Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1907

Title

Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1907

Description

Official minutes of the governing body of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.

Source

RC2

Publisher

The Citadel Archives and Museum

Date

Rights

Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Type

Text

Identifier

https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1368

Coverage

Charleston (S. C.)

Text

[Page 1]

Citadel January 11th 1907

A special meeting of the Board of Visitors was held this day, called to convene at 10 o’clock to consider the subject of much needed repairs to the buildings, both exterior and interior, and request the present General Assembly for an appropriation –

Present Maj Gadsden Chairman, and Maj Lucas, no quorum appearing an adjournment was taken until 2 o’clock pm – Board reconvened at 2 o’clock present Messrs Gadsden, Lucas, Lewis, Frost, Martin, Johnson, and Govr Heyward –

After a discussion of the estimate of repairs to the buildings, both exterior and interior as made by Engr Louis G. Dawson, and the estimate for exterior work as made by Contractor Oliver, the Board passed the following resolution –

[Written on side of page.]

Request for appropriation for repairs to Building

[Main page.]

Resolved: “That the Chairman be authorized to ask the Legislature for an appropriation of Five thousand dollars $5.000 – for extraordinary repairs of the buildings, both exterior and interior, to be expended in the judgement of the Executive Committee”

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Cadet Bethea

[Main page.]

Case of Cadet Bethea – Resolved “that the Superintendent grant discharge, provided, the Cadets accounts are up with the Academy, and he owes nothing.”

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Cadet Sloan

[Main page.]

Case of Cadet Sloan: Col Crawford as counsel submitted affidavit of Cadet Spigener, (resigned) and examined as witnesses Cadet Ehrlick and Crawford, also Dr Cathcart, (Surgeon of the Academy), he then spoke at length, pleading very earnestly and eloquently for the reinstatement of Cadet Sloan, he was followed by Maj Bond of the Faculty, who was a member of the Court Martial, defending the action of the board of officers, composing the Court Martial, and by Col Crawford in rebuttal”.

The Board then went into Executive session and Mr Martin, offered the following resolution “That all testimony supplementary to the record be given by witnesses in person and that such

[Page 2]

witnesses be subject to examination by both sides, this form of examination was adopted –

After conference by the Board, and a free interchange of opinion by its members the following resolution was unanimously adopted

“The Board having heard the testimony in the case of Cadet Sloan charged and convicted of drunkenness, they, while commending the Court Martial for their faithful and conscientious discharge of their duty in the premises, are willing to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt and reverse the sentence of said Court Martial. The Cadet will be restored to his duties in the Academy.”

Board then adjourned at 5.30 pm

[Page 3]

[See newspaper clippings on scan of original document.]

[Page 4]

[See newspaper clipping on scan of original document.]

[Page 5]

Charleston March 7th 1907 –

Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors held at the Citadel this day. Present Maj Gadsden Chairman, and Maj Lucas, absent Col Lewis – Col Coward Supt, and Capt Raines Quartermaster, were also present by request.

The subject under consideration was the repairs to the building under the appropriation by the Legislature of $3.000 – for that purpose.

First – It was ordered that the note due for balance of cost of paving the quadrangle about $528. be paid.

Second – The balance of the appropriation be disposed off [sic] as follows

“A” – Renewal of floors on upper gallery, with repairs to balustrade, and painting of the floors of upper and lower galleries.

“B” – Repairs to tin roof of East wing, and painting same.

“C” – Introduction of new or repairs to old Cadet room doors as may be found necessary, and painting same –

“D” – Modification of flushing arrangement of sinks in Cadet privy by direct application of water to each hopper, instead of the present automatic flush tanks.

“E” – Such general and necessary repairs as may be found necessary to the maintenance of the property.

Capt Raines, Quartermaster was requested to communicate with Chairman of Committee of Public Works with a view of getting them to bear at least the cost of curb for retaining wall on Tobacco Street, and report.

Col Coward, Supt was requested to communicate with Hon Daniels, Governor of Virginia, and other parties in reference to obtaining an orator for Commencement day at Norfolk. Capt Raines, Quartermaster will make one or more visits to the Exposition at Norfolk with a view of perfecting arrangements for visit of Cadets, and report –

J. E. Smith
Secretary

[Page 6]

Charleston, S.C. May 21st 1907

A special meeting of the Board of Visitors was called this day to hear the petition of Albert S. Able, G Heyward Mahon Jr, John T. Sloan Jr. and T. L. Alexander, former Cadets of the Academy, copy of which petition is hereby annexed as part of these minutes.

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Cadets Able, Sloan, Mahon and Alexander

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Petition to the Chairman and Members of the Board of Visitors of the South Carolina Military Academy

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Petition to the Chairman and Members of The Board of Visitors of the South Carolina Military Academy

TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF HE BOARD OF VISITORS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY ACADEMY.

