Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume], November 25, 1905, Image 2

About Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916

Image provided by: State Historical Society of Iowa

                
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SATURDAY, November 25, 190§
VIOLATIONS OF RULES MADE BY
BOYS ARE SETTLED IN
THE RING
WITNESS TELLS
OF MANY FIGHTS
Midshipman Who Refereed Bout In
Which Young Branch Was Killed
Admits That He Has Officiated at
.Nineteen Battles of the Sar.'.o Kind
•—Officers Allow Custom.
Annapolis, Md., Nov. 23. The fre
quency of prize fighting at the naval
academy wa's made evident at the
opening of the court-martial trial of
Midshipman Minor Meriwether Jr., of
Lafayette, La., for engaging in a pre
arranged fistic bout with Midshipman
James Branch Jr., resulting in the
death of the latter, when Midshipman
A. W. fitch, who refereed the contest
testified that he had participated in a
similar capacity upon nineteen such
occasions.
It also appeared that the student
body is governed by a code, the vio
lation o? any of the provisions of
which usually results in a resort to the
prize ring. It was a breach of this
code which was indirectly responsible
for the fight between Branch and Meri
wether.
While the officers of the academy
say they disapprove a disregard of the
rujes of the institution in this respect
and would punish any offender against
sriusm thev obtained the proof, it
1
1
f'
ANDERSON,
Child's
D. B.
Suits,
Sizes
6 to 16,.
Boys' Caps... 25c to 75c
Boys' Sweaters...... .................39c to$1.50
Boys' Knee Pants..... 25c to $1.25
Boys' Stockinett Caps..:............:....25c to 50c
Boys' Iron Clad and Black Cat Hose 25c
STUDENT CODE AT NAVAL
SCHOOL CAUSES FIGHT
seems Incredible that these numerous
combats should be possible without
their knowledge.
Three Charges Against Him.
Meriwether is being tried upon three
charges. The gravest is that of man
slaughter, upon conviction of which a
penalty of ten years' confinement in
the penitentiary can be imposed. The
other charges are those of using pro
voking words toward and assaulting
Midshipman Branch and conduct to
the prejudice of good order and dis
cipline.
During the session, which took place
here yesterday morning the prosecu
tion completed the examination in
chief of nearly all the direct witnesses
of a quarrel, which led up to the fight
and the fight itself, and in the cross
examination of the prosecuting wit
nesses the defense indicated that it
will seek to show that fighting under
the unwritten code of the midshipmen
is a system at which the authorities
themselves wink, or at least make lit
tle effort to suppress.
inflicting Injuries on Branch. It will
be argued that simply because Branch
died from the injuries he received he
is not more guilty than any person
who ever took part or countenanced
a pitched fist fight.
Roommate on Stand.
wiv #r
*, "t.%1 J*
OTTUMWA, IOWA.
A N O E
Big Deal with an Overstocked Manufacturer of
Boys' and Childrens* Knee and Long Pants Suits and
Overcoats, ages 6 to 16—Just compare this proposition
with any similar one you ever saw and you will read
ily recognize what Real Bargains are.
This, it is believed, will make it im
possible for the court to deal severe
ly with Meriwether when it is clear
ly shown that he had no intention of feet ten inches in height to the lat-
The midshipmen who testified yes
terday Included Earl W. Pritchard, the
roommate of Branch, who was present,
during the original quarrel between
Branch and Meriwether Fitch, who
that*"he has officiated in nineteen af- ®raf*
The midshipmen were notably frank
and generally spoke as if there was
nothing to be ashamed of about their
code, even when it was made clear
that the midshipmen oflicers were
Child's
Best Suit,
Straight
or
Knick.
Pants,
Sizes
8 to 16,
2.50
Child's Double Breasted Suits, sizes 6 to 16 .. $1.95
Child's Double Breasted, Belt Coats, Kuick. Pants Suits, sizes 8 to 15 $2.50
Youth's Double Breasted Suits, sizes 13 to 20 $5.50
Child's Belt Overcoats, sizes 8 to 15 $5-50
The Prices we Quote you above cannot be Duplicated by any other Store in Town.
The cross-examination of Captain
George P. Colvocoresses was search
ing, on these points.. He is command
ant of the midshipmen, and as such
has direct charge of the discipline
of the institution. In answer to ques-v
tions Captain Colvocoresses said that*
each rbidshipman is made acquainted
with the regulations of the naval acad
emy when he joins the institution, and
takes an oath /to abide by them. He is
also furnished with a bound -copy. The
contents are read to them in a body at
stated intervals, and they receive reg
ular instructions in them. Captain
Colvocoresses said that he would un
der no circumstances pass over fight
ing, and would punish severely every
case brought to his- attention.
'Size of Men Compared.
