Show I A Cheeky Cadet Sometimes when the offenses of West Point cadets are very flagrant courts I martial are called to try them These are composed of army officers who sit in I trial like judge and jury when the offender I offen-der is in civil instead of military leI le-I These courtsmartial are often very funny II I Once there was a youngster who was so I perfectly outrageous that he knew he would be dismissed at the approaching I examination so he determined to have I examinaton a good time before he left On the j I grounds was an old disused shed of some kind and in it the young hopeful piled all the shavings rags and everything I every-thing else combustible he could get and I one line night he set a match to it and I had a magnificent bonfire of his own I Of course suspicion pointed to him and a I court of inquiry was organized to investigate I investi-gate the outrage General Thayer was superintendent and Colonel Fry commandant I com-mandant of the cadets When the prisoner pris-oner was called up for examination before be-fore the court composed of officers of I high rank imposing in the majesty of the law he was asked to state what he I knew about the fire 11 dont know anything myself but what is hearsay testimony and you will not admit that he replied The court does not desire to hear your views on hearsay testimony severely remarked the prosecutor You are directed to state what may have come to your knowledge regarding the affair Well but objected the culprit I dont know anything about it and what I heard I dont believe The court sir thundered the officer ha not inquired into your belief You will immediately state what you heard heardBut Butbutyou dont believe me either By that time the court was in a rage Go on sir roared several officers together to-gether getherWel they do say stammered the cadet diffidently that General Thayer got the shavings and old Fry set em afire1 Philadelphia Times |