A. R. Able, a citizen of the State of South Carolina and resident of the County of Orangeburg, and Albert S. Able, his son; G. Heyward Mahon, a citizen of the State of South Carolina and a resident of the City of Greenville, and G. Heyward Mahon, Jr., his son; John T. Sloan, a citizen of the State of South Carolina, and a resident of the City of Columbia, and John T. Sloan, Jr., his son, and F. B. Alexander, a citizen of the State of North Carolina, and Thomas L. Alexander, his brother and ward, would respectfully represent:

1. That on the 25th day of March, 1907, and prior thereto, the undersigned Albert S. Able, G. Heyward Mahon, Jr., John T. Sloan, Jr., and Thomas L. Alexander were students and cadets of the South Carolina Military Academy, having been regularly enrolled and in regular attendance upon the institution.

2. That on the 23d day of March, 1907, charges had been made against the undersigned Albert S. Able for “breach of garrison limits,” whereupon, by order of the

[Page 9]

Superintendent of the Academy a board of officers was appointed,” to meet at the Citadel at 2:30 P. M., on Monday, March 25, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to inquire into, report upon, and submit such recommendations as may seem pertinent in regard to the report ‘breach of garrison limits’ submitted against Cadet Private A. S. Able, second class, by the Commandant of Cadets. Detail for the board: Major Robert G. Thomas, Major Oliver J. Bond, Captain John W. Moore,” reference to which order is hereby craved.

3. That on the 25th day of March, 1907, the said board met pursuant to said order, all of the members being present, and that Cadet Private A. S. Able was also present; that the members of the board were sworn by the recorder, and the recorder was sworn by the president of the board,” whereupon an explanation, submitted in writing by Cadet Able upon the report “breach of garrison limits,” was read by the recorder, as follows:

“South Carolina Military Academy,
Charleston, S. C., March 25, 1907.

Report – Breach of Garrison.
Explanation.

Sir: In regard to the above report, I would most respectfully state I am not guilty.

After taps, I slipped down to room 15, as the occupants there had something to eat and invited me down. I remained there until some one told the sergeant guard was inspecting, and I slipped past the sentinel, whose back was turned, and came to my room. I did not leave barracks at all.

Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) A. S. Able
Cadet Private, Co. “C,” 2d Class.

Whereupon, “Cadet Able was asked if he still adhered to this statement, and replied in the affirmative,” whereupon the said officers, in violation of the rights of the said A. S. Able, and in violation of the rules and regulations of the

[Page 10]

Academy and of the law of the land, and in usurpation of all authority, then and there proceeded to swear witnesses and to examine them under oath with reference to the alleged charge, and, besides examining the Commandant and Captain Henry E. Raines, Quartermaster, they proceeded to examine, under oath, Cadets Hutson, Wilkins, Furman, E. P. Lyles, Alexander, Osborne, Mahon, Muldrow, Bouson, W. M. Smith, Jr., Sloan and Beattie, several of whom were not on duty at the time of the supposed offense, and especially the undersigned A. S. Able, G. Heyward Mahon, Jr., John T. Sloan, Jr., and T. L. Alexander, reference to which proceedings is hereby craved.

4. That notwithstanding the overwhelming weight of the testimony, so irregularly and improperly taken, was to the effect that the said Cadet Able was not guilty of the charge of “breach of garrison limits,” the said officers proceeded, “Having considered all the testimony and also the manner of the cadets while testifying, the board finds:

1. That Cadet Private Able is guilty of breach of garrison and of submitting a written false official statement.

2. That Cadet Private Alexander is guilty of breach of garrison, of making false official statements to the Commandant of Cadets, and of giving perjured testimony before the Board of Officers.

3. That Cadet Private Sloan is guilty of breach of garrison and of giving perjured testimony before the Board of Officers.

4. That Cadet Corporal Mahon is guilty of making false official statements to the Commandant of Cadets and of giving perjured testimony before the Board of Officers.

5. That Cadet Privates Furman and Lyles, P., are guilty of gross negligence of duty as sentinels.

The board, therefore, recommends:

1. That Cadet Privates Able, Alexander and Sloan, and Cadet Corporal Mahon be expelled for the offenses enumerated above.

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2. That Cadet Privates Furman and Lyles, P., be highly demerited and otherwise severely punished, in the discretion of the Commandant of Cadets and the Superintendent for gross neglect of duty as sentinels.”

