Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-13
HEAD OF NAVAL ACADEMY
MAY BECOME DEFENDANT
Name Of superintendent FuIlam
Brought In by Witnesses Before
Court of Inquiry.
LAD INCLINATION TO RESIGN
Told Presidents Of NIidshipmcn
Glasses He Might Quit Unless De-
partment Backed Him Up in Mat
ter Of Previous Investigation.

ANNAPOLIS. MD. June 12.-That
Rear Admiral Fullam, superintendent
of the Naval Academy. probably will
be further drawn into proceedings be-
fore the court Of inquiry investigating
Irregularities In connection with ex-
animation papers. was indicated by to-
days testimony.
Presidents of three classes of mid
shipmen gave practically the same tes-
timony, to the effect that at confer
ence with the superintendent after
seven midshipmen had been recon-
mended by him for dismissal for cheat
ing In examinations, Admiral Fullam
said II the Navy Department Iii not
back him up in the matter of the
previous investigation he would be in
clined to resign. He further remarked
that he would rather go to sea in COM
mand OF n collier than stay at An
napolis under such circumstances.
There were four presidents and Il
president-elect of the new first class
present at this conference. The three
who were cross-eXamined to-day by
counsel for tho defendant midshipmen
sign Richard r. Adams, president and
honor man Of the recently graduated
first class. who was the first witness
TO testify that he had heard the ad-
miral make the statement attributed
to him: Midshipmen II. B. Broadfoot,
president Of the former first class, and
f. r. Holcombe. president Of tho new
first class.
Captain Russell, president OF the
court, asked Broadfoot just before he
left the stand what took place when
he reported at the office OF Superinten-
dent Fullam this morning prior to com
ing to court.
WARNED DY AIDE
OF SUPERINTENDENT
Broadfoot said he did not see the
superintendent, but his aide, LIcuten-
ant Manley. warned him that If he
allowed himself to become Il defendant
and accepted the counsel of tho present
defendants he would assume the status
OF those defendants.
Did Lieutenant Manlcy discuss or
attempt to discuss with you your tes-
timony to be given before this court?"
Captain Russell asked.
To this there was negative reply.
Several mdshipmen have testified, in
cross-eXamination by counsel for the
seven original accused midshipmen,
that Admiral Fullaan had warned them
not to become associated with the
seven defendants who arc under arrest.
Broadfoot testified that he and his
classmates considered that l.. p. Wes-
sell and r. w. Harrison, Jr., members
OF their class, who were recommended
for dismissal. were honest. and that
their honesty never had been ques-
toned. He thought they ought to
have been put on the stand as princi-
pals. rather than as witnesses. at the
investigation made by the board of
officers before they were recommended
for dismissal.
Asked IL he thought he could speak
for his classmates as to their present
feeling in tho matter, he replied in
tho Affirmative. The sentiment was
that they would be going out OF tho
service for the same thing that 40 per
cent of the class did.
Broadfoot said he had seen copy
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