In consideration of the almost perfect disguise which may be effected through the magic agency of burnt cork, by which even the dignified features of our Professors can be effectually concealed, we would enjoin upon the audience a respect for gravity during the minstrel performance; and the managers would take this opportunity of thanking the “Heads of Departments” for the very affable manner in which they have consented to contribute, by their Terpsichorean and Ethiopian efforts to the evening’s amusement.
Owing to the probability of the hall being inspected by the “Officer in charge,” after the Battalion has returned to Barracks, the managers earnestly solicit the destruction of all vestiges of this “Feast of reason,” as it is not mentioned on the “Cadets’ Bill of Fare” for this date. First classmen are recommended to preserve the “Flow of soul” for use to-morrow, in case the Superintendents may not be pleased to release them from “pledge.”
The managers respectfully call attention to their endeavors to produce that long desired “mean” equally removed from “Corinthian lightness, and Egyptian massiveness.”
Should the performers attempt to “consume time,” or the enthusiasm of the audience be kindled to such an extent as to create apprehension for the safety of the building, the services of the Fire Department, under the able management of its efficient “Chief Engineer,” will be called into requisition—(provided the nozzle can be found.)
MANAGERS:
- S. W. FOUNTAIN,
- R. A. WILLIAMS,
- E. M. COBB,
- A. H. RUSSELL,
- A. E. WOOD.
The semi-annual examination commenced right after New Years and when the class standing[39] was announced, about thirty cadets were found deficient, and discharged. At least half the deficient ones were in my class, and the balance in the other three classes. Those near the foot of my class, who passed, but about whom doubts had been entertained as to their ability to get through, were now furnished with warm cloth overcoats of the regulation cadet gray. The sections were rearranged according to the standing determined by the examinations, text books for the next five months were drawn, lessons assigned and studies resumed. Shortly after our class standing had been published, the class was sent to the Library, where we again took the oath of allegiance, and in due time afterwards each fourth classman received his “cadet warrant.”
The plebes now began to make the best show they could both about their rooms and in their personal appearance. Those who could do so procured curtains[40] for the windows, alcoves and clothes presses, all turkey red, of course, as that was the regulation color. When they got new clothes, they were particular about the fit, especially of the dress coats, as their waists had grown more shapely, caused by wearing close fitting clothes and belts, which required the chest and not the abdomen to be used for breathing. They had their old dress coats made smaller in the waist, too.