The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-06-07

correspondence OF the herald
WEST POINT, June 6, 1916.
annual Military Examination = Military Euohi-
tions-Appearance of West Point
West Point, ever beautiful and attractive spot,
is more than ever so at present To-day began the
annual military examinations for lSi5, and many are
those who have arrived from parts near and remote,
to be spectators Of the interesting exercises Unjust
happen but seldom that great aconcourse of stran
gers assemble here indeed, if such were not the
case, a little more accommodation would be desi-
deratum. Last nighttime longer ago-there was an
lnordinate demand for quarters. Those who were
lucky enough to be booked early free laugh,
and laugh they did; but the last batch were disposed
to look upon the state OF things more grayely. The
landlord, whose sollcitude to serve all was naturally
keen, at last became overpowered with melancholy,
and was, after laying down his pen in despair, only
aroused to fresh effort by facetous suggestion of one
OF the guests, that he should apply to the commssa
riat or quarter-master for assistance. Had Rip Van
Wrinkle been there IN the same drowsy mood us
when he resigned himself to the sale keeping of the
Catskils, he could not have been more eager APP
pcant for dormitory than the gentleman spoken
OF. AT last ingenuity surmounted all difficulty,
rious devices were resorted to mutual concessions
were made, reciprocal overtures were met In spirit
of friendly negociaton-the night was passed over
without any grave incident; but to how many
slept In one bed or in one room, is not yet revealed
1t were needless to give description of this loca-
my, oiiu WCH hHOWH IctIcdts yet L cduHOt dDStdlu
from expressing my admiration of it, as one admira-
ably adapted for the enjoyment of good air, and all
those objects sought tor in country residence. Last
night the military band played for an hour on the
green adjoining the hotel, and will probably IA
vor us nightly with a repetition, which would
be. desirable, judmg from the enlivenng and
hilarious effects II produced on the crowds who
listened to 1t. As to what is the composition of
the hundred jewellers in this populous habitatlon,
could make no nearer approach to its description
than mere conjecture. The usual complement of
ladies', CONNIE dit, are found among them. The
hedgesa charmingly green; the flowers are bloom
ing IN the parterre III front, and every thing is
laughingly verdant that my regards may have been
pre-occuped with them, and so have overlooked the
individuals around me. Be that as it may, would
not like to swear how many handsome faces saw
perhaps one or two Of military men we have
any number; cooked hats, plumes, epauletts, and
brass spurs, plenty strawberries Of this class
there are not few magnates here now. Among the
rest may be mentioned Major General Scott, Briga-
der General Brooke, Brigadier General Gibson,
Commissary General Paymaster General Towson
Colonel G. Bomford, Ordnance Bureau; Surgeon
General Lawson, and Major Levi Whiting, These
constitute the Board Of Examiners In addition to
these, General Sanford, General Storms, General
Lloyd, the Marquis de Talarue and suite, the Hon.
w. L. Marcy and lady, and many others, are here,
on account Of the military exercises.
The Hall OF examination was opened this morn
ing, and the Board took their seats at 8 o'clock
The Cadets now in the academy, number 204.
These are divided into four classes, of which the
first, consisting of Al members, was examined to-
day, on military and civil engineering. From the
readiness and clearness of the definitions and ma
thematica solutions given, it is evident that the
system Of instruction instituted here is comprehen-
slve and sound one. All the young gentlemen ac-
quilted themselves with credit and with one excep-
tion there did not appear to be any loss for proper
answer II is not practicable report the questions
and answers; the first being frequently repeated
and the latter often; indeed, mostly consisting o.
explanations of diagrams, and mathematical t6eo
rems.
Maj. General Scott reviewed the mounted ar
tillery this evening consisting of brass field
pieces. All the world, as the French say, were ou
looking on, and it seemed to be much more attrac
tive to the ladies than the dry cross-questoning Of
the examiners. 1t is expected the duties of the
board will not end here for at least two weeks anc
each day will have its review of Artillery Caval
ry, Infantry, Engineers, there is likely to be
large expenditure ofgunpowder.