5. That your petitioners would respectfully call your attention to the authority whereby your board is constituted by an Act of the Legislature prescribing that your “board shall have the power to establish such regulations as they may deem necessary for the organization and good government of said Academy, and to establish such by-laws for the management thereof as shall not be inconsistent with the laws of this State or of the United States,” and pursuant to that authority your honorable board adopted as the sole provision regulating the investigation of breach of discipline Sections 72 and 73 of the published regulations, which read as follows:

“72. Cadets to Answer. – The Superintendent, and also the Commandant of Cadets, have the power to investigate violations of the regulations, disorders and breaches of discipline committed by cadets. In any official investigation made by the Superintendent, in investigating violations of law and order, which ordinary methods have failed to bring to light, he is authorized to require any cadet to answer interrogatories as to his, but not as to the connection of others, with such violations; and refusal to answer is disobedience of orders. The answer of the cadet shall generally be conclusive. The Superintendent may, however, in such rare cases as in his judgement requires it, proceed further in the investigation, reporting to the Board of Visitors the circumstances which have induced him to this course, and the names of the cadets or others who are believed to have knowledge of pertinent facts. The Board will examine into the case, sitting with the power of a court-martial. Falsity of reply, if established, shall subject the cadet to ignominious expulsion. If the cadet interrogated be on duty, he must reply as to others, and failure to so reply will be immediately followed by the infliction upon

[Page 12]

him of the punishment for the offense alleged, together with such other action by the constituted authorities as the gravity of the case may require.

After and from the point in the proceedings of a disclaimer of a cadet, in the cases in which the Superintendent’s judgement requires him to pursue the investigation further, he will prepare the case for the decision of the Board, and in so doing carefully avoid any action on his part which will prejudge it.

73. Penalties. – The punishment to which a cadet shall be liable are comprised in the eight following classes, viz:

1st. Privation of recreation; extra hours of duty.

2d. Private reprimand.

3d. Public reprimand.

4th. Arrest or confinement to prescribed limits.

5th. Imprisonment in a light room, or in a dark room.

6th. Suspension until the Board of Visitors can act upon the case.

7th. Dismission.

8th. Expulsion.

The punishment of the first six classes may be inflicted by the Superintendent or officer in command; those of the 7th and 8th classes, by the Board of Visitors only, upon the report of the Superintendent, and after such examination of the case as they may think proper to make.

6. Your petitioners charge that the proceedings of said officers were in gross violation of the rights of your petitioners in the following particulars:

1. Because the said regulations contemplate that the cadets should be treated as honorable gentlemen, and that charges made against them should be investigated only by those highest in authority, to-wit, the Superintendent, or in his stead, the Commandant of Cadets, and the said officers, although designated in the aforesaid order for the purpose of investigating the said offense, were without authority of law, and it was an uncalled for humiliation to Cadet Able to be required to appear before a tribunal so designated; and

[Page 13]

said order No. 27 was in flagrant violation of the said regulation.

2. That said section prescribed that “in any official investigation made by the Superintendent, in investigating violations of law and order, which ordinary methods have failed to bring to light, he is authorized to require any cadet to answer interrogatories as to his, but not as to the connection of others with such violation. * * * The answer of the cadet shall generally be conclusive. The Superintendent may, however, in such rare cases as in his judgment requires it, proceed further in the investigation, reporting to the Board of Visitors the circumstances which have induced him to this course, and the names of the cadets or others who are believed to have knowledge of pertinent facts. The Board will examine into the case, sitting with the power of a court-martial * * *”

After and from the point in the proceedings of a disclaimer of a cadet, in the cases which the Superintendent’s judgement requires him to pursue the investigation further, he will prepare the case for the decision of the Board, and in so doing carefully avoid any action on his part which will prejudge it, and your petitioners charge: (a) That the said regulations were flagrantly violated in, that after the disclaimer of Cadet Able had been filed to said charge, the said tribunal proceeded to swear witnesses and to require his fellow cadets who were not on duty at the time of the alleged offense to testify, under oath, as to the truth or falsity of said charge, although said section prescribed that, “after and from the point in the proceedings of a disclaimer of a cadet, in the cases in which the Superintendent’s judgement requires him to pursue the investigation further, he will prepare the case for the decision of the Board, and in so doing carefully avoid any action on his part which will prejudge it.”

(b) That Cadet Able was found “guilty of breach of garrison and of submitting a written false official statement,” upon the testimony of two witnesses only, to-wit, Com-

[Page 14]

mandant Simons, who undertook to testify that he recognized Cadet Able on the streets of the City of Charleston in the night time in company with four or five other cadets in fatigue uniforms and a considerable distance away from him, his testimony being directly contradicted by the testimony of two cadet officers, who testified that upon entering the Citadel he spoke as if he thought that he had recognized Cadet Beattie and not Cadet Able after an examination of the barracks had disclosed that Cadet Beattie was in his room, but that Cadet Able was absent from his room, the testimony showing that at the time he (Cadet Able) was in room No. 15 with other cadets; and the testimony of W. M. Smith, Jr., of Washington, D. C., who was not at the time of the occurrence on duty and who, under the regulations, should not have been permitted, much less required, by said pretended tribunal to testify, and whose testimony was uncorroborated and contrary to the weight of the evidence.

