Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1915-06-16

he conferred with Secretary OF the
Navy Daniels. Admiral Fullam said he
could not recall any conference of
officers. but that there was a meeting
of the academic board, on the date
( named. during which various matters
( pertaining to the Naval Academy
were taken up, and also that the pres
ent situation was discussed in a gen
eral way by the board
Admiral Fullam said that he coulG
4 not recall any officers, other than those
I that comprise the board, being present
/ at the meeting. Congressman Carlin
! pressed Admiral Fullam on several
/ pointed questions, as TO matters per-
/ tanning TO the present inquiry, etc,
and the Superintendent replied that
he did not remember definitely any
subjects that were discussed, and he
| added that lit was only a general dis
cussion,and there was nothing import
ant" Il have nothing to conceal from
| you, Mr.. Carlin, or from the court"
was further reioinder
Asked why he sent for Midshipman
Rogers, Admiral Fullam replied that
simply he thought he might jeopar-
| dize his interests. in view of his status
before the inquiry. He said he got
an impression from the talk with Ro-
gers that the latter had been advised
to take the same counsel as the law
yers representing the original defend
ants. At this juncture Admiral Full
lam seems TO have been misunder-
| stood, in connection with the procedure
in naval court. when other persons
who may be drawn into an inquiry as
interested parties, they are notified by
the court of their right TO have coun-
sci and cross-eXamine all witnesses,
but this was soon ceared up.
What motive impelled you to seek
this conference with Secretary Dan
iels?" asked Congressman Carlin, and
the reply was that it was for the best
interests of the naval service that the
seven should be dismissed. Admiral
Fullam admitted that he would feel it
very keenly if his action in these cases
is not sustained Il don't want to see
my Judgment inpugned," he said
This line of questioning led up to
remark alleged TO have been made by
Admiral Fullam that if he is not sus-
tanned by the Secretary of the Navy.
in the cases he would rather resign
the superintendency of the Academy
and go to a in command of collier
Answering a direct question, Ad-
miral Fullam attempted to explain
what he meant by that remark. and
concluded by saying that the conduct
of the midshipmen concerned was so
scandalously dishonorable that il pre-
vented the maintenance of high
standard at the Naval Academy, that
it would be a reflection on the school
and that it would be no pleasure for
to remain on duty here.
As TO his trip TO Washington on Sat
urday, Admiral Fullam admitted when
questioned by Congressman Carlin, that
he sought the interview with Secreta-
ry Daniels, and also that he discussed
every phase of the present inquiry as
wei as the earlier proceedings in
which he recommended that the seven
midshipmen be dismissed from the ma
val service. He said he told the Sec
retary, among other things, that his
action in the case was perfectly reg
ular." and that he is still of the con
viction that the original seven defend
ants should he dismissed for the best
interests of the Naval Academy and of
the naval service.
Asked whether he considered this
conference with the Secretary re-
fiection on the court of inquiry, Adj
miral Fullam replied NO" that he
considered ii a part of his duty as su-
perintendent of the Academy
what did Secretary Daniels have
to say?" Admiral Fullam was asked,
and he replied that he did not say
great deal and then he gave 1t as his
opinion that action in the case of the
original seven vii not be taken until
Secretary Daniels has thoroughly re-
viewed the findings Of he court OF in
quiry. together with he original rec
concentrations The superintendent
admitted that he again told Mr. ban
iels Of his determination that the first
seven s.r "a be dismisa.. :.