The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-16

Letters of censure were sent yesterday
by Acting Secretary OF the Navy Beck
man Winthrop 10 eight high ranking
officers of the United States Marine
Corps as the result OF an investigation
by a naval court OF inquiry into tbs con-
diuons existing at the headquarters of
the corps.
Mai. Gen. George F. Elliott, comman-
dant Of the corps. was one of the officers
reprimanded. He was censured for lack
of dignity and hrmness IN his official
intercourse with his subordInates and for
the use OF incorporate language The
other officers censured for unmiIitary and
disrespectful conduct toward the COM
msndant were:
Col Charles H. LAuchheimes. sdsttant and IN
spector.
Col. Frank L. Denuy, ouartsrznasser.
Col Charles a, Doyen, commanding marine bar
racks az Annapolis
Lieut.. Gel. Thomas C. Prince. assistant quarter
master.
Lieut.. Col Henry c. Haines. assistant sdsutsns
and inspector
Maj. Louis ]. Magiu. assistant adjutsnt and IN
spec;0r at Philadelphia.
srectqf.
No further proceedings will be insti-
tuted against these officers. although
there Is probability that the system of
permanent details in the staff corps of
the Marine Corps may be modified.
Two Officers at Odds.
The trouble at the headquarters of the
corps eliminated last December In
wordy dispute between Gen. Elliott and
Col Lauchheimer. Bad blood had existed
between the two officers for several years.
although there had been no open out
break. Cen Elliott regarded Col. LAUGH
heimer's conduct as InsuboTdinate. and he
suspended him for FIVE days.
Col. Lauchheimer regarded the suspen-
sion as unwarranted and appealed 10 the
Navy Department TO overrule Gen. Ell
llott's action and clear the suspension
from his record. Secretary Meyer ap-
pointed a court Of inquiry. consisting of
Rear Admirsls Albert S. Barker. presi.
dent; Charles H. Davis. and Royal B.
Bradford, al retired officers of the navy,
10 investigate the dispute.
The precept OF the court was unusually
broad. and II authorized the members OF
the court 20 inquire into the general con-
dition Of affairs at the Marine Corps
headquarters. The finding Of the court.
which was approved and made public at
the department yesterday. srrslgned the
ranking officers OF the corps for their con-
duct and attitude toward Gen Elliott
Severe on Gel. Denny.
The court was severe In its references
70 Col Denny. who. the court said.
charged that on one occasion Gen Elliott
was under the influence Of intoxicants.
From military point OF view. the court
said. this remark was highly reprehen-
sible." The court also charged that Col.
Denny evaded answering questions on
subjects upon which he was thoroughly
informed.
The court held that Col Lauchheimer
had been ''unmilitary. disrespectful. and
insubordinate" toward Gen Elliott. Col.
Denny. the court said. failed to show
proper respect and subordination" to-
ward the commandant Lieut. Col. Prince
was reprimanded for making statements
derogatory TO. Gen. Elliott on insufficient
grounds Lieut.. Col, Hams and Mas.
Magili and Porter were censured for SIM
liar violations of the navy regulations
Gen. Elliott, the court reported, was at
times "profane. irritable. and irascible. +"
The court held that he was never in
| toxicated when on or of duty" The
members OF the court admitted that Gen.
Elliott had at times violated the navy
regulations requiring proper consideration
and courtesy toward his subordinates.
Praises Military Record.
The court referred TO Gen. Eiliotts ex-
celient military record. and expressed the
belief that he had always worked for the
good of the service In spite of the fact
that he had been unable to maintain dis
cipline at the headquarters on the corps.
Gen. Elliott viii be retired for age on
November 80 next.
The report OF the court concluded with
a discussion of the reasons for the con-
ditions existing at the Marine Corps
headquarters. as follows:
The court found generally that the
difficulties had arisen through a radical
difference Of policy between the major
general commandment and the adjutant
and inspector by lack of firmnesS. con-
sistency. and dignity In language and de-
pertinent on the part OF the commandant,
and a too long tenure of Office of officers
in the adjutant's, inspectors and quar-
termaster's departments. resulting in lax
ideas of subordination. and also in a lack