19.
His evidence is read to witness. R.P.83B.
complied with. The witness withdraws.
The Accused's friend makes the following
address:-
Haskins says nothing when brought up at orderly
room. His acquittal was doubtless due to the fact
that this case was looming against Mayersbeth.
Accused's commission dates from Feb. last. I have
seen officers, even Colonel's drinking with privates -
a rum ??. Drinking with a private in public
a ?? thing. What accused did was
not a great offence & a man in doing this was
doing nothing out of the ordinary. The men's
statements are exaggerated. [He reviews the evidence]
The prosecutor makes the following address in Reply:-
The scene took place in a estaminet into which
anyone might gone. It was a public place.
The men are all quite clear that the accused had drinks
with them & this is not really disputed by the accused -
tho' he only mentions one drink. Accused also
admits he made some remark about being a
private, & that the use of a nickname by privates of
an officer is not a good thing. The fact that the
men's numbers are consecutive as commented on
means nothing - except that they were likely to be
friends & men who would be together.
Two wrongs do not make a right - if Colonels
have been seen drinking rum with men. I submit
there is evidence to support all charges.
The Judge Advocate does not sum up, he & the court
think it unnecessary.