New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-04
NAVY AND STATE CLASH
BAY STATE WANTS BOXER.
Schroeder Refuses to Surrender Par
ticipant an Fatal Bout.

Provincetovn, Mass Aug S.-Rear Admiral
Schroeder refused tonight TO surrender David W
Williams, OF Marietta. Ga. 10 Ernest Bradford, of
the state police who came from Boston to-day TO
arrest Williams a result OF the boxing bout
held on the battleship Vermont on Friday night
when his opponent, Harrison II. Foster, was so
badly injured that he died soon afterWard. Both
men were negro hands the ship. and Il
was said THAI the bout was arranged 20 give an
exhibition before a moving picture machine.
The warrant charged Williams with manslaugh-
ter. Admiral Schroeder. in refusing to give the
Up the authorities, stated that he did
not deny the jurisdiction OF the state but that the
government had instituted an inquiry. and he pre-
fered TO wait until that investigation had been
cluded before acting further in the matter. lie
promised Bradford that he would inform him to-
night or tomorrow morning of the result of the
inquiry, and as TO whether he would give up Will
Jams.
IL is stated that Il the man is not surrendered
by Admiral Schroeder Attorney General Malone
viii take the matter up with the authorities at
Washington.
There little practice or drill OF any sort
aboard the ships to-day, the crews being busy in
preparing the vessels for the start for Hampton
Roads tomorrow.
Naval officers that boxing viii not be given
up In the navy They regret Fosters death. but
defend the sport
The fast cruiser squadron. consisting Of the
szmored cruisers North Carolina and Montana
and the secOni class cruiser New York arrived
at once Joined Rear Admiral Schrocder's fleet at
anchor in the harbor. The cruisers have been in
wireless communication with the North Atlantic
squadron for the last two days, and their arrival
caused no commotion. They made imposing
sight as they came stesnaing round the end of the
oape and swept into the bay the North Carolina
beading with the Montana and the New York a
few hundred yards astern
The North Carolina and the Montana were in the
West Indies early last spring. when they were
eswec 10 Turkey 20 protect American interests dur
ans the revolution. Two months ago Admiral
SIMPSONS old flagship. the New York fitted
out IN tho Boston yard. 3oined the faster ships
and the trio sailed for this country early in July.
The North Carolina and the Montana remained in
the olter harbor about hours, while their COM
msnders reported 20 Rear Admiral Schroeder on
the Connecticut, and then sailed for Boston The
New York followed Tonight
Washington. Aug. s-Action by the Navy De-
partment IN the Foster VIII depend entirely
on the result Of the investigation in progress
on The bstteship Vermont directed by Admiral
Schroeder. As general proposition civil au-
fhor1ties have jurisdiction over offences COM
snitted on naval ships. Like military reservations
they are regarded federal territory and outside
rhortfy. IL rests entirely within discretion Of
fhe navy. therefore. whether Williams will be
surrendered 10 the Massachusetts officers or his
Offence finally considered by the naval authori-
Mes.