The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-09-15
ANNAPOLIS PLEDES
DISREGARD RULES

ANNAPOLIS, Nd, Sept. 15.-Thos'
acquainted with the old rates
which entered so deeply into the life
Of the Naval Academy and from time
immemorial have hedged in the life
Of the plebe, or fourth classman. and
governed his every act, are interest
ed in noting that they are beinS
broken with impunity by the mem
bers of the present fourth class, the
largest in the history of the institu-
ton. 1t is a matter of interest to
observe what will take place when
the upper cIassmen return on October
:. Will the disregard % Academy
traditions continue, or will the older
students. through the use OF some
authority still unoffcially lodged in
them. compel the observance of the
ancient customs? That is the ques-
lion which is interesting those who
nave observed conditions as they eX-
LIST this summer.
Enter Lovers Lane.
The most open and serious viola
lions of rates is the fact that the
plebes are entering Lovers Lane with
impunity. Any afternoon during the
recreation periods this walk, hereto
fore sacred to the tread of upper
classmen, is filled with the newcom-
ers. The benches which flank it are
all occupied, and fourth classmen are
even seen strOlling through it with
companions of the other sex, which,
in itself. is an offense. An under
classman asked a Waterman recently
il there was any rule against being
there. The Waterman is not charged
xvi IA rfT1r- kVNN Ff,,fa
promulgated regulations, and he said
that he knew of none. Still, the
Questioner did not seem to be alto
Sether satisfied.
There are other rules, with the
sanction of long usage to support
them. Plebes are not supposed to
use the walk which forms a short cut
from the main walk to Maryland ave-
nUe. They are not supposed to use
the small doors that flank the main
entrance to Bancroft Hall; they are
supposed to keep to the middle of
corridors and stairways, and to turn
corners sharp. Not one of these is
observed by the members of the pres
ent class.
There is some speculation as to
tIe cause of this stand. It has been
suggested that the class feels itself
big and strong enough to resist the
imposition of rates entirely. This
may have something to do with it.
Particularly as the upper classmen
re all away. A more probable ex-
PLANTATION is that there has been no.
body to instruct the newcomers as
70 what is expected of them. There
are generally some members of the
iext higher class who are returned
20 the new class, and it becomes
their duty to tell the new midship-
llen what is expected of them. There
are quite a number of these this
!, ear, but they went on the cruise.
ro have not had the opportunity OF
4.Apartlng the necessary informa-
ton.
Rates Improved BY HazinE.
IL will be interesting to note what
happens when the older students re-
turn. Last years class. also a big
one, broke rates during the summer,
tut there was a great change within
a week of the return OF the older
blen- VIII this be the case this year?
Most people acquainted with condi-
lions at the Academy believe it will |
when the matter is put before the
lew mtdshipmen in the proper wsy
1t Is likely that they will decide to
larry out the traditions so that they
VIII be in position to demand the
same next year and transmit Acad-
envy law to their successors.
Undeniably, the rates were i'm!
posed-up to some years ago by haz-l
ing and class fights. The old sys-
tenn is no more, and certainly moth
ing like brutal hazing exists at the
academy, yet the rates persist year
10y year. The upper cIassmen find
some way. perhaps by sort OF
;slaInor which surrounds their pres
"nce, to see to il that this unofficial
authority to impose practices not
provided by regulations persists. In
"tances have been known where the
matter has simply been explained to
me new midshipmen. and they have.
by a large majority of the class,
voted to accept and observe the rates.
me plebe who did not. lost caste,
lot only with the upper classmen, but
us own classmates. Perhaps the new
! ass has finally broken down thAi
ia customs; perhaps IL has not. Six
lAore weeks will tell the tale.