Evening star., 1909-08-19
SAILOR ON TRIAL At SEA
SEQUEL TO BOXING MATCH
ABOARD THE VERMONT.
David Williams Arraigned on the
Charge Of Causing Harrison
Fosters Death.

A wireless message was received at the
Navy Department this morning from Rear
Admiral Schroeder, commanding the At
lantic fleet, saying that David Williams,
a mess attendant on the battleship Ver-
mont, is being tried by court-martial at
sea on the charge of manslaughter. This
is sequel to q boxing match which oc-
CURED on the battleship Vermont off
Provincetown, Mass, several weeks ago
between Williams and another mess at
tendant named Harrison III. Foster. Will
liams was proclaimed the victor at the
end of the sixth round, when Harrison was.
helpless and unable to continue. The lat
ter was able to go to his quarters, how
ever, and did not apply for medical atten-
ton until the next day. when 1t was
found that his skull was fractured. He
died few hours later. naval inquest
rendered that his death was the result of
his head striking the floor and that no one
was to blame.
Further Investigation Ordered.
The civil authorities of Massachusetts,
We're not satisfied at that time with that
conclusion. and made application to the
naval authorities for the surrender of
Williams to the state authorities for trial
on the charge of manslaughter. In con-
sideration of that application the au-
thorities at Washington concluded to
have further investigation of the case
to ascertain whether the boxing match
had been properly conducted and not al
lowed to degenerate into a brutal fight
Rear Admiral Schroeder thereupon ap-
pointed regular court of inquiry to
make thorough investigation into all
he circrl "a oft
Foster. Meanwhile the Atlantic feet
completed its maneuvers on the coast OF
Massachusetts and proceeded to the tar
get grounds off the capes of the Chesa-
peake.
The dispatch received at the Navy De-
partment this morning showed that the
court OF inquiry had recommended that
Williams be formally tried by naval court
martial on the charge of manslaughter
and that the trial is now in progress on
the Meet at sea. The particular vessel on
which the court is convened is not known
at the department. 1t may be the flag
ship Connecticut or the battleship ver-
mont.
Request Received From Georgia.
IT the meantime the state of Massachu-
setts formally withdrew it's application
for the surrender of Williams and an ap-
plication of similar character was made
to the department by the authorities of
the state of Georgia.
1t is alleged that about a year ago Will
ltams got into an alteration with How
ard Northcutt. prominent citizen of
Marietta. Ga. and cut his throat with
knife. Williams was living in the
Georgia town at the time. The author
tiles Of that city desire to try him now
on the charge of assault with intent to
kill.
At the Navy Department today it is
stated that the regular course will be
followed in this case. Judge Advocate
General Campbell says that Williams will
eventually be turned over to the Georgia
authorities. the exact time depending en-
tirely on the result of the pending court
martial proceedings. In case the accused
man is acquitted by the naval court of
responsibility for the death of his ship
mate, Foster, he will at once be surren-
dered to the Georgia authorities for trial
In the state courts for the alleged assault
on NorthcuN. In case Williams is con-
victed by the naval court and sentenced
to term of Imprisonment in a naval
prison, that sentence will be carried out
before he is delivered TO the Georgia
authorities.
1t is expected that the court-martial
proceedings will be concluded in few
days and before the Atlantic fleet COM
pletes its target practice and returns to
Hampton roads.