The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1825-07-21
[From Me- Forester (Mass) Spy.l
WEST POINT ACADEMY

VEST POINT ACADEMY.
Ihls institution being of public character |
and Supported at the expense of the nation,
becomes an object ofeuriosity and interest
to every citizen. BelieFing that fuller
knowledge its character than is generally |
possessed, would h" desirable 10 our rca-
.ers, we publish the following sketch of il
from the pen OF one who writes from per-
sonai observation, aud who is.sNsry WAY
qualified TO judge of what Inc so well des-
cflbes
The lns,t ,ion AZ West Point is worthy
of the high reputation which it enioys.--
The discipline rs strict and sufficient the
fidelity ol the officers exemplary the in
dustry of the yonn6 men greater than at a
ny institution IN the country. The kind of
education which is given Is, however, not
we'll suited for those who intend to cutter
the career Of civil life, hu, by its strict sys-
tenn of subordination, regular, patient habits
/ and care To instruct in the exact sciences, II
cannot fail to call the powers of any one
mto action. The police of the institution
~ separated from the business ofinstrnrtion.
The teachers have nothing to do bat To re-
! port the cases OF disorder or indaience.-
The military commandant is cntIuste l
With tho inspection Of the buildings in which
the students reside. OF these buildings
there are TIVE. An assistant is stationed in
each of them. Besides this, in every story
one OF the oldest cadets has the superin-
tendance of his floor, aud in the room
where several are quartered. one is appoin-
ted 10 be orderly" Thus the orderly, or
officer IN the room, Is subordinate to the
oihcer OF the story, who is again answers
bic 10 the officer of the barracks; and he,
IN his turn, to the commandment and the
coMmandant, aud all officers ofinstructon
orin the military 'eofps, are under the au-
thorlty Of the superintendent. Thus the
system is complete, and the chances of IL
regularity are made exceedingly small.
Where a new class enters, il amounts in
number 10 nearly hundred. OF these a
bout one third only are finally destined TO
succeed. They are at first divided into
sections OF u convenient size, until their
respective merit can be astertaned. So
soon as this has been done, they are arran-
sed III four sections, according to thrir tai
ents and respective proficiency, aud each
SECTION is urged forward as fast and as far
as II can 60. The first section learns OF
course more than the others. But not con-
tent with this subdivision, the academic
board proceeds 10 fix the exact merits OF
each individual, and the roll of Cadets
their college catalogue is arranged aud
printed strictly according to rank. Thus
TIE principle of emulation is brought 10 act
: with intense energy. At the close of SIX
, mouths there is an examination, when
changes are made in the roll, if reason ap-
pear for maldng any. This examination is
: r'gld and thorough III, ascertans the exact
Qualities Of each cadet his progress and con-
dition. Hit ls found that some have been
dehc'ent, they are put back. Twenty-Five
nave been turned back after one such ex-
animation. Those who are too dull to ex-
.e' OF too idle To apply their minds, are
turned away. Thus none are permitted to