Dr.^Robert E. Hoyt, who is the head
of the physical department of acad
emy, gave some very interesting evi
dence from the records of his depart
ment bearing on the relative age,
height, weight and strength of the two
participants of the fight. Meriwether
at the time of the fight was 19 years
and 10 months old, seven months older
than Branch, though the latter was a
class ahead of him. Meriwether
weighed 150 pounds and Branch
weighed li3, and the former was five
ter's five feet six and three-eighths
inches.
A remarkable fact was that Meri
wether was eight inches taller than
Branch when they were in sitting pos
ture. This indicates his remarkable
length of body and comparatively
short legs, although he is a great
Sprjnter.
However, Branch had great-
cr cliest and tt€eps
total strength
*"F
f*r?'r*4* •$
Boys'
Friend
the absence of those connected with
the fight. The examination was not,
however, pushed to the point where
they were compelled to defend the
system, reference to it/t3ing only in
cidental to the development of the
facts of the case on trial.
measures and his
tests reached 834 kilo-
meterg and Meriwethei,s only
was
foifa. 'Mniraa thA timav«ipner• nnii flip 1 ®nd gymnasium athlete,while Meri
fairs Noyes ,the timekeeper and the
four seconds.
tra^ed a/3h]a,box®r,-
wether is a sprinter and has had large
experience as a fist fighter.
Violated the Code.
An interesting side light to hazing
or "running," as it is called at the
academy, developed from the testi-
"ompelled to deliberately neglect their, mony of one of the midshipmen. Meri
duty in failing to report disorder in wether had been generally disliked. h« that he must fight
THB OTTUMWA COTTHIEB
T^—-V":
These rules and many others are
contained in that part of the "code"
relating to the government of under
class men. Branch had been one of
the midshipmen, who, according to the
testimony, determined to make life
"not worth living" for Meriwether be
cause he would not abide by these
rules, and from that the enmity arose.
Civilian "Counsel Assigned.
Captain Adolph Marix is judge advo
cate of the court, and is assisted in
the prosecution by John C. Rose,
United States district attorney for the
district of Maryland. Rose was as
signed to the case by the department
of justice at the requeet of the navy
department. Civilian counsel have
been employed to aid the prosecution
only in a very limited number of cases
hitherto, and thdse of the first import
ance. The defense is cared for by
Lieutenant Commander James K. Robi
son and by James M. Munroe, one of
the most prominent of the local at
torneys.
Midshipman Prichard. room mate of
Branch, told of the quarrel which led
to the fight. He said that Meriwether
had come to the rooms occupied by
himself and Branch, with him being a
class mate, Midshipman Yeager. Meri
wether s&id to Branch, according to
him:
"You used your official position to
get even with me and a man who
would do it is a low down sneak and a
coward."
Other conversation ensued and in
the course of it there was some recrim
ination about the standing of the fam
ilies to which the two midshipmen be
longed. Prichard heard the terms
"sneaking coward," "coward" and
"no gentleman" applied by Meriwether
to Branch.
Pritchard said that after Meriwether
had left, Branch asked him what he
must do and was told by the witness
,^ qa®
4" ^•'/'V -'"t *tp.
tf£ Is •5'r*
THE CLOTHIER
119 EAST MAIN STREET
Youth's D. B.
Suits,
Sizes 13 to 20,
5.
50
Child's Belt
Overcoat
Sizes 8 to 15
5.-2
5
Boy's Flannel Waists, sizes 6 to 16 .. $1.00
Navy, Silver, Gray, Brown atid Red
and Blouse Waists.. 25c and50c
Boys' Leather Mitts and Gloves 25c, 50c, 75c and $1.00
Boys' Union Underwear Suits ...50c
Boys' Two-piece Underwear Suits ..............50c
said, because he was too "ratty that
is, it was explained, that he did not
abide by the rules laid 'down for the
government of lower class men. Some
of these were that he should never
enter Lovers' lane, an academy walk
that he should turn all corners at
right angles, should not look at an up
per class man, and answer most re
spectfully when addressed by one of
them, never touch the table or ask for
anything during a meal, and under no
circumstances tc "fuss"—that is, to
be in the society of young women.
HEDRICK.
Hedrick, Nov. 23.—Mr. and Mrs. J.
B. Mowrey, of Ottumwa, were in town
yesterday visiting relatives.
A, M. Lafferty, of Eddyville, was in
town Tuesday' on business.
Attorney H. F. Wagner, of Sigour
ney, was In town Saturday on lgal
business.
Wm. Messehscmitt, of Martinsburg.
was in town yesterday.
D. T. Stockman, of Sigourney, was
in town Monday on his way to Fre
mont.
J. H. Love, of Albla, was a business
caller In Hedrick Saturday.
W. H. .Cooper was a passenger to
Ottumwa Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Downey, of Ab
ingdon, are visiting with their son, J.
