BADGE.

Badge of the “Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy[56],” adopted June 9, 1902. Composed of the Coat of Arms of the United States Military Academy and a bar pin made of bronze gilt, silver gilt or gold pierced by the Corps colors, a gray, black and gold ribbon. The date of graduation is put on the bar. Worn only by members of the association at graduate re-unions, graduate dinners, class dinners, etc.

CAMP THAYER

THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY IS REQUESTED AT THE HOPS TO GIVEN BY THE CORPS OF CADETS EVERY MONDAY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENING DURING THE ENCAMPMENT

MANAGERS

West Point N.Y.

June 1872.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE GRADUATE.

After the June examinations were over we went into camp again at the usual place. This year it was named “Camp Thayer” in honor of a former superintendent of the Academy, and as first classmen have precedence over all other cadets, it was “our camp.” Among the young lady visitors were many who had been to the Point for several summers. They seemed like old friends and the pleasure of meeting again was mutual. The first thing of importance for us to do was to arrange for the celebration of the Fourth of July and for a special hop that evening. We elected officers to conduct the holiday exercises and to have charge of the special hop. It was not obligatory upon any one to attend those festivities, but as the weather was perfect and as there were no other inviting places to go, everybody who could be present attended the exercises held in the morning in the pretty little chapel,[57] and in the evening some witnessed the handsome pyrotechnic display, while others attended the hop, and as usual the Mess Hall was beautifully decorated and used for the special hop.[58]

In my day, by special dispensation, twelve cadets of the first class were permitted to take meals at the Misses Thompson, who lived in General Washington’s old log Headquarter House, in Professor’s Row. These ladies were quite old when I knew them; the oldest of the three sisters died of old age shortly before I went there to board. It was not easy to get a seat at the Misses Thompson’s table, and when a cadet secured one without any conditions imposed he generally “willed it to his plebe.” And this is the way I obtained mine. My predecessor had a seat there and he willed it to me, but as I could not go there until I became a first classman certain members of the three classes ahead of me had the seat on condition that it should come to me when I became eligible. But this was not all, as may be seen from the following (old form) permit:

West Point, New York, June 19, 1872.

Cadet R⸺d, Private 2nd Class “C” Co., has permission to take his meals at the Misses Thompson (to have the seat last occupied by Cadet R⸺p), his name having been proposed and accepted.

J. F. S⸺h,
Com’d’g Co. “C.”

E. U⸺n,
Comdt. Cadets.

Approved:

T. H. R⸺r,
Superintendent.

JULY 4 1872
ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
Independence of the United States

CELEBRATION AND HOP BY
THE CORPS OF CADETS
TO WHICH
The pleasure of your Company is respectfully requested.
Ceremonies in the Chapel to commence at
Ten A. M.

Marshall,
CADET COFFIN.		Orator,
CADET TOTTEN.		Reader,
CADET EATON.
President,
CADET HOYLE.

Hop Commencing at Eight P. M.

Floor Managers:

CADET BIRNEY, CADET O’CONNOR, CADET LA POINT.

Pyrotechnic Display on the Cavalry Plain.

The father of these old ladies rendered most valuable services to General Washington during the Revolutionary War, and as his family was left in humble circumstances they were permitted to live at the Point and board twelve cadets. We used to think that Miss Amelia was about ninety years old and that Miss Kate was seventy-five. Miss Kate for months talked of making a trip to New York, but finally Miss Amelia said: “Catharine could not go, as she was too young and giddy.”

There was an old saying at the Point in my day that “extras breed extras,” and I found it so in my case. While I was serving the two weeks confinement that were given me, in lieu of the last two of the six extras for “Off Limits,” an old boy friend from home visited the Point, and I got permission to be with him in rear of the guard tents for half an hour. We could not talk about everything we wanted to in half an hour, so I told him just how to run the gauntlet, that is, how to cross the sentinel’s post and get to my tent, which he did. At that particular time of day nearly all of my classmates were out of camp; some on permit visiting friends at the hotel, some boating and others anywhere fancy took them. I had the walls of my tent down, so that my friend could not be seen, for it was a violation of the regulations to have a citizen in the body of the camp. He and I were having a good time talking over boyhood days. R⸺s, a classmate, was officer of the day, and thinking that I was lonesome he came around to cheer me up, saying that my two weeks was nearly over, but, alas, he had no sooner opened my tent than he saw my friend, and as the officer of the day is “on honor” to report all violations of the regulations that he sees, he had to report me for “Citizen in tent,” and to send my friend at once out of camp. I have never seen that friend since to tell him that I was given two weeks’ confinement for that violation of the regulations.

C⸺s was a Cadet Captain, and one day when walking with a lady between the camp and the hotel, the lady raised her parasol, and C⸺s, to be polite, carried it for her. An officer saw him with the parasol and reported him. For this serious offense he was reduced to the ranks. It was not long afterward that the young lady saw him carrying a rifle and pacing to and fro on Post No. 2, but as he did not wish further punishment he did not speak to her as she crossed his post; he waited until he was relieved and then told her why.

We spent some time out in Fort Clinton digging trenches and making fascines, gabions and a sap roller, thus imitating methods used in the attack and defense of a fortified place. We also spent some time in the laboratory making rockets, bombs and other articles used at times by the military in time of war. With the assistance of the plebes we constructed pontoon bridges some distance out into the Hudson.

In my day we played base ball occasionally, but it was not a very popular game at the Point, not like football has been of recent years. Boating was allowed then, and the first, second and third classes each owned a number of row boats, and during camp and in barracks on Saturday afternoons the boats were always in demand. But since 1875 boating has not been allowed.

