The Washington herald., 1907-10-14

Special to The Washington Herald.
Annapolis, Nd. Oct. l3.-After several
OF his fellow-oncers had succeeded in
wrestling a .3S-caliber revolver from him,
so # is said. Second Lieut.. James n. sut-
ton, jr-, United States Marine Corps, IN
der instruction at the School of Applica-
ton. attached to the Naval Academy Bar
racks. took a .32-caliber revolver from his
clothing. and. pressing It 10 his head,
fired, ending his life at l:SO o'clock this
morning.
The bullet crashed through the skull
just above and little 10 the rear Of the
right ear and penetrated the brain. The
officer died in less than ten minutes.
Naval Board of Inquiry.
Immediately after being notified of the
tragedy Capt Charles J. Badger. super
intendent OF the Naval Academy. de-
tailed a board of inquiry 10 investigate
into the cause Of death. The beard held
an investigation to-day, a number Of wit
nesses being examined, but owing to ad-
ditlonal testimony which the board de-
slres to hear, the session was continued
until tomorrow morning. after which an
official report will be submitted.
Nothing official has been given out, but
it is generally understood that the boards
conclusion will be that Lieut. sutton's
death was caused by a bullet wound in
hicted BY himself
Lieut. sutton it is said. was fond Of
firing revolvers. and or a previous occa-
sion. when he INDUCED in this sport was
told by fellow Officers that he would prob
ably be court-martialed. To this he is
said to have replied that he would kill
himself before facing a court.
From the best information that can be
gathered. it appears that Lieut.. Sutton.
the dead officer. in company with Second
Lieuts. r. r Adams and f. p Rocker.
Marine Corps. returned to their quarters
at the marine camp after pleasant
evening spent at the midshipmen's hop.
given at the Academy last night They
made the trip rs far as tbe entrance 10
the grounds about the barracks in an
automobile. and it is said the three
walked together up the road toward their
tents
shots Attract Attention.
a few minutes after entering their
tents, it Is said. practically all of the
officers. OF whom there are thirteen, were
by hearing shots near by. and
going out to investigate they found Lieut.
Sutton on the road within 100 yards OF
the camp According TO the reports.
tussle ensued between Lieut.. Sutton and
Lieut.. Adams. the purpose Of the latter
being to disarm Sutton Of the revolver
which he held in his hand
During the scuf1e the revolver was dis
charged, one bullet tearing the end Of
adams right forefnger, and a second
striking Lieut.. Rocker on the breast. but
not penetrating The pistol. which
was later Identified as Of the regular
government ,SS-caliber, was taken from
Sutton. but In the meantime. it is said.
Sutton reached into his blouse and took
out another revolver. a .92-caliber. and
before any one could intercede he fired.
the fatal bullet striking the brain. This
revolver belonged TO Sutton
Immediately after the shooting. the
officers assisted in having Lieut. Sutton
conveyed to the Naval Hospital. but
upon arrival there. It was found that he
was dead Surgeon George Pickren. IN
charge Of the hospital. later probed and
located the bullet II had crashed
through the skull. passed through the
brain, and lodged near the side of the
head opposite the point of entry.
Parents Live In Oregon.
Lieut. Sutton was twenty-five years old
and the son Of Mr.. and Mrs. James y.
Sutton. of Portland. Greg. He had only
been in the Marine Corps six months.
having passed the examinations in Feb
ruary last, and received his appointment
in April, after which he was ordered to
duty at the local barracks He was for
merly a midshipman at the Naval
academy. having been a member of the
present senior class. but resigned while
a third classman. He was Of athletic
build, and it is said was possessed of
rather peculiar disposition. seemingly
Dreferring to be alone most of the time.
md did not associate with his fellow
)fficers 70 any great extent
The Academy authorities are awaiting
word from the parents Of the dead officer
IS 10 what disposition shall be made of
he body.