M. Downey.
Bert Gordon has resigned his posi
tion as rural mail carrier for route
No. 4, and will go to Ames about the
first of the year, where he will enter
the state college.
J. W. Loch was a passenger to Ot
tumwa Tuesday.
William Hursey left Monday for a
few days' visit with relatives at Rldg
ley, Mo.
Mrs. H. B., Speck, of Oskaloosa, vis
ited relatives in town yesterday.
H. A. "Watts has moved to town, oc
cupying the residence property he re
cently purchased of Dr. W. W. East
burn. Dr. Eastburn has moved to Sig
ourney, where he will practice his pro
fession.
Mrs. W. H. Young returned home
yesterday after a week's visit with
relatives in Iowa City.
Mr. and Mrs. Obed Wells, of Marion,
Kansas, are visitinc at the home of
their son, M. B. Wells.
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Reynolds were
called to Mt. Sterlin- last week by the
death of Mrs. Reynold's sister.
Mrs. Alice Mendenhall, of North
English, was in town yesterday, visit
ing friends.
Fred Vogel, of Farmington, Ill
came in yesterday for a short visit
with his parents here. Mr. Vogel will
leave in a few days for Chicago and
New Tork where he has made arrange^
ments to meet the officials of several
railway companies in regard to the de
vice he recently patented to prevent
trains from running into an open
switch.
Mrs. J. O. Loch was a passenger to
Ottumwa yesterdav.
James Cuddy left last evening for
San Diego, California, where he has
accepted a position in a clothing store.
Mr. Cuddy's health has not been the
best for some time and he hopes th^
change in climate Hvill benefit him."
Dr. F. E. Lawson, of Highland Qen
ter. was in town yesterday.
%y^V7AV?-,s*-.•
PLEASANT HOME.
Pleasant Home, Nov. 23. Chas.
Harlan and Miss Lulu Harlan left on
Tuesday for Mississippi where they
will visit thpir sister, Mrs. Harley Chls
man. Miss Harlan will stay until
spring and Mr. Harlan about three
W66ks
H. T. Lathrop visited at the Pleas
ant Home parsonage Tuesday.
Fred Ross is working for John
Buckman of Village Creek.
The Y. P. S. C. E. was lead Sunday
by Treacy Ross.
A brother and sister of Mrs. Suttle
visited her over Sunday.
Rev. Newland the minister who is
holding the meetings at Russell chap
el visited at the home of Walter
Schoech Wednesday. The meetings
will close this week.
Husking corn in this vicinity will
soon be over.
Thanksgiving services will be held
at Pleasant Home conducted by Rev.
Randolph.
Quarterly meeting will be held at
Pleasant Home church December 3
and December 4.
YAM PA.
Yampa, Nov. 23.—S. A. Beale was in
Ottumwa Tuesday delivering hogs.
The farmers in this vicinity are busy
gathering corn.
Mr. and Mrs. Ripple were Farson
callers Sunday.
Mrs. S. A. Beall returned home Sun
day, after visiting several days with
her parents in Davis county.
Mr. and irfrs. Nafziger and son,
Meno, were Ottumwa shoppers Satur
day.
Mrs. Adelia Holmes and son, James
were Ottumwa shoppers Saturday.
Thomas Riffle and family visited
friends near Martinsburg Thursday.
Mrs. A. J. Burnaugh is dangerously
ill with lung trouble.
Scott Hilton visited in Ottumwa
Sunday.
PACKWOOD.
Packwood, Nov. 23.—A son was born
to Mr. and Mrs. Nato Thomas Nov. 17.
In the absence of Miss jFrazey, who
is sick, Miss Phebo McVcy is teach
ing in the primary department of the
school here.
Mrs. E. *K. Baker, of North Market
street, Ottumwa, arrived at the home
of Dr. Moorman's Wednesday for a
few days' visit.
The surveyors of the inter-urban
were setting stakes here last week. The
surveyed route extends from Keo
sauqua on the south to Llnby on the
north.
W. R. Fulton, of Libertyvilie, spent
Monday night with his friend, Dr. W.
E. McClaln.
The Epworth League held a very
pleasant social at the parsonage Sat
urday evening.
Mr. McVey, of Farson, was a busi
ness visitor in Packwood "Wednesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Bristow, of Richland,
have rented the Main street hotel, and
will soon be ready for business.
Mr. and Mrs. Simcm Standard, of
Arbela, Mo., visited at the J. A. Moor
man home from Friday until Monday.
They drove through and report a very
pleasant trip.
Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Elcher returned
Tuesday from Wayland, where they
went to attend the funeral of Sir.
Eleher's mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, of St. Louis,
were guests the latter part of last
week with Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Myers.
Speechless With Wonder
are the friends of those cured of Stom'
ach, Liver and Kidney trouble, by
Electric Bitters. 50c guaranteed. F.
B. Clark, Druggist.
STRINGTOWN.
