Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-08-19
CENsURE FOR OTHER OFFICERS
While Lieutenants Are Exonerated OF
Criminal Charges Made by Mira.
sutton. Court Mentions Their Neg
lest Of Duty and Miseonduet-Fan'-
lily May Go to Congress
(By Associated Press).

WASHINGTON. L. c, Aug. IS,
With the publication today of Acting
Secretary of the Navy Winihrop's
approval OF the findings OF the court
of inquiry. that Lieutenant James n
Sutton Jr., u the bnItou - e;es ma
rinc corps, was dlecuy aud solely
respons. bic iCr his own death at An
napulls. nearly two years ago. the
famous Sutton case became closed
( inc uent as lar as the navy depart
! ment is Concerned.
Counsel for the Suttcns minated,
however. alter the courts decision
had become definitely known. that
| they were far from satisfied with the
verdict and that they probably would
| take the issues involved to congress
with view TO having "A full hearing
OF the case by a committee OF tnat
body.
| Mrs. Sutton declined TO discuss the
result OF the inquiry which she sought
in an effort TO clear her Boys name
from the stigma of suicide. Acting
Secretary Winthrop said that he had
dissolved the court of inquiry.
i No Proceedings by Department /.
To much time has elapsed since
the incident, in the opinion of navy
officials 20 undertake any proceedings
against the persons whose conduct In
the case has been made the subject
of criticism by the court. They, how
ever, will be made acquainted In an
cffical, but informay, way OF these cri-
ticisms, which will both serve tie pur-
pose of an admonition to them and OF
presenting to them the view taken by
the DEPARTMENT of their conduct.
Although Mr.. Winthrop. in his en-
dorsement, speaks OF the lax state OF
discipline existing at the marine
school prior to, and at the time OF
Su;ton's death. he says that conditions
have improved. that splendid dlsci-
pine prevails at this time, and that
he is confident that the unfortunate
situa ion previously existing will not
again prevail
The marine school OF application Is
now located at Port Royal, S C., IN
der the direction OF Lieutenant Colo
mel Cole, who is regarded as very
excellent and able officer and who Mr..
winthrop feels will see that the in
stitGticn is maintained at high stale
OF efficiency.
Sutton Solely Responsible.
Lieutenant sutton is directly and
solely responsible for his own death.
which was self-infiIcted. either inten-
tionally CT in an effort to shoot one
of the persons restraining him. and
his death was no; caused by any other
injury whatever"
This was the verdict of the naval
couEt OF inquiry. which verdict has
been approved by the judge advocate
general Of the navy and by Beekmsn
Winthrop. assistant and acting secre-
tary Of the navy.
The court also finds:
That Lieutenant UtIey failed in his
duty as senior officer present, in per
hitting Lieutenant sutton 20 run
away and arm himself:
Tha; Lieutenant Bcvan. officer OF
shc guard. failed in his duty in not
disarm.nz Lieutenant Sutton By force.
while in front Of his. Sutton's tent;
That Lieutenant Willing. oficer Of
the day. failed In his duty in not i'm
med.atciy assisting by force In help
inz 10 d.sarm Lieutenant Srttou. When
be arrived on the scene before TIC
fatal 81 was frcd.
Murder Charge ~inssoirssy.-
That the charges q wiifgl murder
and conspiracy 10 conceal -. made ~
the complainant. Mrs. sutton. mother
Of Lieutenant Sutton. are purely
imarinsrv aud unsupported by even
a shadow - cvi.iencc. truth Of rcaS ~:
The crurt q, -ommcnds. however. thai
In view Of the youth ard decided m
experience II Iicufcnanfs Uticy, VIII
ing ard Bcvan. AZ the time. and Of The
altogether unusual conducts. threats
and danger during The afcrc- mention
I'd fray. that no fSsiher proceedings
n taken.
In approving the findings and rec