The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-02
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS 10 TIL
WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY

tors who attended the last annual examination of
the Military Academy at West Point by invitation Of
the Secretary Of War. The board appear TO have
discharged their duties with great care and fidelity,
and have imbodied in their interesting and ably
written report many suggestions which we think
will meet with general approval. To the general
plan, purpose and propriety of the institution
unanimous appreciation" is bestowedi but some
exceptions taken to the and system Of in
struction. In other words, the board of opinion
that the cadets physically and intellectually
worked We quote from the report g The most
unremitting intellectual effort seems to be required
during the entire term Of the cadet at the Academy.
No mental relaxation, comparatively is allowed not
even occasional change in the system method of
instruction, much less the relief that would be af-
forded by historical other reading kindred to the
subject Of study. Whilst the proficiency displayed
by the cadets under examination is alike creditable
to their apt industry and to the zeal and capa-
city Of their teachers arc not satisfied that this
proficiency is healthy development Of all the intel
ectual faculties required to be trained"
The report further states, Of the results Of
this everlasting system of education, that g the
class graduating thrty-eght members this year en-
tered the Academy four years ago numbering ninety
six, and adds, this great disparity occurs in al
most every graduating class and as the staff of in
struction is sufficiently large to conduct through the
entire course much greater number of cadets than
those who graduate, il becomes important as il is
manifesty proper, to inquire whether the system of
instruction and mental discipline might not be 80
changed, without impairing its efficiency as to relax
al Al.
into more gradual and normal, and less imperative
development, to the institution and TO the SER
vice some intellect and spirit which might eventually
confer honor on both"
The board recommend several changes in the
course of studies, and of opinion that many of
the text books in at the Academy not adapted
to the requirements of the institution They of
opinion that the number of appointments to the
Academy should be increased by conceding TO each
senator in Congress the privilege of nomination
The board recommend that certificate of good
physical condition shall be requisite from the nearest
army or navy surgeon before the applicant shall
be permitted to present himself at the Academy for
admission cadet They also recommend that the
privileges Of the cadet in regard to obtaining books
from the library and in of death and sickness
in their families, should be increased. The finances
Of the Academy, it is stated administered in the
most satisfactory manner
The report concludes with recommending the fol-
lowing changes in the military organization of the
Academy
l. A superintendent appointed at present, from the
engineer corps with the local rank of colonel and such
annual salary the cxgences of his position require.
This officer to have immediate military and civil govern
ment of the institution and to be responsible for its
rect management.
D. commander of the garrison to be appointed from
the army with the local rank of lieutenant colonel This
officer command the whole military force of the post
including the corps Of cadets and to be subject to the
orders of the superintendent He shall not be entitled to
at the academic board except in of the DEATH
disability, or absence Of the superintendent
g. commandment OF the corps of cadets, to be appoint
cd from the infantry with the pay Of major This officer
also to be instructor Of infantry tactics.
A. A commander of the company of engineers, to be
appointed from the corps of engineers with the pay OF
captain This officer to be also instructor Of practical
military and civil engineering
g. commander of cavalry to be taken from the cav
airy or Dragons with the pay of captain This officer to
be also instructor of cavalry tactics
g. commander of artillery, to be appointed from the
artillery with the pay captain of engineers to be in
structor also, OF the theory and practice OF artillery III
all its branches.
T. An adjutant to the superintendent
g. An adjutant to the commandment of the garrison
g. surgeon.
10. An assistant surgeon.
IL. quarterrnaster.
II. treasurer
OF these officers the superintendent the commandment
of the cadets of engineers of cavalry, and o the art
lery to be members of the academic board