Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1915-06-05
8 M|DD|ES DISMISSED
FOR GOUGING SCANDAL
Secretary Daniels Holds Personal
Investigation.
SEVEN MIDDIES INVOLVED.
Reports Vary as to What Will be
Out Boy
In II.

Orders for the dismissal of three OF
the Milshipmen involved in the goug-
ing scandal have been signed by Presi-
dent Wilson. according to advices re-
ceiyed over the telephone at the Naval
Academy late this afternoon. Those
slated 10 walk the chalk are as follows
Third Class-Ralph r. Byers, of
Indiana: John G. Cronan, California.
Second Class-C c. Gill, Tennessee.
Officially the offense charged against
the three is getting information in
connection with examination papers. .
II is probable that formal court
OF inquiry will be detailde within few
days TO conduct a thorough probe of
the scandal
Ii is understood that the superintend-
ent will not relent in the slightest as
result of this inquiry, but that he will
remain steadfast in line with his pub
lished letter, warning all Midshipmen
that they must live up to the high
standard OF discipline, or abide by the
consequences.
The sailing of the practice squadron
will be delayed temporarily.
--------
In addition TO the Secretary of the
Navy, there were present Senator Pen
rose and Representatives Browning
and Williams, of the Congressional
Committee on Naval Affairs: Superin-
tendent Fullam, ,Commandant Burrage,
Commanders Phelps, Hines and Traut,
constituting the committee that made
the investigation, and Commanders
Chandler and Price, heads of the aca-
demic departments.
Representing the accused Midship-
men were Congressman Carlin, of Al
exandria, Va. and Robert Moss, of this
CITY,, the latter the father of one of the
youths under arrest. The hearing was
not public, but as it progressed a
number of additional witnesses were
summoned. These included Ensigns
r r. Adams, honor man and president
of the class that graduated yesterday.
and II. J. Mitchell, Midshipman b. r.
Holcombe, president of the first class,
and II. b. Broadfoot. of the same class.
and Midshipman c. o. Ward, presi-
dent of the second class, and a number
of other ensigns and midshipmen
The calling of these witnesses indica-
ted that an effort is being made to as
certain whether there exists at the
Academy a definite system of obtain
ing advance information on examina-
tion questions.
1t is said that the report of the
board had recommended the dismissal
of all the Midshipmen who have been
under arrest,but the parents and coun-
sci of the young men claim that they
were not given sufficient opportunity
of defending themselves against the
charges. Ii was also intimated that
the testimony might reflect upon some
of those attached TO the teaching force
at the Naval Academy.
At any rate. those who are represent
ing the accused Midshipmen are de-
manding a more thorough investiga-
tion and a different procedure The
accused insist that they will ask for
trial before court-martial, rather
than resign from the service.
In addition to Midshipman Moss
Midshipman T. w Harrison, of Vir.
ginia, and Midshipman Leonard p
VESSEL, of North Carolina, and three
others have been under restriction or
account of their alleged connection
with the mater. made statements be.
fore the Secretary of the Navy.
After six hours of continuous hear.
ing of witnesses and discussion of the
evidence and other matters brought tC
his attention. Secretary Daniels con.
eiuded at o'clock last night
The Midshipmen unuder arrest il
| Connection with the matter are: First
class, Ralph Mex Nelson, Jr. of New
York: second class. Chaplin E. Evans
Virginia: Stuart A. Hamilton. Connec.
ticut; L. p. Vessels, North Carolina
third class, James E Moss. Annapolis;
T. w Harrison. Jr. Virginia d f. Dun
can. Michigan
The case of Midshipman Nelson. .o
the first class. presents most unfor.
tunate features In due course n,
would have graduated yesterday No :
in his class and with ''star'rate. He i.
conceded to be the finest mathematic
ian in the eclass. His diploma was with
held pending the settlement of IN,
charges against him.
| Secretary of the Navy Daniels re
turned TO Washington at o'clock thi.
morning without announcing his fna
decision in the gouging scandal. OF
theft of questions propounded for III,
late annual examinations at the Nava
Academy.
While here yesterday to address tn,
graduating class and present the di
plomas. Secretary Daniels made per
sonal investigation of the scandal il
which several Middies are involved
He not only gave each of the accuses
/ Midshipmen a chance to make a de
Tense of the charges. but he also has
several OF the administration official.
| before him.
The Secretary went into the matter
/ thoroughly. Just what will be the Fl
nal action is not known. Various re
I ports have been circulated about III,
city today.