of efforts to condemn hazing,
by Mr.. Hepburn Of Iowa Several
amendments were proposed to the
measure. but all were rejected save
one, making it the duty Of cadet off,
GERS to report infractions Of the rules
as we'll as other academy authorities.
The bill repeals that portion of ex
listing law which makes it compulso-
ry to dismiss midshipmen guilty of
hazing in any degree, and substitutes
punishment according to the nature
of the offelse. Cruel and brutal naz-
ing may be punished by dismissal.
Previous to the hazing bill consid-
GRAFTON, 235 pension bills were passed.
When the hazing bill was taken up
Mr. Rixey, of Virginia, proposed
substitute and Mr.. Vreeland, of New
York, chairman Of the special commit
tee on hazing, took the floor to detail
his impressions resulting from the in
Quiry. He reviewed the preliminary
trouble between Midshipmen Meri-
wether and Branch, leading to the fight
which resulted in the death Of Branch.
Branch, he said, had insulted Meri-
wether by criticising the appearance
OF picture OF his grandmother, aud
of the spelling in letter from her.
II said that boy who would not
resent such an insult is not fit to car
ry his country's flag or a commission
in the navy" calculated Mr.. Vreeland,
to the applause Of members.
Mr.. Pearce, of Maryland, sough. to
get the source of the committees in
formation on this point
Mr.. Vrealand objected to being
cross-questioned after he had stated
that the information came from the
of midshipmen aud
was entirely reliable.
He felt, in view Of the purpose OF
the education at Annapolis, that
prison discipline was not the proper
one, that so far as possible the cadet
body should be self-governing. In his
judgment the academy officials already
had taken the necessary steps to en-
force discipline.
Mr. Vreeland condemned the present
hazing law which left no discretion
but to dismiss boy for hazing when
ten demerits might be sufficient pun
ishment for the particular offense. AS
to the sentence of Midshipman Merri-
wether to confinement for year he
declared a presidential pardon ought
to be extended.
Mr. w w. Kitchin. Of North Caro-
lima, who made a minority report on
the bill. explained his views. The mea-
sure, he contended, was too grea.
of the present law in the
direction of le1iency. It would, he
said. greatly encourage hazing-
MI. Rixey followed, stating that
the situation seemed to be that 800
young men at the academy were gull
ty of hazing, that a very small minor
ity ought to be dismissed. that the bal
ance, instead of going soot-free ought
to be punished with something more
mild than dismissal.
His substitute was Ito prevent any
dismissal without trial Of the accused
by court martial.
An effort by Mr.. Underwood, OF Ala
bama, to amend the bill so as 20 re-
quire cadets, upon entering the acad-
emy, to pledge themselves not TO par
ticipate in hazing, failed.
Mr.. Hepburn secured the adoption
of an amendment requiring cadet Off,
GERS as well as instructors and naval
officers TO report infractions OF rhe
hazing regulations after which the bill
was passed
The house adjourned at 4:30 o'clock.