7. Your petitioners further charge that the said proceedings as to Cadets G. Heyward Mahon, Jr., John T. Sloan, Jr., and Thomas L. Alexander were illegal, null and void, for the reasons above specified, for the additional reasons that said cadets were not parties to any proceeding before the pretended tribunal, and were not at any time appraised of any charge pending against them, and had no opportunity to be heard in their own defense, and were before the tribunal only as witnesses summoned by said Commandant in violation of the regulations prescribed by said Section 72, and against their rights required to make statements under oath. And the findings of said pretended tribunal and the publication thereof upon the parade ground were an unwarranted, gratuitous insult offered young gentlemen by officers of a public institution to which the honor, care and custody of these cadets had been committed by their parents and guardians.

Wherefore, your petitioners pray that the said pretended proceedings be declared null and void; that their rights as

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Cadets be restored and the shame and disgrace, which has been brought upon their names, be removed; and that your honorable body take such steps as may do equal and exact justice to all parties concerned.

WM. H. LYLES,
ANDREW CRAWFORD,
JOS. A. McCULLOUGH.

[Page 16]

Present C S Gadsden, Chairman and Messrs Lucas, Lewis, Sheppard, Govr Ansel, Gen’l Boyd, Hon Spivey and Johnson – Messrs Martin Blythe, absent, also Mr P. H. Gadsden, counsel for Chairman and F. B. Grier counsel for Alumni of the Academy., Messrs Lyle, Crawford and McCullough, counsel for petitioners. Col Coward Supt and Capt Simons Commandant of Cadets were also present, together with Col Sloan, Mr Alexander, Mr Mahon, parents of Cadets, and Mr Able brother of Mr Albert S Able.

The Board appointed Mr F. K. Myers official stenographer, who took the oath administered by the Governor. Miss St Arnaud was also present as the stenographer of the attorneys for the petitioners.

After argument by Messrs Crawford, Lyles and McCullough, attorneys for petitioners, and P. H. Gadsden and F. B. Grier, representing the Board, the Board filed the following decision –

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RESOLUTION adopted by the BOARD OF VISITORS of the SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY ACADEMY, in session at Charleston, on the 21st day of May, 1907. - - - - - - -
* * * * * * * * * *

In the Matter of
Petition of Albert S. Able, G. Heyward Mahon Jr., John T. Sloan Jr. and T. L. Alexander, former Cadets of the S. C. Military Academy.

This proceeding comes before the Board of Visitors in the nature of an appeal from the alleged action of a Board of Officers appointed to investigate certain charges that were preferred against Cadet A. S. Able, on or about the 23d day of March, 1907.

The facts connected with the appeal are as follows:

On or about the 23d day of March, 1907, a charge was made against Cadet A. S. Able for breach of garrison limits. To this report Cadet Able filed his explanation, denying the report, and alleging that at the time of his alleged breach of garrison limits he was in one of the rooms in cadet quarters. On the 23d of March, 1907, the Superintendent appointed a Board of Officers, to meet on a date certain, and to inquire into, report upon, and to submit such recommendations as might seem pertinent in regard to the said report against Cadet Able.

In pursuance of this order the Board convened, taking the testimony of a number of the cadets and some of the academic officers, and at the conclusion of their sittings they reported to the Superintendent that they found Cadet A. S. Able to be guilty of breach of garrison limits, and of making a false official statement, and recommended that for said offences he be expelled from the academy.

They also found that cadets John T. Sloan Jr, G. Heyward

[Page 18]

Mahon Jr. and T. L. Alexander were guilty of a breach of garrison limits and other serious offences, and recommended that for these offences these three Cadets be likewise expelled.

The findings of the Board of Officers as to Cadet A. S. Able were approved by the Superintendent, and, on March 26th, 1907, General Orders No. 27 was published, expelling Cadet Able for the commission of the offences named.

The findings of the Board of Officers as to Cadets Alexander, Sloan and Mahon were not approved by the Superintendent, for the reasons that no charges had been preferred against these cadets, and that they had not had an opportunity to answer those charges. Thereupon the Superintendent ordered the Board of Officers to re-convene, for the purpose of investigating the charges preferred against Cadet Alexander, Sloan and Mahon, and these Cadets were dismissed from the Academy, for breaking arrest and breach of garrison limits, under the provisions of paragraphs 164 and 82 of the Academic Regulations.

Cadets Alexander, Sloan and Mahon now petition this Board to annul the supposed action of the Board of Officers, which found them guilty of breach of garrison limits and certain other grave offences.

In view of the fact that the findings of the Board with respect to Cadets Alexander, Sloan and Mahon were not approved by the Superintendent, and the further fact that these three Cadets, pending an investigation of these charges, deserted the Academy and were expelled therefor, and in view of the fact that they have no standing in the Academy and are without the jurisdiction of the Academy, there is nothing for this

[Page 19]

Board to act upon in respect to them, and their appeal is dismissed.

In the matter of the petition of Cadet Able, we find that the order of the Superintendent convening a Board of Officers, to inquire into and investigate certain charges against him, was made in pursuance of his authority under the Academic Regulations of the Academy. We also find that the proceedings in respect to Cadet Able have been regular, that every opportunity was afforded him to vindicate himself; that there is testimony to sustain the findings of the Board with respect to the conduct of Cadet Able.

