The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-12

young artists, took the place of Leslie, but Wier
was only an American; Wier had not like Leslie,
an European reputation, and nothing, therefore,
was done for him. After seven eight years toll
in the institution, during which he found time to
produce his great picture at Washington, and va
rious smaller works of exceeding beauty, he was,
about three years since, made, by act OF Con-
gress, professor of drawing When, however,
he came to inquire into the matter, he found
that this change of name brought with il no increase
of salary; he could not receive the pay Of profess
sor. He inquired further, and found that he did
not even rank professor; all the advantage he
gained from the law the privilege of calling
himself professor instead of teacher of drawing.
The law was frivolous one, and we hope will be
amended by giving Mr.. Wier station and COM
pensation, among the other instructors, proper
toned TO his talents and his labors.
There is another consideration in regard to the
Institution at West Point, which we wish to lay be-
fore our readers.
The growth of our population and the enlarge
ment OF our borders bring with them, as matter OF
course, the occasion of giving military education
TO greater number of our young men. The edu-
cation received at West Point differs considerably
from that obtained in our colleges; but in various
respects it is very thorough one, and fits those who
receive il for usefulness in various employments in
which science is applied to the practical purposes OF
life. West Point furnishes excellent engineers,
able practical chemists, and for some reason we do
not know exactly what it may be- considerable
proportion of clergymen. 1t certainly, however
turns out annually class of gallant, we'll trained
young officers, for the American army.
. The history Of the war of Mexico, war which
drew them forth from the pursuits of civil life, il
full of proofs of their bravery, their military SKILL
their fitness in every respect for taking prompt
and efficient part in the hostilites in which their
country may be engaged. 1t is one of the advan-
tages of education received at West Point, that
it combines physical with mental training, and i'm
parts to the character a certain manly hardihood.
The number of cadets at this Academy is now
limited by the number of Congressional districts
within the confederacy. The cadets are appointed
on the nomination of the representatives in Con-
gress, with the exception often who nominated
by the President of the United States These ten
appointments intended for the sons of the Off
GERS in the land and naval service who would other
wise, in respect to the Military Academy, be utter
ly disfranchised
1t is the opinion of many of our ablest military
men, that the corps Of cadets for the purpose of
struction, might, with advantage, be largely in
creased We are informed that an increase, equal
to the number of Senators in Congress, might be
made without any further provision by law, either
for professors or for quarters at West Point, and
would give much better sized battalion for in
sruction in tactics; and that this addition to the
number of pupils would not furnish more than a
sufficient number of yearly graduates for the army.
1t is true that certain number of assistant teach
crs-fve, it is saidwoud be required; but these
always taken from the officers of the army, and
cost the nation no more than if they remained at
the other military stations.
1t is suggested that these additional appointments
should be made for the several States on the nom.
ination of the Senators, without regard to Con-
gressional districts The power of nomination
ought not certainly to be conferred upon the repre-
sentatves who have already their share of this ad-
vantage, and who, a matter of equity, ought to
be willing to admit the Senators to the same right
they themselves possess.
II the nation is satisfied with the military acade-
my West Point with the education its pupils re-
ceve, and with the services they have rendered we
suppose scruple will be felt in charging some
what the number Of those who are educated there.
The existence in our country of class Of men
trained in military school, intelligent in all that
relates to the art Of war. and competent to organize
and train large body Of soldiers in the shortest
space Of time, is circumstance which, perhaps
more than any other, enables us to dispense with a
regular army. The Board of West Point yisiters
il is said, much inclined to make, in their late
report, the very suggestion which We have been
discussing.
Even with this addition to the number Of its pu-
pills, the annual expense of maintaining the West
Point military academy would not be equivalent to
the yearly cost of a ship Of war.