One evening, when I was officer of the guard, not long after taps, the sentinel on No. 1 challenged: “Who comes there?” and as I was awake and in the first guard tent, I heard the reply: “Friend with lemons,” and also the sentinel’s call, “Halt! Friend with lemons, Corporal of the Guard, Post No. 1.” As the reply was an unusual one I went out, and seeing a man in civilian dress, standing alone, I directed the Corporal to advance the friend with lemons. The man advanced and began to deliver lemons. He had lemons in every pocket, and he had a good many pockets, too. There were more lemons than the Corporal and I could carry (for there are no pockets in cadet uniforms), so I called other members of the guard to help us carry lemons. The gentleman proved to be an old army officer who had entered the army from private life and earned a Brigadier’s star during the war. He said he thought he would treat the guard that night, and that while I sent to the tank for a bucket of ice water he would go back to the hotel (not far from camp) for sugar. About the time two members of the guard returned with ice water No. 1 challenged again, and the answer this time was “Friend with sugar.” It did not take long to advance the friend with sugar and to disarm him, not only of sugar, but of a package of cakes, too. We were soon feasting, and it seemed to please the General to see us enjoying his treat. He knew that we violated the regulations by admitting him to camp, but he promised not to report us. He then treated us to cigars, and he and I sat under the trees for an hour or two discussing topics of interest to cadets. In speaking of the hops I told the General how B⸺y, C⸺s and I had taken many lessons in dancing, and that we were too timid to venture on the floor at a hop, but that we had agreed with one another to attend our next hop, and to waltz or treat at the Dutch woman’s. The next evening was the time for the three to dance, and just as I was ready to start for the hall[59] the General called for me, and we went to the hop together. As we approached the Academic Building we observed that the hop room was well filled. We went to a corner of the room, and the General surprised me by presenting me to his wife, for he had talked as though he was alone at the Point. His good wife said that she had come to the hop in the hotel ’bus with other ladies. The music ceased and a classmate brought a very pretty young lady over near us, thanked her and said that she was the best dancer in the room. The General again surprised me by saying: “Mr. R⸺d, this is my daughter.” At that moment the orchestra struck up a waltz and the young lady said: “Come, Mr. R⸺d, this is our dance.” I protested that I did not waltz, but she put my arm around her waist, saying: “Papa has told me of your agreement to waltz to-night or to treat at the Dutch woman’s, so come on;” and I have waltzed ever since then. After I got started to waltz I found the hops very attractive places to be, and I was more than sorry that I had not met Miss S⸺r long before I did. It was a long way from the hotel to the hop-room, too far for young ladies who danced much to walk, so they generally rode, but the cadets could not ride with them, as it was “Off Limits” to get into a vehicle. There were always plenty of young ladies at the hops, and some of them traveled several miles to attend; some came from Highland Falls, some from Cold Springs and others from Garrison’s, besides those from the West Point Hotel. They may come from greater distances now that there is the West Shore Railroad to travel on.

At one of the hops I met a New York lady. She was a good dancer and a good talker, too, but she was not very well posted on the history of our country. She asked me what state I was from, and when I replied “Indiana,” she said: “From way out there! You have plenty of buffalo and other wild animals there, don’t you?”

There is something strange about the partiality young ladies manifest for the cadets. I have seen many an instance where a young lady would use all her power to be with a certain cadet, and at his graduating hop and afterward she would bestow her favors on some member of the next class; a cadet and an officer, although one and the same man, were different persons in her eyes. But the young lady, to succeed, had to be very careful of her conduct toward the cadets in the next class that she wished to be friendly with after the first class graduated, because if she had ever been rude to them they would have nothing to do with her.

Our summer hops began at 8 and closed at 11 p. m., but we could stay later at the Fourth of July hop, the last summer one, and at the graduating hop in June. The following were the popular dances in my day:

Waltz, Galop, Deux Temps, Trois Temps, Lanciers, Redowa, Polka, Polka-Redowa, Quadrille, Schottische and Medley.

AT THE HOP.

“Yes, I’m here, I suppose you’re delighted,

You’d heard I was not coming down?

Why I’ve been here a week—rather early—

I know, but it’s horrid in town.

At Boston? Most certainly, thank you,

This music is perfectly sweet;

Of course I like dancing in summer,

It’s warm but I don’t mind the heat.

The clumsy thing! Oh! how he hurt me!

I really can’t dance any more—

Let’s walk—see they’re forming a Lanciers;

These square dances are such a bore,

My cloak, oh! I really don’t need it,

Well carry it—so, in the folds,

I hate it, but Ma made me bring it,

She’s frightened to death about colds.

This is rather cooler than dancing,

They’re lovely piazzas up here;

Those lanterns look sweet in the bushes,

It’s lucky the night is so clear.

I am rather tired of this corner—

Very well, if you like, I don’t care—

But you’ll have to sit on the railing—

You see there is only one chair.

So long since you’ve seen me!—Oh! ages—

Let’s see, why it’s ten days ago.

Seems years—Oh! of course—don’t look spooney,

It isn’t becoming you know.

How bright the stars seem to-night, don’t they?

What was it you said about eyes?

How sweet!—Why you must be a poet—

One never can tell till he tries.

Why can’t you be sensible, Harry?

I don’t like men’s arms on my chair,

Be still, if you don’t stop that nonsense

I’ll get up and leave you, so there!

Oh! please don’t—I don’t want to hear it—

A boy like you, talking of love.

My answer—Well, Sir, you shall have it—

Just wait till I get off my glove.

See that? Well you needn’t look tragic,

Its only a solitaire ring—

Of course, I am proud of it, very—

It’s rather an elegant thing.

Engaged!—yes—why, didn’t you know it?

I thought the news must have reached here,

Why, the wedding will be in October,

The happy man? Charley LeClear.

Why don’t blame me—I tried to stop you,

But you would go on like a goose.

I’m sorry it happened—forget it—

Don’t think of it—don’t—What’s the use?

There’s somebody coming—don’t look so—

Get up on the railing again—

Can’t you seem as if nothing had happened?

I never saw such geese as men.

Ah! Charley, you’ve found me! a galop?

The ‘Bahn frei’? Yes, take my bouquet,

And my fan if you will, now I’m ready—

You’ll excuse me, of course, Mr. Gray.”

One day I received a letter from home, saying that my father, mother and sister were coming east and would pay me a visit. I wrote at once and said that I would be delighted to see them any time after the fifteenth of July, but not before then, as I would be too busy to see much of them. The fact was I would not get out of confinement before the fifteenth of July, but I did not tell them. They came the latter part of July, and we were delighted to be together several hours every day during the visit. They were charmed with the beauty of the place, and my mother said when I returned home next year that I need not take my trunk in the back yard again to open it, for now that she had seen what a sweet and clean place West Point was she was satisfied there were no bedbugs there.

There is a good deal of cactus, of the prickly pear variety, growing on the hills about the Point, and one day when B⸺m’s father and mother were there from Cincinnati they wanted some to take home with them, and Mr. B⸺m kindly offered to send some to my father, if I wished him to. Of course I wished it. I expected the folks at home to speak about receiving the cactus, hence I did not refer to it for a long time, and when I did my mother told me not to speak of it to my father, as he was very angry about the cactus. It appeared that Mr. B⸺m put it in a box and sent it prepaid to my father, and as he supposed that I had written about it, he did not write. My father opened the box and not knowing anything about cactus, he took it cautiously in his hands, with the natural painful results. He dropped the cactus, and, as luck went, he rubbed his hands on his face and neck, and they too became filled with the stickers.

Just across the south line of cadet limits in my day was Kinsley’s apple orchard, and many a cadet run it there for apples. One day Mr. Kinsley, himself an old graduate of the Academy, caught several cadets in his orchard, so he hitched up at once and drove to the superintendent’s office to report the case. The superintendent said that if Mr. Kinsley could identify the cadets they should be punished; he said he could identify them. So when the battalion was formed Mr. Kinsley passed down the line, but failed to identify them, for the reason, he said, that all cadets looked alike.