We therefore refuse to disturb the findings of the Board of Officers, and the order of the Superintendent dismissing Cadet Able, and the appeal of Cadet Able is therefore dismissed.

J E Smith
Secretary

[Page 20]

[Written on side of page.]

Govr Ansel excused from voting –

[Main page.]

Upon adoption of this resolution the Governor requested and was granted the privilege of filing his vote after he had more carefully studied the facts in the case, he was then excused account of pressing engagement elsewhere.

[Written on side of page.]

Meeting Executive Committee Jamestown

[Main page.]

The Chairman stated that owing to the great expense attending the meeting and the consequent loss to the Academy by the expulsion of Cadets, he desired that this meeting transact such business, usually assigned to the June or Commencement meeting as it could, and that the Executive Committee be authorized to transact such other business as may arise, request granted.

[Written on side of page.]

Annual election of Faculty

[Main page.]

It was then moved that the board proceed to the election of officers, and it was further moved that the rules be suspended in reference to the annual election of Professors, and the Chairman cast the unanimous vote of the Board for the re-election of the Academic staff as follows –

Col. A. Coward Superintendent * etc
Maj Cummings Professor English
Maj Thomas Professor Mathematics
Maj Bond Professor Mathematics and Drawing
Maj Winn Professor Physics
Maj Walker Professor Chemistry
Maj Dantzler Professor German
Capt Moore Asst Professor English
Capt Raines Quarter Master
Dr Cathcart Surgeon –
Capt W. H. Simons Commandant of Cadets
Capt F. P. Valdes Physical Director

this motion was adopted and the Chairman cast his vote for the above mentioned members of the Academic Faculty for one year from July 1st 1907.

In the case of Cadet Furman, the facts

[Page 21]

[Written on side of page.]

Case Cadet Furman

[Main page.]

stated by the Superintendent were heard by the full Board, and as no application from Cadet Furman for a reconsideration had been received, the suspension was approved and Cadet Furman was dismissed – adopted –

[Written on side of page.]

Supts report

[Main page.]

Resolved that the report of the Superintendent be submitted to Executive Committee at Jamestown at the June meeting – adopted

[Written on side of page.]

First payment on Police Station

[Main page.]

Receipt of City Treasurer Lea for first payment on the purchase of the Police Station was mentioned by Chairman and it was ordered filed among the records of this meeting.

Chairman of Special Committee to consider suggestions made by Commandant with the view of a revision of the Academic Regulations, submitted a progress report and asked for further time, received as information.

[Written on side of page.]

Report Quarter Master

[Main page.]

The Quarter Master submitted an approximate estimate of Receipts and Expenditures for May and June 1907, showing a credit balance to July 1st 1907 of $1546.34, report received as information

The Board confirmed the minutes of the annual meeting December 11th 1906, and the Special Meeting of January 11th 1907, and the recorded minutes of the Executive Committee meeting March 7th 1907

The Board adjourned at 6 p.m.

Respectfully
J E Smith
Secretary

[Page 22]

Jamestown, Va, June 27 – 1907

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board held this day by authority of the Board of Visitors given at meeting of May 21st, to transact such business as is usually done at the Commencement meeting.

Present Chairman – Maj Gadsden, Maj Lucas, Col Lewis, and Col Coward – Supt.

The Supt was authorized to make final delivery of diplomas to Graduating Cadets upon return of Corps to Charleston –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Yarborough

[Main page.]

The Committee approved suspension of Cadet W T Yarborough, beneficiary in accordance with requirements of Par 54 Academic Regulations, and dismissed him from the Academy in accordance with Par. 82 –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Wall

[Main page.]

The following action taken in case of Cadet Jno. F. Wall appointed to United States Military Academy, he was given an honorable discharge, he having executed an obligation to pay to Chairman of Board on, or before the expiration of three years after leaving the U.S.M.A., the sum of nine hundred dollars for value received.

A special meeting of the Board was called in Columbia August 6th, to consider applications of Beneficiary Cadets from such Counties in which vacancies existed, and any other business that may be presented –

Col Coward Superintendent submitted his report as follows. And it was ordered spread on the minutes, particular attention of the Board being called to his remarks in recognition of valuable assistance rendered by Capt Simons, Commandant –

[Page 23]

Charleston, S.C.

June 29th., 1907

To The Chairman of Board of Visitors:

Dear Sir: -

I have the honor to submit the following report with accompanying papers, relative to the affairs of the Military Academy for the Academic year now ending.

This year has been signalized by two facts of very opposite natures; - the first very gratifying, and the second very regrettable.

