Evening star., 1915-06-12
inclined T0RES|GN
IF NOT 'BACKEDU Up
Statement Attributed to Rear
Admiral FuIIam of Naval
Academy.


ciined to resign II the Navy Depart
ter Of the previous Investigation Of ir-
regularities in examinations was stated
today to the court of inquiry investi-
the institution.
Richard r. Adams, honor man of this
years graduating class. 1t was brought
out when Adams was cross-examined
concerning a meeting of the class
presidents with the superintendent.
when, Adams said. Admiral Fullam
attributed to him. with the further re-
mark that he, at least, would rather
be sent to sea in command of a col
lier ship than stay at Annapolis.
Questioned About Resolutions.
Adams was questioned about the reso-
lutions said to have been adopted by the
first class men in behalf of Ralph Nick.
Nelson. a star man. after he had been
recommended for dismissal. 1t was held
against Nelson that he had seen alleged
fraudulent papers and had failed to re-
port them and that he had helped certain
fourth class men to make use Of the
papers.
Adams said a meeting of the class
had been called to arrange for the ger
man. when Nelson presented the reso-
lutions and requested the members to
sign them. When Adams saw that one
clause said that whoever signed would
be guilty in the same degree he with
held his signature until he could read
the findings of the board of investiga-
ton.
Declines to Attach Signature.
soTha ra,dipo a,Erh<.n>a ,~~ .. A..
extent that I couldn't see every one
equally guilty. and declined to sign
it," said Adams
after the meeting, he said, that they
Ihey were not voted on, he said
The resolutions have been incorpo-
rated in the record Of the proceedings
Of the present court as purporting to
the first class.
Adams said one of the reasons given
by those who refused to sign was that
they did not feel an equal degree of
thorities that a person who had seen
a mimeograph copy of the examination
on white paper was guilty in a greater
degree than those who had seen frag-
mentary copies of questions on a yell
low scrap paper.
In an authorized statement last night
Rear Admiral Fullam said he would
welcome searching investigation into
his administration as superintendent of
the Naval Academy. He expressed
strong indignation at what he consid-
cred reflections and insinuations against
him and the officers under his COM
mand in the course of the proceedings
before the court of inquiry.
Since he had been superintendent, the
admiral said, he had endeavored in
every way to impress upon the men,
bers Of each successive first class that
they were no longer boys. but soon
in the navy Especially in their last
year as midshfpmen they were to main
tain high standard of honor and set
an example to the underclassmen.
Admiral Fullam said that although
what he considered reasonable precau-
tions were taken to guard the exami-
nation papers, he did not believe in any
system that was calculated to give the
midshipmen an idea that they were not
to be trusted.
Asks Right to Appear.
Admiral Fullam's statement supple
mented letter to Capt. Russell, presi-
the afternoon session. in which the ad-
miral requested permission for him
self and fellow officers to appear with
cOunSel 10 near testimony against US
and to cross-examine witnesses who
gave such testimony"
Capt. Russell president of the court.
in reply, directed attention to the fact
that the doors Of the court were open,
and referred the admiral to the amend
ment of the precept of the proceedings
as contained in a letter from Secretary
Of the Navy Daniels June 5.
This letter directed the court from
time to time when it was considered
that other persons than the original
defendants had become defendant par
ties formally to notify these persons
of the fact and of their right to be rep
resented by counsel