One Saturday afternoon four of us first classmen stuffed pillow cases in the breasts of our coats and deliberately went to Kinsley’s for apples, and we proposed to help ourselves, too. Kinsley’s house was in one corner of the orchard and there were stone fences around and through the center of the orchard. We went to different trees and found all the apples we wanted on the ground, so we set to work filling our pillow cases. B⸺y filled his, set it by a stone fence on the far side from the house, and then boldly climbed the fence and ventured to trees nearer to the house. His approach made the chickens cackle and the ducks quack, thus attracting a lady’s attention. She came out of the house and spoke to B⸺y, who had three or four apples in his hands. We heard their voices and then emptied most of our apples on the ground and ran away, as there was no use of any more of us getting caught than necessary. After we had been back in barracks awhile we went over to see how B⸺y had gotten away. He said that Mrs. Kinsley told him that she did not object to any one taking two or three apples as he had done, but that she did not want the cadets to carry them off by the bag full. She then asked him who we were, and he told her we might be plebes, as older cadets knew better than to do such a thing. We asked him what he did with his pillow case of apples, and he said: “You don’t suppose I had the cheek, after my narrow escape, to bring away a bag full, do you?” Notwithstanding this statement, and the fact that B⸺y was the first Captain of the Corps, we put our hands up into his chimney, moved a stick and down fell his pillow case of apples.

Along in December, when we felt confident of graduating the next June, we began to discuss what we would adopt as our “Class Ring.” Jewelers in New York, Philadelphia and other cities, knowing that it was customary for each class at the Point to adopt a certain handsome ring as its class ring, submitted samples to us. Upon receiving about twenty samples we held class meetings, and after much discussion part of the class wanted to adopt one of the designs while the rest wanted to adopt another one. Finally we agreed to abide by a majority vote, but when the ballots were counted there was a tie. Then we agreed to take two pieces of paper of the same size, and to write the maker’s name of one of the two rings on one paper, and the maker’s name of the other ring on the other paper, to put the two papers in a cap, shake them up, hold the cap above the head, and to let T⸺r draw one paper which should decide the case. This was done and ratified; the ring adopted was a gold ring with a large setting; there were thirteen stars around the setting, and on one side under the stars there was an eagle with one wing spread; on the other side under the stars was a helmet on crossed rifles with the last two figures of the year of our graduation in the lower angle of the cross, and from here around to the eagle was a chain. It was agreed that each member of the class could select his own setting, and some selected amethyst, some topaz and others blood-stone or onyx. It was also agreed that each member could use his pleasure about having the “Class Motto” cut into the setting. A Latin motto was suggested, but many of us opposed it, because the Academic Board had not made Latin a part of the course of study at West Point, but after much deliberation, my class, by a close vote, decided to add Latin to our course, and that “Omnia pro Patria” should embody the entire course of Latin for our class, and for fear that we might forget it we adopted it as the motto of our class. We then agreed that the motto, when cut in the setting of the class ring, should be put on a ribbon, partially enclosing the last two figures of our graduating year. I now remember my Latin course better than any other course of study, for I have never forgotten that “Omnia pro Patria” means “All for Country.” About this time we also selected the photographer that should make our Class Albums,[60] but left it to each member to make his own selection of pictures for it. There is an official photographer now. As each cadet had to pay for his own ring and album, it was agreed that he could buy them at his pleasure, but early in January nearly every one in the class was wearing his class ring and in May the albums began to arrive.

One day a misunderstanding arose between a yearling and a plebe that nothing but a fight could settle. Seconds and a referee were chosen, and they and others wishing to see the fight repaired to old Fort Clinton. The fight was begun and several rounds fought, when one of those present heard footsteps, and peeping through the brush he saw a blue uniform and gave the alarm. A stampede followed, and in a moment the whole party scaled the parapet, and almost tumbled over one another in their mad haste down toward Flirtation Walk, where trees and bushes covered their retreat. The referee declared the fight off. The principals respected one another’s fighting qualities and afterward became warm friends. The only one in the party that the officer recognized was B⸺p, the referee and a captain of my class, and for being present at the fight he was reduced to the ranks.

A PERMIT (OLD FORM).

West Point, March __, 1873.

Cadet ________, Private 1st Class “B” Co., has permission to get a drawing table from the Engineering Drawing Room and keep it in his quarters until he finishes his drawing of Noizet’s Front, having been in the hospital and excused from attending recitations for over a week, he was not able to complete the drawing in the Academy.

_____________,
Com’d’g Co “B.”

Respectfully referred to the Professor of Engineering,

By command of
Col. _____________

_____________,
Adjutant.

Respectfully returned app’d,

_____________,
Prof. of Eng.

Approved:

_____________,
Superintendent.

In January, after the examinations were over, the daily papers informed us that the Secretary of War had written to the Superintendent saying that it was his intention to require the presence of the Corps of Cadets in Washington on March 4th next, on the occasion of the inauguration of the President-elect, a graduate of the Academy. The secretary did this because he was gratified by the conduct and marked improvement and bearing of the young gentlemen at the Academy, and he believed the duties which a trip of this kind would require them to perform would be a relaxation from the close confinement to which they were subjected at the Academy. Furthermore, he desired to show the people gathered at the Capitol from all parts of the country a body of young military men which he believed in discipline, drill and orderly appearance and the qualities that make a military cadet could not be surpassed.

In due time the necessary orders were issued, and with knapsacks on our backs we arrived in Washington on the 3d of March. We were quartered at the Ebbitt House, and in the afternoon gave a drill and dress parade before a large audience in front of the Arlington. In the evening we were given the freedom of the city, the Delinquency Book having been left at the Academy. On the 4th we joined the procession and took the post of honor at the head of the long column. We were without overcoats, and it was fearfully cold, too. Some of us wore double suits of underclothing, and as many pairs of white gloves as we could and hold on to our guns. Bands playing (ours at the head, too), banners and flags waving, bright eyes beaming upon us, and delicate hands applauding us as we marched on Pennsylvania avenue, made us forget all about overcoats. We stood in front of General Grant while the oath as President of the United States was administered to him. We then marched at the head of the procession along Pennsylvania avenue and passed General Grant on a reviewing stand in the White House grounds, where we fell out of the column and saw the balance of the procession pass. Next to the cadets came some battalions of U. S. Artillery, then the midshipmen from Annapolis, a battalion of U. S. Marines, then regiment after regiment of militia, then ex-Presidents and Vice-Presidents, the U. S. Supreme Court, U. S. Court of Claims, the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, the U. S. Senators and Representatives, Foreign Ministers, Presidential Electors and tens of thousands more. Of all the military I was especially pleased to see the Second Connecticut, a magnificent body of well-drilled men, whose lines were perfect as they passed us, and extended from curb to curb.

A Concert
BY THE
ORCHESTRAL BAND
WILL BE GIVEN IN
THE LIBRARY,
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1873
COMMENCING AT 7:30 O’CLOCK, P. M.
PROGRAMME.
(No. 7.)

No.1.March, TannhauserWagner
2.Ouverture, Rui BlasMendelssohn
3.Reminiscences of WeberGodfrey
4.Reveille GalopRehm
5.Selection, Moses in EgyptRossini
6.Potpourri, Musical Tour Through EuropeConradi
8.Potpourri, A Musical JokeSass

Transcriber’s Note: Image is clickable for a larger version.

