The Washington herald., 1911-04-15

social code in vogue at the Naval Acad'
emy Is threatened by members OF Con-
Sress, who are incensed to a high de.
gree over the alleged snobbery practiced
by certain of the cadets. exemplified in
a glaring example recently when Miss
Mary H. Beers, daughter Of Prof. Beers.
head Of the English department at Yale
University. and a highly educated wom-
| an. was given to understand that her
presence was not desired at the Academy
hops because she was earning her own
living as governess in the family OF
Lieut.. Tarrant, at Annapolis.
Representative Korbly, Democrat
from Indiana, in a letter to Secretary of
the Navy Meyer, asked for thorough
and comprehensive explanation Of the
alleged attempt to socially ostracise Miss
Beers, and unless this is forthcoming
and satisfactory to that member. the
matter may be thrashed out on the floors
of Congress.
Promises Sweeping Probe.
Senator John w. Kern, Of Indiana.
said last night that II the reports re-
garding the action Of several upper class
men were true, sweeping investigation
should be made Immediately concerning
social life at the Academy.
Equality should be one of the first
principles taught the future naval off,
GERS of the United States" said Senator
Kern. 1T would be strange II a woman
was to be barred and snubbed because
she preferred to earn an honest living
to an elegant ease, and / should strong
ly advocate the breaking up of any such
social customs or I am better than thou
system OF conduct"
Former Attorney General W. H H.
Miller. 4 Cabinet officer under the Har-
rison regime, in a letter to Representa-
tive Korbly harshly criticised the snob-
berry said to exist to an alarming de-
gree at the Naval Academy. He recon-
mended the action of Mr.. Korbly in de-
manding an explanation from the Navy
Department. and declared il the reports
OF the slight offered Miss Beers were
true, the perpetrators could not be re-
buked too harshly.
Il would advise that every man who
had part in the contemplate business
be sent off to sea duty and that Con-
gress should not vote another dollar to
the support of the institution until this
Is done" said Mr.. Miller.
Branded ms Rottenness.
Mr.. Miller further said that nothing so
pernicious had occurred in the public
service in his recollection, and that 1t
showed rottenness somewhere in the
moral atmosphere OF the select and ex-
elusive seat OF naval learning.
Mr.. Korbly is awaiting the reply of Sec
retary Meyer before proceeding further
Il presume I will hear from him within
a short
NO doubt the Secretary feels greatly
embarrassed by the incident, but IL l
do not get satisfactory explanation l
will be obliged to refer the matter to
the House. l believe that others feel as
l do. and believe. unless a change is
brought about. the future Of the Acad-
emy might be threatened
Mr.. korbly said the letter from Mr.
Miller was but one of many he had re-
ceived since voicing a protest of the dis
against Miss Beers. He init
mated that in the past much talk had
been made about the "exclusiveness" Of
the cadets, an eXclusiveness they did not
deserve as wards of the government
Il will not mince words If the affair
Is brought to Congress-" added Repre-
Korbly.
Adam Dixon Warner. the noted civic
reformer, who was instru-
.,
bitterly condemned the part government
authorities played in the Annapolis Incl |
dent. He said malfeasance on the part
of these officials in institutions of learn |
ng was responsible. in a great degree, |
'or the distorted social customs.
Naval influence Bad.
1T is no wonder" said Mr.. Warner, |
the wards Of the government become |
lepraved and treat contumely the honest |
working women when they are subjected |
% the bad moral influences to be found |
n our Cities
Miss Beers was a favorite at the Acad-
,my hops until one evening her escort |
vas given tip" that his companion |
vas not desired, because she could not |
'ass the test prescribed by the student
'ody. 1t was claimed at the time that
he majority of the cadets did not ap-
'rove Of the slight, and protested that
hey would invite Miss Beers on all
occasions.
For several days the Navy De-
artment has been investigating the
Beers case. Secretary Meyer has direct
d Supt. Bowyer, of the Academy, to
make complete inquiry. Mr.. Meyer has
lready received a preliminary report