New-York tribune., 1922-11-28
Dellby Blailles
Football Run,
ToOwn Officers
Failure of Cadets Chiefs
to Give Proper Attention
TO Dance After Annual
Came Held Responsible
Army Given Clean Bill
Secretary Asserts Measures
To Be Taken Make Sure
"This Disgrace Is Last

WASHINGTON. Nov. 81. - The in
ssstigation ordered to-day by secre-
ary Of the Navy DENLY of the conduct
il nidshipmeu at the bail Saturday
night in Philadelphia following the
arruy-Nayy game viii be devoted more
to determining the absence of respon-
sible officers at the function than to
lie widespread drinking among the
ssyy students.
swhy this thing was allowed 20 oc-
,sr and no officers present with re-
ssorsibiiiiy of maintaining goor order"
Secretary Denby said to-day, will be
ths principal work of the investigation.
10 such misconduct ever developed at
nrevious navy dances, and such an
utterly disgraceful scene will never
occur agaIa-
Secretary DENLY said that be was
not concerned with the failure of the
Philadelphia prohibition authorities to
preyent liquor reaching the hands OF
men In naval uniforms, but he was
gitally concerned with the disgracefui
conduct OF the midshipmen, whose ac-
;ion, he said, brought shame upon the
Naval Academy. He could not say
vhether the investigation to be con
dueted would result in disnisssls from
the academy, but he declared that every
/. angle Of the occurrence would be gone
into.
Two Officers Left in Charge
II was learned at the Navy Depart
nent to-day that Rear Admiral William
B. Wilson, superintendent OF the
academy, had left Philadelphia inn
nsdiately after the game to go TO the
bedside of Mrs. Wilson, who is i'll with
icers left in Philadelphia and pre-
sumably in charge of the midshipmen
were Captain 7. r. Zurtz, commandant
Of midshipmen, and Commander E. D.
Washburn, commander Of the regiment
cf midshipmen.
knowledge of the extent of intoxi-
Gated midshipmen and civilians at the
navy ball was gained by. Secretary
Ienby himself, who visited the ball
room and remained there from II
o'clock until after midnight. 1t is un-
derstood that those occupying boxes
at the function were numerous navy
officers of high rank, but it was pointed
out to-day that drinking was so gen.
sral and the offenders so numerous
that any attempt by any one officer to
handle the situation in disciplinary
manner would have been useless.
The drinking, it was disclosed to-
day, was not confined to men at the
ball, but numerous women were de-
6.sed to have been under the influ
snte of liquor. No criticism was ad-
rshsed by the Navy Department against
6Eeials of the hotel, who were declared
10 have been approached by represent
atiyes of the midshipmen solely for
he use of the ballroom and the music.
DENLY Issues Statement
In formal statement of his action
in ordering an investigation, Secretary
Denby said:
My attention has been called to the
misconduct of a number of midship-
men from the Naval Academy on Satur-
day night after the Army-Navy game.
| have no desire to minimize in any
way the fact many of the midshipmen
did disgrace themselves and bring dis
grace upon the Naval Academy, for ]
know it to be true. | am shocked be-
yond measure that such things could
have occurred.
"The misconduct on that occasion
was, as far as know, the most fragrant
that has ever been charged against the
academy. How many midshipmen drank
heavily, l do not know. The whole reg
ment was in Philadelphia. Only rel
atively small proportion of the regi-
ment attended the ball. OF this pro-
portion, think the great majority con-
Quoted themselves with propriety, but
enough failed of their duty to their
uniform and to their country to bring
shame upon all Such an occurrence
will never be repeated, for such steps
as are necessary will be taken to make
il impossible in the future.
ARMY Men yindicated
an this connection I wish 80 make
Il quite clear that the Naval Acadefy
has heretofore set an example to the
country of good conduct upon such oc-
casions, and it will set that example IN
The future. was so proud OF them at
the game, which was one OF the most
thrilling I have ever seen, and where
saw absolutely no evidence OF drtnk-
ing among the midshipmen, that the
later events of the evening came as an
absolute shock. When I think of the
picture presented by our 2,40o young
men standing at cap salute In honor or
the victors while the cadets celebrated
upon the field their well won success,
can hardly reconcile their sportsman
ike conduct then with what occurred
fterward"
A clean bill of health was given the
army cadets who participated in the
game Saturday by Secretary OF War
Weeks, who at the same time denied
the report that he was to bring to the
attention of President Harding the So
called break down of the prohibition
enforcement machinery at Philadel- !
phia.
Secretary Weeks said that he did not
see any violation of the prohibition |
laws while in Philadelphia, but he ad-
nitted that he had called to the at
sntion Of the management of the
5sevue-Stratford Hotel the fact that
some OF his guests had been given |
sooms too near the ballroom and were |
disturbed by the noise in that part of
sas hotel.
Superintendent Was Responsible
Referring to the conduct of the West !
foint contingent, Secretary Weeks |
SAID that there were no transgressions