You are respectfully invited to attend the Inauguration Ball on the evening of March 4th 1873

Managers

After the review was over we returned to the Ebbitt House, nearly frozen, but we “thawed out” in time to attend the inaugural ball in the evening, and here we had to dance or freeze, as it was bitter cold there. The decorations were beautiful. There were mottos and coats of arms of the United States, and of all the States and Territories in the Union, shining among the festoons of the many flags of red, white and blue; then there were flags and coats of arms of many foreign nations. Everybody at this grand ball had to present a ticket of admission, except the cadets and midshipmen, whose uniforms admitted them.

Upon our return we were met at the Battery in New York by the famous Seventh (New York) Regiment and escorted to its armory for refreshments. The march up Broadway was amid a continuous line of spectators, who applauded us all the way. We saw the regiment as it passed us to take post as our escort, and we were charmed with their faultless alignments and movements, and were friends at once. The reception was highly appreciated as a distinguishing feature of our trip. We reached West Point at 5 p. m. on the 6th of March, and as we marched to the barracks the band played “When Johnnie Comes Marching Home Again.” The regular routine was at once resumed.

In speaking of our drill in Washington one paper said: “The drill of the West Point Cadets on Pennsylvania avenue was certainly splendid. The whole battalion went through their various and intricate maneuvers with such precision that they even surprised some of the military officers who, in company with the Secretary of War, reviewed them. The sight was grand, almost beyond description. Thousands of persons viewed their drills from the streets and indoors, and all were of the opinion expressed above. If there are any better drilled organizations let them come along.”

After the January examinations were over first classmen and furloughmen began to count the days until the first of June, and to hold meetings of rejoicing on the hundredth, fiftieth and twenty-fifth nights. On the hundredth night there was a special program, and the following was sung on that night:

THE HUNDREDTH NIGHT.

Come, fellows, listen to my song,

A pleasant tale and not too long,

Of scenes familiar to each one.

Some have passed and some will come.

The hundredth night has come at last,

And first-class course will soon be past,

Of Cadet gray they’ll take their leave

And give their white pants to their plebe.

It really makes the “immortals” laugh,

To think that they’ll get in the staff.

When asked where they are going to go,

In four years Engineers, you know.

When one more week has had its run,

The Corps will start for Washington.

Clean candle-boxes will be worn.

On us, militia will look with scorn.

To drink will be the greatest crime,

The corps will drill by band clock-time.

Old Emory will march in grand state

And Murray behind will get a late.

Now, second classmen, don’t be glum,

First-class camp quite soon will come.

And then you bet you’ll cut a swell,

And spooney “femmes” at the hotel.

Oh! furlough is a very good thing,

You wear Cit clothes and have your fling.

The Cit you stuff with famous lies,

And if he doubts, you punch his eyes.

Plebeistic youth, lift up your head,

Your yearling path you soon will tread,

Corporal chevrons will grace your arm,

Which fills the beasts with much alarm.

And now we’ve done our level best,

I’ve sung this song by request.

If you don’t like it ’tis not a sin,

To say you think it rather thin.

Note 1. The Howitzer, started by the late Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Class of ’75, as a small paper, read on the hundredth night, has grown into a large beautifully illustrated book, published annually, that now takes the place of Class Albums.

’73 FROM ’74.

The pleasure of your company is requested at the FAREWELL HOP given to the GRADUATING CLASS by the class of ’74.

FLOOR MANAGERS

Committee.

WEST POINT

As our days to wear cadet gray could now be counted by two figures, for the second and last time at the Academy, we selected clothes for “Cit” suits, and as we had all decided to enter the army as “Second Lieutenants,” we also selected uniforms and accoutrements for ourselves as officers of that high rank. Military goods dealers and tailors were frequent visitors at the Point on Saturday afternoons, each claiming to give the most for the least money. We had great trouble about the stripes on the pants, the color of the cloth in the shoulder knots and straps, the head gear, etc., because all did not know for certain what arm of service they would be assigned to, and those things are different for each arm. The result was that some gave conditional orders, while others guessed at it and ordered all or a part of their outfits. On the first of June our new clothes began to arrive, and we were permitted to have trunks in our rooms and from that day we began to feel that our cadet days were gone. And it was practically so, too, for even the ladies who came up in June began to show preferences for the coming first classmen, except, of course, where friendships were strong.

Occasionally cadets were invited to dine at some of the professor’s quarters, but even then we were required to get a permit before we could accept invitations. General U⸺n, the Commandant, made it a rule to invite all of the members of the first class (a few at a time) to dine at his quarters, as may be seen from the following invitation, to-wit:

“The Comd’t of Cadets will be pleased to see Cadets London, O’Connor, Paddock and Reed, H. T., at tea this evening after parade till 8:30 p. m.

“June—, 18—.”

As every cadet who graduates at the Military Academy may at his option enter the army as a Second Lieutenant, he can choose his corps or arm of the service in accordance with his class standing, and after the first of June he makes application substantially as follows:

“United States Military Academy, West Point, N. Y.

June —, 1873.

The Adjutant General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.

Sir:—I have the honor to apply for a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army in the Arm and Regiments as follows: _______________________________. My address for the ensuing month will be ____________________.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

___________________________
Graduated Cadet, U. S. M. A.”

The “diploma” given to graduates is reproduced on another page, and the following is the wording on it, to-wit:

“UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.

Be it known that Cadet ________ of the State of ________, having been carefully examined on all of the branches of the Arts, Science and of Literature taught at the United States Military Academy, has been judged worthy to receive the degree required by law, preparatory to his advancement in the U. S. Army.

In testimony whereof, and by virtue of authority vested in the Academic Staff, we do confer upon him this Diploma, and recommend him to the President for promotion in ____.

Given at West Point in the State of New York, this __ day of ____, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ____.”

It is signed by the members of the Academic Board in the order of their rank, and entered in the “Register of Graduates” that is kept at the Academy.

On the first of June the President of the United States, the Board of Visitors and others arrived, especially to witness the examinations of the graduating class. The usual salute, review, drills, fireworks and hop were on the program. All the members of my class, after having spent four years at the Academy, fully expected to graduate, but one of the number was found deficient and discharged on the last day. The weather on graduating day was perfect, and at the appointed hour my class was escorted by the Corps of Cadets to the grove in front of the Library, where a stand had been erected for the President, Secretary of War, Board of Visitors and invited guests.

While we were under the big elm trees, surrounded by our schoolmates, professors, instructors and the many others, listening to the Chaplain’s prayer, to the sweet music of the band we loved so well, and to the address of the Secretary of War, and receiving diplomas from the President’s hand, many thoughts flashed through my mind. It seemed like a dream. I thought of home, of my life since leaving it, and of the future, wondering what it had in store for me. My cadet life had been all and more than I had anticipated it to be, not a care and no one but self to think of for four years, with good food and clothing in plenty, kind friends and just teachers, cheerful surroundings and the most beautiful spot on earth, I was loath to say good-bye to my Cadet Home.