The enrollment for the year as shown in my report at your Annual Meeting in December last, is the largest since 1882, and gives assurance that the public appreciation of the work of the institution is steadily increasing. On the other hand, the large number of Casualties for the year is considerably above the average of the preceding twenty-four years. The whole number, as shown in accompanying list (December 1st.) is forty-nine, (49), of which number twenty-four (24) were dismissals or expulsions for grave breaches of discipline, and the other on account, mainly, of inability to keep up with the strenuous academic work. It may be found on the completion of the gradings that a few others of this class will be added to the list. Such additions, if any, will appear in the Official Register, which will be made up on our return to Charleston. The number of dismissals and expulsions, with the exception of two beneficiary cadets dismissed for deficiency, was, I am glad to state, confined to a clique, which by your firm action in supporting the Academic Authorities, has been, I think, entirely eliminated from the Corps. In order to the proper disposal of some of these cases, two Extra meetings of your Board were deemed necessary. This necessarily

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involved considerable cost to the Academy. As these Extra meetings of the Board are based on appeals for re-consideration and reversals of the action of the Academic Officers and are for the anticipated benefit of the Applicants, and not for that of the institution, it would seem but just that the expenses of these meetings should be borne by those making the Appeal whenever granted.

With the exception of the clique above referred to, the discipline and subordination to authority of the corps has been commendable.

HEALTH. The report of the Surgeon (Doc. 9) shows a gratifying record for his Department. Not only has the health of the Corps been unusually good throughout the year, but the disposition to abuse hospital privileges has been decidedly abated. Two beneficiary cadets it was found necessary to dismiss, one on account of developed Tuberculosis, and the other for mental disorder, both evidently the result of hereditary taint. Both of these had been excellent cadets.

ACADEMIC WORK

The Academic work has been satisfactorily done in all Departments. Some friction naturally showed itself in the beginning of the year consequent upon the change of Professors in three of the Departments; but not enough to cause any serious detriment to work planned out. The reports of the several Professors are herewith submitted.

In my own Department the work was creditably accomplished, notwithstanding the many interruptions which prevented my meeting my class regularly at the appointed hours. These interruptions, incident to my duties as Superintendent, caused the omission of several lectures and recitations on text book matter heretofore given. Nevertheless, the monthly examinations resulted in satisfactory grades, and all the members of the class were found worthy to receive the diploma.

[Page 25]

THE BUILDINGS. Beyond improving the Mess Hall equipment and service, and repairing the plumbing, and other small matters, the property is in about the condition inspected by you last Winter. The more extensive repairs authorized by you, could only be undertaken during vacation. As soon as the Corps is furloughed, the work will be started.

I cannot close this brief report without some expression of my admiration for the loyalty, intelligence, industry and firmness which has characterized the services of Captain Simons with this institution. He has perfected a card system of keeping a record of every matriculant [sic] of the institution; he drafted the copy of Cadet Regulations, which he has lately re-arranged and improved as the “Blue Book” of the Academy, like the “Blue Book” at West Point; he has carefully revised and prepared for the printer the General Regulations of the Academy, as accepted by the Committee of your Board, and he has voluntarily done much other clerical work connected with the administration and discipline, his alacrity in undertaking anything calculated to benefit the Academy, his self control and clear-sighted common sense have rendered him my most valued coadjutor.

For the last three years the institution has enjoyed the benefit of his valuable services without any cost or consideration beyond the use of two rooms as quarters, and now that his detail has been extended for another year, I take the liberty of suggesting that some recognition of his services by the Board be made, not only by resolution, but also in some substantial way.

[Page 26]

I submit, also, the Superintendent’s Report of Receipts, and Expenditures, showing that the institution is in sound financial condition.

Asbury Coward.
Supt.

[Page 27]

Roll of Graduate June 1907

W. W. Benson P. S. Cromer O B Hutson W. D. Roper
J. S. Bethea J. G. Ehrlick B. H. Martin T. G. Russell
D. E. Bradham J. H. Hammond W. T. Mikell Gordon Simons
J. P. Clarke J. B. Hodges W. J. Murray T. D. Watkins
P. S. Connor R C Hunter J. C. Plowden (19)

[Page 28]

Beneficiary Vacancies 1907-1908

Abbeville County 1 Laurens County 1
Aiken County 1 Lexington County 1
Anderson County 2 Marlboro County 1
Bamberg County 1 Marion County 1
Barnwell County 1 Newberry County 1
Beaufort County 2 Orangeburg County 1
Berkley County 1 Pickens County 1
Charleston County 1 Spartanburg 1
Chesterfield County 1 Sumter County 1
Clarendon County 1 Williamsburg County 1
Colleton County 1 Georgetown County 1
Fairfield County 2 27
Greenville County 1

J. E. Smith
Secy

[Page 29]

Columbia Aug 6th 1907

Board met in special session in office of Govr Ansell at 10 am this day –

Present Maj Lucas Chairman – Hon Sheppard, Martin, Gen’l Boyd, Govr Ansell, and Col Coward –

Minutes of the special Meeting of May 21st, and meeting of the Executive Committee at Jamestown Va, June 27th 1907 read and confirmed –

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Governor Ansell’s vote

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After reading the minutes Govr Ansell recorded his vote in the affirmative upon the adoption of the resolution in the case of Albert S. Able and others heard by the Board May 21st 1907 –

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Cadet Jno F. Walls

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Cadet Jno. F. Walls obligation to repay the Academy, three years after leaving the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., the sum of nine hundred dollars was received as information and filed with papers of this meeting –

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Salary Capt Moore

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Request of Capt Jno. W. Moore for increase of salary from $1100 – to 1200 was granted effective Oct 1st 1907.

