Inquiry Ended

After almost four weeks of investigation the Naval Court of Inquiry which has been investigating the wreck of seven destroyers on Point Arguello, near Santa Barbara (TIME, Sept. 17), closed its hearings. The report of the Board was transmitted to the Navy Department, in accordance with which court martials may be instituted.

Because the Board saw the possibility of suggesting 13 officers for court martial, these had to be exempted from testifying, being given the same rights as defendants in a trial (TIME, Oct. 1). Nevertheless, the 13" interested parties" waived their rights and testified. Captain Edward H. Watson, in command of the squadron which went ashore, took all the blame upon himself, and in the final arguments instructed his counsel to make no defence. The defence of the others was chiefly that, according to regulations, all ships were obliged to follow the leaders course.