My heart is in the Highlands, shades

Of night are on my brow;

Ye pleasant haunts and quiet glades,

My soul is with you now.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF WEST POINT AS IT MAY BE IN 1912. (FROM A DRAWING)

DIPLOMA.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF WEST POINT IN 1902.

WEST POINT IN 1848.

WEST POINT IN 1825.

GUARD MOUNTING IN CAMP.

COLOR LINE.

SEAL OF UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. ADOPTED IN 1898.

CADET HOSPITAL.

SUPERINTENDENT’S QUARTERS.

BATTERY KNOX.

SEA COAST BATTERY.

SIEGE BATTERY.

THE ACADEMIC.

MESS HALL.

DINING ROOM.

SOUTH CADET BARRACKS.

CAVALRY DRILL.

BATTALION MARCHING FROM CAMP TO BARRACKS.

CADET TENT.

FIRST CLASSMEN.

FURLOUGHMEN.

THE OLD CHAPEL.

CADET ROOM.

PROFESSORS’ ROW.

FLIRTATION WALK.

KOSCIUSZCO’S GARDEN.

THE OLD RIDING HALL.

BATTLE MONUMENT.

PONTON BRIDGE.

CADETS AT THE WORLD’S FAIR AT CHICAGO, 1893.

OFFICERS QUARTERS ABOVE THE OLD NORTH GATE IN 1910.

OFFICERS QUARTERS BELOW THE OLD SOUTH GATE IN 1910.

BACHELOR OFFICERS QUARTERS IN 1910.

THE CADET CHAPEL IN 1910.

NORTH CADET BARRACKS IN 1910.

THE OLD WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS.

THE OFFICERS MESS IN 1910.

THE CULLUM MEMORIAL HALL.

COAT OF ARMS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. ADOPTED IN 1898.

LIBRARY.

SIEGE BATTERY DRILL IN 1910.

ARTILLERY AND CAVALRY GROUP IN 1910.

THE NEW GYMNASIUM IN 1910.

PROPOSED STAFF QUARTERS ON THE SITE OF THE PRESENT HOTEL. (FROM A DRAWING.)

HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN 1910.

INSPECTION IN CAMP.

LIGHT ARTILLERY DRILL.

SEDGWICK MONUMENT.

CADET MONUMENT.

PROFESSORS’ ROW.

LOOKING EAST FROM THE NEW CADET CHAPEL IN 1910.

PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM THE RIVER ON THE EAST. (FROM A DRAWING.)

CHAPTER IX.
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.

“Where proud and free the Hudson flows,

Above the Highlands grand,

And in its placid bosom shows

The charms of Nature’s hand”

West Point, the seat of the United States Military Academy, is the property of the United States and situated in the State of New York in the Highlands on the west bank of the Hudson River, about fifty miles north of New York City. The grounds comprise 2,550 acres, of which about 200 acres are a plain, some one hundred and sixty feet above the river, the balance being mountainous.

In May, 1776, Brigadier General Henry Knox, Chief of Artillery, proposed plans for a military school for the new government, Colonel Alexander Hamilton seconded them and on October 1, 1776, upon the recommendation of General George Washington, the Continental Congress passed a resolution appointing a committee to prepare a plan for “a Military Academy at the Army” which was followed by the law of June 20, 1777, that provided for a “Corps of Invalids” to serve as a military school for young gentlemen previous to their appointment to marching regiments. This corps was organized the next month in Philadelphia, Penn.

The occupation of West Point as a military post took place January 20, 1778, and has been continuous since then.

On March 30, 1779, the Board of War adopted regulations for the Corps of Engineers and for the Sappers and Miners: these were promulgated in Orders, July 30, 1779, by General Washington and provided for a plan of instruction to be carried into effect after approval by the Board and by the General-in-Chief. The plan contemplated lectures by engineer officers, on fortifications, mining, reconnaissance, encampments and the like, and as early as February, 1780, practical experiments in gunnery were conducted at West Point, and in 1781, at the request of Washington, the Corps of Invalids was marched from Philadelphia to West Point, where an engineer school, a laboratory, and a library had already been established in three separate buildings.

At Newburgh, N. Y., in 1783, Washington discussed with his officers the necessity of the government maintaining a military academy as a part of the regular army and as the first President of the United States he again referred to it in his message of December 3, 1793, which resulted in the law of May 9, 1794, authorizing the organization of a “Corps of Artillerists and Engineers” with two cadets to each company, thereby creating the new grade of “cadet” in our regular army. The artillerists and engineers were stationed at West Point that year and a school for the cadets was opened at once and continued until 1796 when the school buildings were destroyed by fire.

In his last message to Congress, Washington said: “The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety, or expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided. Besides that, war might not often depend upon its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from the necessity of practicing rules of military art, ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of war is at once comprehensive and complicated; that it demands much previous study; and that the possession of it in its most approved and perfect state is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every Government; and for this purpose, an academy, where a regular course of instruction is given, is an obvious expedient, which different nations have successfully employed.”

In a letter to Colonel Hamilton, Ex-President Washington said: “The establishment of an Institution of this kind, upon a respectable and extensive Basis, has ever been considered by me as an object of primary importance to this Country; and while I was in the Chair of Government, I omitted no proper opportunity of recommending it, in my public speeches and other ways, to the attention of the Legislature.... I sincerely hope that the subject will meet with due attention, and that the reasons for its establishment which you have so clearly pointed out in your letter to the Secretary, will prevail upon the Legislature to place it upon a permanent and respectable footing.”

New buildings were put up at West Point and on July 20, 1801, the Secretary of War ordered all cadets of the corps of artillerists to proceed there, and on September 1st of that year the school was reopened with four army officers and one civilian as instructors.

An act of Congress approved March 16, 1802, authorized the President to organize a corps of engineers to consist of five officers and ten cadets, at West Point, to constitute a military academy, which he did and with the quota present the United States Military Academy was formally opened on the Fourth of July of that year.

But Congress did not appropriate any money for the Academy until March 3, 1803, and then in the Army Bill it gave only $2,000.00 for both the Academy and for War Department books and apparatus. The Army Bill of 1804 contained $1,000.00 for the Academy, and that of 1805 gave it $500.00. Then Congress ignored this institution until the war with England, when in the Army Bill of 1812 it gave the Academy $25,000.00 and authorized the erection of a library and other buildings, and the reorganization of the academic staff.

An Act of Congress in 1808 authorized 40 cadets from the artillery, 16 from the dragoons, 20 from the riflemen, and 100 from the infantry, but as no provision was made for them at West Point only a few of these were appointed. In 1810 the Military Academy was deprived of nearly all means of instruction and both officers and cadets experienced difficulty in getting their pay. During most of the year 1811, although war was then imminent, academic instruction was practically abandoned and in March, 1812, it was abandoned when the last instructor was ordered to duty elsewhere. Up to this time 88 cadets had graduated and they had been admitted to the academy without mental or physical examinations, at all ages, from twelve to thirty-four and at any time of the year.

