Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-06-22
Wurrcster
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1926.
VEST POINT ACADEMY.

VEST POINT ACADEMY.
This Institution being of public character,
and supported at the expense of the nation,
becomes an object of curiosity and interest
to every citizen. Believing that fuller
knowledge of its character than is general
ly possessed would be desirable to our read
ers, we publish the following sketch of it
from the pen of one who writes from person.
al observation, and who is every way quail
fed 20 Judge Of what he so well describes.
The Institution at West Point is worthy of
the high reputation which il enjoys. The
discipline is strict and sufficient; the fidelity
OF the officers exemplary; the industry of the
young men greater than at any institution in
the country. The kind of education which is
given is however not well suited for those who
intend to enter the career of civil life; but by
its strict system of subordination, regular, pa
tient habits, and care to instruct in the exact
sciences, it cannot fail to call the powers of
any one into action. The police of the nsti-
tuition is separated from the business of in
struction.s The teachers have nothing to do
lence. The military commandant is cntrust-
ed with the inspection of the buildings in
which the students reside. Ofthese buildings
there are two. An assistant is stationed in
each OF them. Besides this, in every story one
of the oldest cadets has the superintendance
of his floor, and in the room where several are
quartered one is appointed to be " ORDERLY"
Thus the orderly, or officer in the room, is sub
ordinate to the officer of the story, who is a.
gain answerable to the officer of the barracks;
and he, in his turn, to the commandment and
the commandant, and all officers of nstruc-
ton, or in the military choir, are under the
authority of the superintendent. Thus the
system is complete, and the chances of irreg-
ularity are made exceedingly small.
Where new class cutters, it amounts in
number to nearly hundred. Ofthese about
one third only are finally destined to succeed.
They are at first divided into sections of a con-
venient size, until their respective merit can be
ascertained. SO soon as this has been done,
they are arranged in four sections, according
to their talents and respective proficiency, and
each section is urged forward as fast and as
far as it can go. The first section learns, of
course, much more than the others. But, not
content with this subdivision, the academic
board proceeds to fix the exact merits of each
individual, and the roll of Cadets their COL
lege catalogue is arranged and printed strictly
according to rank. Thus the principle of en-
| ulation is brought to act with intense energy.
At the close of six months there is an exami-
nation, when changes are made in the roll if
reason appear for making any. Thi. exami-
nation is rigid and thorough it ascertains the
exact qualities ofeach cadet, his progress and
condition. If il is found that some have been
deficient, they are put back. Twenty-Five
have been turned back after one such exami-
| nation. Those who are too dull TO excel, or
too idle to apply their minds, are turned away.
Thus none are permitted to remain behind at
the academy but those who have actually ad-
vanced in their studies and exhibited the
fruits Of industry. Even good intentions and
great industry will not save the too dull. The
United States wish for no ounces il their en-
| ploy. The branches in which instruction is
given are exceedingly limited. No Greek.
no Latin, no English, and only promise of
something in ethics, history, and the like
OF the modern languages French is taught.
and very well. Drawing, also, kind of skill
which all must acquire. Besides these, both
chemistry and mineralogy are pursued; all
other time, the best part of four years are de-
voted, with unwearied application, to the
mathematics and kindred studies. Among
these there are some which come home to
mems business and every day concerns. PHI
losophy explains the doctrinal application of
mechanics, and civil engineering teaches the
art of building roads, bridges and canals. OF
the personal character of the teachers, I am
able TO speak in the highest terms. They are
pleasant, well verseG in their respective
branches, mild, and communicative. | have
taken some agreeable walks with them--and
this reminds me Of the character of the scene
ry by which we are surrounded, and which
has mysterious influence over the mind and
senses. A part of the landscape is as The
| work of enchantment. The river descends
through gorge of the mountains a small ISL
and lies at a proper distance in its channel, :;
" above, by sudden bend, it Qbe river) van
ishes from the sight, and, instead of il, you see
the village of Newburg closing the view
Add sloops and steamboats,, valies and noun
tains, ruined fortress, and whatever else
imagination can supply, you have not present.
ed to your mind picture hardly so fair as the
one around me. The life Of cadet is uni
form, and demands Temperance, vigilance,
and intellectual industry. He is called at
day-break; he rises, sweeps his own room,
and straps together his own bed, and holds his
room ready for inspection. Private study till
seven. Then breakfast and a half hours rest.
Then three hours are spent with the mathe.
NAUTICAL instructor; two hours more, till one,
at lectures. At one they dine--boiled meat
and soup, pudding and molasses. At two they
are with master again till four. From four
TO sunset military parade. Atsun-set roll.call
and supper. A half hour past sur-set signal
for retiring TO quarters is given; and from that
time, till bedtime, no cadet is allowed to be
out OF his room, nor may he go to bed till the
time comes. Then the rooms are visited !;
order and oblivion are reported to prevail and
sleep may continue her rule till the morning
gun proclaims the approach Of day-break.
We understand that 1t. Gov. Morton has
been nominated to fll the vacancy on the
bench of the Surname Court If fh;s Con..ou