Stringtown, Nov. 23.—J. H. Jones
and daughter, Hester, are visiting this
week with relatives near Linby.
S. Hawthorne and family were
Ottumwa callers last Saturday.
Charles Hood, of Abingdon was a
visitor here Tuesday.
Miss Lizzie Campbell, of Genoa,
Neb., is visiting with relatives here.
"William and Minnie Larmore were
Ottumwa visitors Saturday.
Mrs. Annie Davis, of ComDetine. was
DESIGNING
Is one point where wa
shine in the monumental business.
We have several monuments of oi/r
own designs which you are sure to
like if you see them. People come
to our shop and go away satisfied
with what they buy. Shall we in
clude you in the list this week. It's
up to you. I'v*.
OTTUMW/TCUT STONE COMPANY
328-330 West Main.
Yorkshire Hogs!
Fresh Importation from Canada just arrived
at MORRELL'S PACKING HOUSE. Hog
Breeders and Raisers are invited to Call and see
them. ...
This lot of Hogs was selected by Mr. Breth
our personally especially for our trade.
John Morrell Co., Ltd.,
OTTUMWA. IOWA.
Dr. WM. HANSEI.L,
Eye, Eur, Nose, Throat.
Glasses scientifically fitted.
Office over (.he New Store, 116 B.
Main street, upstairs.
a caller at the J. H. Jones home Sat
urday. ....
Several frqm here attended the lec«
ture at Competlne Monday evening
J. C. Hawthorne was in Ottumwa on jf
business Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Baldwin, of'
Packwood, were visitors at S. E.
Wright's Sunday.
John French was an Abingdon vis-p,
itor Monday. TV
Carl Sylvester, of Ottumwa, was
visitor in this place Sunday.
Miss Merna Shaw, of Farson. visitS-'1
ed with Miss Minnie Larmore Sundaii"
Mrs. G. W. Davis and daughter, Iva-,
were Competlne visitor's one day last»
week.
Mrs. J. C. Hawthorne was a Hedriclt
visitor Sunday. -u
Wm. Wright and family visited at
the H. F. Davis home near Competlne'
Sunday.
Last Supreme Effort.
In a last supreme effort to cure con«
stlpatlon, biliousness, etc., take Dr.*
King's New Life Pills. 25c. F. B.?
Clark, Druggist.
BURGLARS AT CEDAR RAPIDS.
Homes of Wealthy Families Are Erv
tered by Robbers During Night.
Cedar Rapids, nov. 23.—(Special)-^.,
Burglars entered the homes of three
wealthy families here last night and'
fired at George Williams, who surpris
ed them while attempting to crack a
safe in his house. The shot lodged In1
a picture frame. The booty included
a fine seal skin cloak, a quantity oi
silverware, etc., secured at the homes'
of G. F. Van Vechten and Mrs. B. F,
Heins.
4]
I
•i,
i/
-t. s'-v
5
ARRESTED FOR EVANS SHOOTING^
,.
Agnes Duke Charged With Carelese^
ness.—Girl Insists on Innocence.
Oskaloosa. Nov. 23.—Agnes Duke,
years of'age, was held by the coroner'#*'
jury yesterday as responsible for tttS
death of Mrs. Will Hughes.
The inquest held by Coroner FoeluvT
linger disclosed the fact that the Dnlo^
girl, in a spirit of bravado, or sowigfc..
thing like it, had gone to the door
her'home and fired a revolver twicg
One of these shots fired, as the cor
oner's jury saw it,, with criminal care
lessness, killed Mrs. Hughes. Sherij
Valentine, Coroner Foehllnger, County
Attorney McCoy and Constables AiiV
drews and Ruggenberg assisted In tm,
Investigation of the shooting.
With the girl, also was held. Harrj"
Walker,- a negro lad, whom she wa»
entertaining. Another colored glrT,
with the Duke girl and young Walkeb
was Agnes Wright.- All deny, .1.any
knowledge of the shooting. -V
IMPROVING
THE MINNEAPOLIS WILL NOT BE
SENT TO RUSSIAN
WATERS
Washington, D. C., Nov. 23.—Order*
have been cabled to the Minneapolis at
Gravesend, England, to remain therSft
for the present. The vessel was und$£
preliminary Instructions to proceed to
the Baltic sea in the direction of Ruft
si a that she might be available as $l.»
place of refuge for Americans in RuSB-rr
sia should the emergency arise. Af*5
far as the officials here can judge, the.i
situation in Russia appears to be quiet- -,
ing down and the necessity for a war-'
ship is apparently removed, ty
Wltte is Not III. 5*
St. Petersburg, Nov. 23.—The
port that has been published
Count Witte is suffering from a stroke
of paralysis or is otherwise ill is abso
lutely false.
re
This rough world makes short worKf
of all veneer virtue5