By an Act of Congress approved April 29, 1812, the Military Academy was reorganized, and the provisions of this Act furnished the general principles upon which the Academy has since been conducted and controlled; a more adequate corps of professors was authorized, a maximum of 250 cadets was fixed, and age and mental requisites for admission of candidates were prescribed, and in 1817 under the able superintendency of Major Sylvanus Thayer, a graduate of the West Point class of 1808, the present era in the Academy’s history began, because he made it a school for the practical and theoretical training of cadets for the military service. Since then the requisites for admission have been increased from time to time by Congress and with its permission by the Secretary of War.

In 1834 an appropriation (of $139,881.45) for the Military Academy was for the first time made in a separate bill, called the Military Academy bill.

In 1838 many records and other property were destroyed by fire.

Prior to 1843 a prescribed residence was not a legal qualification for appointment but the selection of one cadet from each congressional district became a custom, and in this year Congress prescribed that the corps of cadets should consist of one cadet (recommended by the member) from each congressional district, one (recommended by the delegate) from each Territory, one from the District of Columbia and ten from the United States at large, to be appointed by the President; the number of cadets varying as the number of congressmen and delegates increased or diminished.

The Academic Board now comprises the following, to-wit:

Superintendent.

Commandant of Cadets—Instructor of Tactics.

Professor of Civil and Military Engineering.

Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.

Professor of Mathematics.

Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology.

Professor of Drawing.

Professor of Modern Languages.

Professor of Law and History.

Professor of Practical Military Engineering, Military Signaling and Telegraphy.

Professor of Ordnance and Gunnery.

Professor of Military Hygiene.

Professor of English and History.

Without regard to his rank the Superintendent is the head of the institution, while the other members of the Board take precedence according to rank.

These officers have as many assistants detailed from the army as the Secretary of War deems necessary for the proper instruction of the cadets, and the senior assistant in each department of instruction is a member of the Academic Board or of a committee of it, for the purpose of examining cadets, arranging them in order of merit, and determining their proficiency or deficiency in every branch of study in that department; and the instructor of any section under examination or consideration is a member of a department committee of the Academic Board for the purpose of examining the section and arranging it in order of merit.

All deliberations of the Academic Board and of its committees, and expressions of opinions and votes, individual or collective, of members thereof are confidential. The decisions of the Board are published in orders.

Since 1812 the Course of Study has been four years, except that for the classes entering in 1854, ’55 and ’56 it was five years, and for classes entering in 1908, ’09 and ’10 it was four years and three months, as new cadets were then admitted March 1.

Cadets of the Fourth Class found deficient at the January examinations are invariably discharged or permitted to resign, while some of the unfortunates at the June examination are turned back to the next class.

By virtue of Section 1331, Revised Statutes of the United States, the supervision and charge of the Academy are in the War Department under such officer or officers as the Secretary of War may assign to that duty.[61]

The Act of Congress approved June 23, 1879, provided “That each member of the graduating classes of the Military Academy of 1879 and 1880, after graduation, may elect, with the assent of the Secretary of War, to receive the gross sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars and mileage to his place of residence[62]; and the acceptance of this gross sum shall render him ineligible to appointment in the army, except in the event of war, until two years after his graduation.” And Congress did this when the Military Academy never graduated enough cadets to keep the army supplied with second lieutenants.[63]

The Act of Congress approved May 17, 1886, provided “That when any Cadet of the United States Military Academy has gone through all its classes and received a regular diploma from the Academic Staff, he may be promoted and commissioned as a second lieutenant in any arm or corps of the Army in which there may be a vacancy and the duties of which he may have been judged competent to perform; and in case there shall not at the time be a vacancy in such arm or corps, he may, at the discretion of the President, be promoted and commissioned in it as an additional second lieutenant, with the usual pay and allowances of a second lieutenant, until a vacancy shall happen.”

The Act of Congress approved November 4, 1889, provided that “Any cadet dismissed for hazing shall not be reappointed.”

By Acts of Congress approved June 6, 1900, March 2, 1901, June 28, 1902 (this act alone appropriated $5,500,000.00 for the improvement of a then fine plant), March 3, 1903, and May 28, 1908, the corps of cadets was made to consist of one cadet (recommended by the member) from each congressional district, two (one recommended by each senator) from each State at large, one (recommended by the delegate) from each Territory, one (recommended by the Commissioners) from the District of Columbia, one (recommended by the Resident Commissioner) from Porto Rico, and forty (appointed by the President) from the United States at large and, with the exception of the forty from the United States at large, to be actual residents of the Congressional District, State, Territory, District of Columbia or Porto Rico, respectively, from which appointed.

Four Filipinos, one for each class, are authorized to receive instruction as cadets, to be eligible on graduation only to commissions in the Philippine Scouts.

Under these Acts when in June a cadet finishes three years of his course at the academy, or sooner if his name is dropped from its rolls before then, a principal and two alternates may be appointed and the successful one admitted to the academy (formerly in the following June or September and now) on the next March 1st. But from July 1, 1910, to July 1, 1916, under the Act of April 19, 1910, when in June a cadet finishes two years of his course at the academy, or sooner if his name is dropped from its rolls before then, a principal and two alternates may be appointed and the successful one admitted to the academy on the next March 1st.

According to the twelfth census, the maximum number of cadets was fixed at 533.[64]

It is suggested to all candidates (principals and alternates[65]) that before leaving their homes for the place designated (either West Point or their nearest military post) for their official examination, they should cause themselves to be thoroughly examined by a competent physician, and by a teacher or instructor in good standing. By such an examination any serious disqualification or deficiency in mental preparation would be revealed, and the candidate probably spared the expense and trouble of a useless journey and the mortification of rejection.

It should be understood that the informal examination herein recommended is solely for the convenience and benefit of the candidate himself, and can in no manner affect the decision of the official Examining Boards.

There being no provision whatever for the payment of the traveling expenses of either accepted or rejected candidates for admission, no candidate should fail to provide himself in advance with the means of returning to his home, in case of his rejection before either of the Examining Boards, as he may otherwise be put to considerable trouble, inconvenience, and even suffering on account of his destitute condition. If admitted, the money brought by him to meet such a contingency can be deposited with the treasurer on account of his equipment as a cadet, or returned to his friends.

When the official examination is at a military post the questions[66] for the candidates and surgeons to answer are sent from West Point to the Board of Officers that conducts the examination. Each candidate is given a number which he signs to his examination papers and to a letter containing his autograph; the two are put in separate envelopes and sent to West Point.

The Act of Congress approved March 2, 1901, provided that “Appointees shall be examined under regulations to be framed by the Secretary of War before they shall be admitted to the Academy and shall be well versed in such subjects as he may from time to time prescribe.”

Special Acts of Congress are sometimes passed that authorize the education at the Academy of young men from foreign countries. These young men are not commissioned in the Army and the acts always provide that all of their expenses shall be defrayed by the countries to which they belong.

The Cadets are arranged in four distinct classes, corresponding with the four years of study.