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Refusal Athletic Association

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Request of the Athletic Association to play a game of foot-ball with Welsh Neck High School at the State Fair in Columbia in October 1907, was not granted by the Board.

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Changes in New Regulations

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In the matter of changes adopted in the new regulations as suggested by Col Lewis, the Chairman stated these changes had been incorporated and the regulations were now in the printers hands – Then final action was taken and regulations adopted –

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Financial statement

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Statement of Receipts and Disbursements of Quarter Master for year ending July 1st 1907 received as information and filed – adopted

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Appriation [sic] for QM to visit other colleges

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Resolved that $75.00 so much be necessary be appropriated from funds of the Academy to allow Capt Raines Quarter Master to visit and examine the culinary departments of other large educational institutions, with the view of benefiting the Citadel when possession is obtained of the present Police Station building – adopted –

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Date for examinations

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Hon Martin designated August 30th as the date for the examinations of applicants for beneficiary scholarships by the several County Superintendents –

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Permits authorized for County Examinations

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Permits were authorized to be issued to applicants to stand competitive examinations for scholarships from the following Counties –

Abbeville 1 Chesterfield 1 Marlboro 1
Aiken 1 Clarendon 1 Marion 1
Anderson 2 Colleton 1 Newberry 1
Bamberg 1 Fairfield 2 Orangeburg 1
Barnwell 1 Greenville 1 Pickens 1
Beaufort 1 Georgetown 1 Sumter 1
Berkley 1 Laurens 1 Williamsburg 1
Charleston 2 Lexington 1 27

Board adjourned at 3 o’clock

Respectfully
J. E. Smith
Secy

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Charleston S. C. Decr 10th 1907

Board of Visitors met in annual session at the Citadel this morning at 10 o’clock am –

Present C S Gadsden Chairman, and Maj Lucas, Lewis, Blythe, Sheppard, Johnson, Spring and Gen’l Boyd, absent Govr Ansel and Supt Education Martin –

After review of the Corps and inspection of barracks board convened at 11.15 am. The minutes of meeting Columbia, August 6th 1907, read and confirmed.

It was moved that Maj Lucas and Col Lewis be elected members of the Executive Committee – adopted

Chairman stated that report of Board of Visitors to the Legislature was approved by Executive Committee.

Report of Inspector, General, staff U.S.A., was read by Secretary.

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Capt Simons successor

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Resolved that the Chairman be requested to ask the Commandant to recommend three officers of the Army for consideration by the Board, with the view of securing a detail to succeed Capt Simons whose detail expires in October 1908. adopted –

The names of Capt J. B. Allison, 4th Infantry and Lieut Jos. H. Earle, Engineering Corps were suggested by the Board for consideration by Capt Simons.

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Case of Cadet Simons

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Resolved that the action of the Executive Committee with reference to case of Cadet Sanders, be approved, but such action of the Executive Committee be not taken as a precedent, adopted.

Report of Superintendent Coward read as follows –

Charleston December 10th 1907.

The Chairman Board of Visitors,
South Carolina Military Academy,
Citadel, Charleston, S. C.

Sir: - I beg to report that during the vacation the repairs and improvements authorized or ordered by the Board were made by the Quartermaster, to wit: new flooring for upper gallery, new doors for the dormitories, the usual patching, white-washing, and painting of rooms

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Report of Superintendent

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and piazzas, renewal of glazing when required, and metallic ceiling and plastering in the Chapel, and thorough overhauling of the roof of the East wing. Besides all this, new chairs, new tables for Cadets’ rooms, new flooring covering for the offices of the Superintendent and the Commandant and the reception room; painting and kalsomining where needed; overhauling of all mattresses; and improved mirrors were provided. As a matter of necessity and ultimate economy, the old, defective plant in the water-closet was replaced by a new and simpler plant. The east, south, and west faces of the entire building and the interior walls of the quadrangle have been color washed.

In addition to these extensive repairs and improvements we have had to incur considerable expense for printing. A new edition of the Academic Regulations as revised and accepted by your Board; a revised edition of the Cadet Regulations styled the Blue Book; a fresh edition of the circular of Information; together with the regular Official Register were all made ready for use before the opening of the present Academic year.