The cadets employed on the first year’s course constitute the fourth class; those on the second year’s course the third class; those on the third year’s course the second class; and those on the fourth year’s course the first class.

There was in 1908, ’09 and ’10 a preliminary course from about March 11 to June 10 for new cadets then admitted March 1, and they constituted the class of new cadets.

The academic year commences on the 1st of July. On, or before, that date the result of the examination held in the preceding month is announced and Cadets are advanced from one class to another. At no other time is a Cadet advanced from one class to another, unless prevented by sickness, or authorized absence, from attending the aforesaid examination; in such a case a special examination is granted; but in no case is a Cadet advanced from one class to another without having satisfied the Academic Board of his proficiency in each branch of study pursued by his class.

“No cadet who is reported as deficient in either conduct or studies and recommended to be discharged from the Academy, shall, unless upon recommendation of the Academic Board, be returned or reappointed or be appointed to any place in the Army before his class shall have left the Academy and received their commissions.”

(Section 1325, Revised Statutes of the United States.)

Class RankNames
Arranged in Order of General Merit		MERIT IN
MathematicsEnglishFrenchSpanishNatural and Experimental PhilosophyChemistry, Chemical Physics, Mineralogy and GeologyDrill Regulations: Cavalry, Artillery and InfantryMilitary EfficiencyDrawingCivil and Military EngineeringLawOrdnance and Science of GunneryPractical Military EngineeringSoldierly Deportment and DisciplineMilitary HygieneFinal ConductGeneral Merit
Maximum in
each branch		400.0075.00150.00125.00300.00225.00115.00130.00125.00300.00150.00150.0045.0020.0025.00125.002460.00

The count for conduct, based upon the number of demerits received by a cadet each year, is

Class of New Cadets40
Fourth class year50
Third class year75
Second class year100
First class year125

The final count in conduct for the graduating merit roll is 125. It is obtained by adding together the respective proportional parts for each of the four years and the preliminary course for New Cadets, and then reducing the sums thus found to equivalent values with a maximum of 125.

Upon completing the prescribed course of study the graduates are eligible for promotion to the grade of Second Lieutenant in any corps or arm of the army, the duties of which the Academic Board may judge them competent to perform.

For instruction in infantry drill regulations and in military police and discipline, the Corps of Cadets is organized into two battalions, under the Commandant of Cadets, assisted by two battalion commanders (army officers), each company being commanded by an army officer. The cadet officers and non-commissioned officers are selected from those who have been most studious, soldier-like in the performance of their duties, and most exemplary in their general deportment. In general, the cadet officers are taken from the first class, the sergeants from the second, and the corporals from the third.

In an article in the July-August, 1904, number of The Journal of the Military Service Institution, Professor Samuel E. Tillman, of the United States Military Academy said:

“Any one returning to the Academy now after an absence of fifteen years will observe many striking changes, the most important of which are: The disappearance in large part of the annual and semi-annual examinations; the introduction of the intermediate examinations, that is examinations during the academic term, at the completion of some part of the term-course; the large increase in written recitations with corresponding decrease in oral; a great increase in practical and semipractical work in connection with the descriptive courses; the greater amount of time permitted for recreation exercises. These changes have greatly modified methods deemed of much importance for sixty years prior to 1890, yet it can be confidently asserted that the changes have enabled cadets to acquire a greater amount of information with less effort upon their part.... Cadet schools should always be training, developing and character-forming schools, as they control the students at the best formative period.”

Since 1840 the following changes have been made in the subjects taught, to-wit:

In 1853 Practical Military Engineering was added.

In 1857 Spanish was added.

In 1873 Ethics and Logic were dropped.

In 1882 General History was added and Physical Training was made a distinct course.

In 1909 Military Hygiene was added.

Text books have been changed or revised from time to time since the Academy was founded.

Colonel Charles W. Larned, Professor of Drawing at the Academy, in a recent article in Munsey’s Magazine, said:

“The improvements now in progress at the Military Academy ... include not only an architectural renewal, but a revision of the entire curriculum, both of which are undertakings of transcendant importance to the institution....

“It has been a difficult task to harmonize the various discordant buildings of other styles, which cannot be sacrificed, with the prevailing Tudor style; more especially as the topography of the site restricts the plan within confined limits. The architects have succeeded, however, in evolving a scheme which, when completed, will have both unity and coherence, and a picturesqueness unequaled on the continent. The rugged, climbing masses of semi-medieval Gothic structures that scale the granite cliffs and rise in towering succession to their crowning feature, the cathedral-like Chapel on Observatory Hill, will form a group of buildings in harmony both with their use and their environment, and worthy of the great institution they house.”

And in speaking of what graduates have done, he said: “At the end of that tremendous struggle (the Civil War), all the armies in the field on both sides were commanded by graduates of West Point; nearly all the army corps, and most of the divisions. Out of sixty of the greatest battles ... in fifty-six the commanders on both sides were graduates; in the other four a graduate commanded on one side, and three of the four were won by graduates....

“As explorers, as early as 1820, Long’s expedition containing Bell, Graham and Swift, explored as far as Pike’s Peak, and first ascended it; Allen, in 1832, first traced the source of the Mississippi; and Bonneville’s great exploration, in 1832-1834, penetrated Wyoming, Utah, California, and the Columbia and Yellowstone regions, and supplied the first hydrographic maps of the country.

“For half a century West Point was the principal and almost the only school of science and technology in America. Its graduates not only furnished presidents and teachers of scientific institutions as they appeared, but were the pioneer engineers who laid out the trans-continental routes of the great western railways, besides surveying and developing as engineers and presidents other systems in the East.... More than one hundred and seventy-five thousand miles of routes, lines and marches.” And graduates have had charge of “the Lake surveys; the Coast and Geodetic survey, reorganized and for twenty-four years superintended by a graduate; the surveys west of the one hundredth meridian; the river and harbor improvements of the United States; the control and building of the Panama Canal; the superintendency and construction of public buildings in Washington, including the wings and dome of the Capitol, and the Congressional Library; the rectification and completion of the Washington Monument; the construction of lighthouses, including the remarkable one of Minot’s Ledge; besides many other works of survey and construction, of which the Chicago (drainage) Canal is one of the most important. The disbursements of public funds for river and harbor work alone approximate six hundred million dollars and if other civil and military works are included, the grand total will be not far from one thousand millions.... Our officers ... have been: Governors of provinces, mayors of cities, collectors of customs, school commissioners, sanitary engineers, civil engineers, police commissioners, judges of courts, architects, superintendents of railroads, heads of departments of state, and even commanders of vessels....

“Half of the (4,121) graduates in the first century of the academy’s existence entered civil life, and in the civil career alone their record shows nineteen per cent of distinguished success—far in excess of that of any other institution in the land....”

In an article that appeared in 1904 in the New York Sun he gave the following data for—

West Point Graduates Who Have Attained Distinguished Success.

1 President of the United States.

1 President of the Confederate States.

3 Presidential candidates.

1 Vice-Presidential candidate.

4 Members of the Cabinet of the United States.

1 Ambassador.

14 Ministers from the United States to foreign courts.

2 Chargés d’Affaires from the United States to foreign courts.

12 United States Consuls-General and Consuls.

24 Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

171 United States civil officers of various kinds.

8 Presidential electors.

2 Governors of States and Territories.

77 Members of State Legislatures.

2 Lieutenant-Governors of States.

8 Presiding officers of State Senates and Houses of Representatives.

13 Members of conventions to form State constitutions.

81 State officers of various grades.

29 Adjutants, Inspectors, and Quartermasters-General and Chief Engineers of States and Territories.

158 Officers of State militia.

17 Mayors of cities.

57 City officers.

46 Presidents of universities, colleges, etc.

32 Principals of academies and schools.

14 Regents and chancellors of educational institutions.

136 Professors and teachers.

1 Superintendent of Coast Survey.

11 Surveyors-General of States and Territories.

14 Chief Engineers of States.

87 Presidents of railroads and other corporations.

63 Chief engineers of railroads and other public works.

62 Superintendents of railroads and other public works.

24 Treasurers and receivers of railroads and other corporations.

228 Civil engineers.

5 Electrical engineers.

14 Judges.

200 Attorneys and counsellors at law.

1 Bishop.

1 Superior-General of clerical order.

20 Clergymen.

14 Physicians.

122 Merchants.

77 Manufacturers.

3 Artists.

7 Architects.

230 Farmers and planters.

18 Bankers.

8 Bank presidents.

23 Bank officers.

30 Editors.

179 Authors.

In accordance with sections 1327, 1328 and 1329 of the Revised Statutes of the United States a Board of Visitors, composed of twelve persons, seven appointed by the President, two by the presiding officer of the Senate, and three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was for years annually appointed to visit the Military Academy to “inquire into the actual state of discipline, instruction, police administration, fiscal affairs, and other concerns of the institution, and reported the same to the Secretary of War for the information of Congress.” Each member of the Board received not exceeding eight cents per mile traveled, by the most direct route, from his residence to West Point and return, and in addition, five dollars per day for expenses during each day of his service at West Point. This Board visited and inspected the Academy during the first two weeks of June.

The Act of Congress approved March 4, 1909, among other things says:

“That hereafter the Board of Visitors to the Military Academy shall consist of five members of the Committee on Military Affairs of the Senate and seven members of the Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the respective chairman thereof, who shall annually visit the Military Academy on such date or dates as may be fixed by the chairman of the said committees; and the Superintendent of the academy and the members of the Board of Visitors shall be notified of such date by the chairman of the said committees, acting jointly, at least fifteen days before the meeting. The expenses of the members of the board shall be their actual expenses while engaged upon their duties as members of said board, and their actual expenses for travel by the shortest mail routes: Provided further, That so much of sections 1327, 1328 and 1329, Revised Statutes of the United States, as is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed.”

The Military Academy, upon which millions of dollars have been expended on grounds and buildings alone, is maintained by the Government solely for the practical and theoretical training of young men for commissions in the army, and that the investment is appreciated by the country is voiced by its public men, a few quotations being given here.

From his experience in the War of 1812 and service on Indian campaigns, General Andrew Jackson while President of the United States in a message to Congress said:

“I recommend to your fostering care, as one of our safest means of national defense, the Military Academy. This institution has already exercised the happiest influence upon the moral and intellectual character of our Army; and such of the graduates from various causes may not pursue the profession of arms will be scarcely less useful as citizens. Their knowledge of the military art will be advantageously employed in the militia service, and in a measure secure to that class of troops the advantages which in this respect belongs to standing armies.”

After the close of the Mexican war Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott in a report to the Secretary of War said:

“I give it as my fixed opinion that, but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico might, and probably would, have lasted some four or five years, with, in its first half, more defeats than victories falling to our share; whereas, in less than two campaigns, we conquered a great country and a peace, without the loss of a single battle or skirmish.”

Some two score of years later, in speaking of the graduates of the Military Academy, the Honorable Charles S. Fairchild, of New York, in an address said: “That roll, which, when told over, excites patriotic enthusiasm, and calls forth high emotion beyond that of the roll of any like institution in the world.”

And General William Tecumseh Sherman said:

“The education and manly training imparted to young men at West Point has repaid the United States a thousand times its cost, and more than verified the predictions of General Washington. Every cadet at West Point is an appointee of a member of Congress, every member having a cadet of his own nomination there, with only ten appointed by the President at large. The corps of cadets is therefore a youthful counterpart of our national House of Representatives. The same laws, the same regulations, the same instruction, books, clothing, and food are common to all, and a more democratic body never existed on earth than is the corps of cadets.”

In June, 1902, some five hundred graduates and President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Root, Lieutenant-General Miles, Adjutant-General Corbin, and scores of other non-graduates, assembled together at West Point, many with and a few without their wives, and celebrated in a royal manner the first centennial of the founding of the Military Academy. The cadets went into camp that year earlier than usual and their barracks were used by such of the visiting graduates as were not cared for at the hotel, in Cullum Hall, or by the families on duty at the post, while the wives and daughters of those of us who slept in barracks were cared for at Cozzen’s Hotel, now a part of the post.

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, then President of the United States, in an address said:

“This institution has completed its first hundred years of life. During that century no other educational institution in the land has contributed as many names as West Point has contributed to the honor roll of the nation’s greatest citizens.”

The Hon. Elihu Root, the Secretary of War, said:

“The foregoing considerations naturally bring to mind the Military Academy at West Point. I believe that the great service which it has rendered the country was never more conspicuous than it has been during the past two years. The faithful and efficient service of its graduates since the declaration of war with Spain have more than repaid the cost of the institution since its foundation. They have been too few in number and most heavily burdened.”

And in his address to the graduating class of 1903 the Honorable David B. Henderson, of Iowa, a former Speaker of the National House of Representatives, and then the President of the West Point Board of Visitors, said: “The Board (of Visitors) have all been here and have devoted such time as was possible to studying the conditions of West Point. I can speak for the Board that they have been delighted with what they have seen, and are unanimously of the opinion, which the world holds, I may say, that this is the greatest military educational school on earth.”

Many foreign princes and others interested in the education of young men for civil as well as for military pursuits visit West Point. Among the guests at the Academy’s Centennial were two German army officers sent by the Emperor as his personal representative.

After a careful inspection of the leading educational institutions of the world Major-General Sir Thomas Frazer of the British Army in a letter referring to West Point said: “I think the institution is better than any I have seen.”

And Field Marshal Lord Wolseley in writing about West Point said: “I have very often had the advantage of meeting men who have qualified at that best of all military schools and invariably found them interesting companions, with a thorough knowledge of their profession.”

Colonel Bridges, C. M. G., recently said: “After an exhaustive course of inquiries into the training of the young idea in military matters, I have returned to Australia imbued with the idea that the American methods in vogue at their celebrated institution at West Point are the best, with, of course, certain modifications for Australia.... It is an extremely efficient institution for the purpose for which it is intended.”