There remains much in the line of repairs and improvements to be done; but in view of the general adaptations prospectively needed in the incorporation of the Police Station it might be well to postpone many of them until the plans for utilizing the Station have been adopted. The curbing along Tobacco Street, especially the portion immediately in front of the main building, and the color washing of the rear, or north face, of the entire building should be attended to at once. We tried the plan of having all the recruits and enough Sergeants and Corporals to instruct them report the day before the old cadets in order to examine them more carefully than heretofore and do away with the rush and confusion incident to the usual opening. I regret

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to state, however, that quite an unexpected effect became apparent. Home-sickness and panic seemed to seize several of them, and this combined with some hazing, which I found it impossible to detect, may account for the failure of some to matriculate, and some few to desert after matriculation. It is still painfully evident that many applicants of both classes are not properly prepared to undertake college work. Much of this evil might be abated by our coming in closer touch with the principals of High schools and the Superintendents of the best graded schools.

The work in the Academic departments is progressing smoothly. The mess hall is properly managed and with more satisfaction to the students. I must here call your attention to the greatly increased cost of nearly everything in the way of provisions, and of service. I suggest that you call on the Quartermaster to give you the data on this subject.

I submit herewith sheets showing the enrollment of cadets, battalion organization as now in force, and the present scheme of recitations, & etc, and the financial statement. Knowing the time of the Board will be largely taken up in considering the plans for utilizing the City Police Station, which will probably be vacated and turned over to the Academy in two or three months, I submit briefly the following recommendations: -

1st – That the number of beneficiaries be increased to eighty-two, to correspond with the terms of the original act allowing two to each County, the State continuing the appriation [sic] of $25.000 – and to restore the cost per cadet to $300 –

2d – That the salary of the Stewardess be raised to $25 – per month.

3d – That the salary of the Engineer be $21.00 per week from November 1st to May 1st, and for the rest of the year to be as now, $15 – per week for three months.

Very respectfully
(signed) Asbury Coward
Superintendent

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Salary of Engr Gilbert

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Resolved that engineer J. F. Gilbert be paid $900 – per year commencing January 1st 1908 – adopted –

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Increase salary of Stewardess

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Resolved that the recommendation of Superintendent as to increase of salary of Stewardess be adopted – Carried

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Audit financial report for December 1907

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The financial report from January 1st 1907 to December 1st 1907, showing a credit balance of $3843.74 was received as information, and a resolution was adopted, that the financial statement for month of December 1907 be audited by the Secretary, and approved by Chairman.

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Furlough of cadets, applicants to West Point & Anapolis [sic]

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Resolved that the Superintendent be authorized to grant such furloughs as are necessary to enable Cadets to stand examination for admission as Cadets at the United States Military Academy – adopted

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Circular letter to Senators and Representatives

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Resolved that the Chairman be instructed to communicate with the Senators and Representatives of South Carolina in Congress, urging them to use their influence to carry out the recommendations contained in letter from Adjutant General, United States Army, dated November 19th, 1907, adopted

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Cases of Cadets Isaacs & Anderson

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Cases of Cadets Anderson, C. and Isaacs, A. By resolution the appeals of these Cadets were dismissed and the action of the Superintendent sustained –

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Adjt General Rifles –

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Resolved that Superintendent be directed to furnish to Adjutant General a full statement as to the Cadet rifles now in possession of Academy – adopted

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Thanks to Senator Tillman

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Resolved that the thanks of the Board of Visitors be extended to Senator Benj. R. Tillman for his efforts in behalf of the Academy in the matter of procuring new arms and equipment for the Academy – adopted

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Col Sheppard & Spivey, to get bond from Legislature

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Resolved that Col Sheppard and Mr Spivey be appointed a Committee to take such steps as are necessary to enable the Academy to execute the bond to the Government for procuring arms for the Academy adopted

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Committee to examine

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Resolved that Maj Lucas, Gen’l Boyd and Maj Blythe be appointed a Committee to examine the reports of the Professors and make such recommendations

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reports of Professors -

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to the Board as they may deem proper. adopted

The Board then took a recess from 2 until 4 pm – Board reconvened at 4 pm.

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Report B.V. State Supt Ed

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The Chairman read report of Board of Visitors to the State Superintendent of Education.

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Committee on matter of utilizing Police barracks

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Col Sheppard offered the following resolution – Resolved by the Board of Visitors, that the matter of utilizing the Police barracks for the benefit of the Citadel, be referred to the Chairman and Col Lewis to agree upon the plan most available; and that when they have agreed upon the plan, that they submit their plan to an architect or architects, and the said architect be requested to make an estimate of the cost of the work, and the said architects be requested to make the estimate upon the basis of dividing the work into different sections or periods, and that the Legislature be requested to appropriate this year $10.000 – for this purpose. adopted

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Practice March

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Resolved that in the opinion of the Board of Visitors, it would be preferable to have a practice march in lieu of an encampment after consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Visitors – adopted –

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Increase salary of QM

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Resolved that the Board in recognition of the services rendered by the Quartermaster do hereby increase his salary to $1200 – per year, commencing January 1st 1908 – adopted –

The Board adjourned at 5 pm –

J E Smith
Secretary –

Citation

Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, “Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1907,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed April 28, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1368.