The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-06-22

against 1t on many different grounds, Among
other reasons for its dsconnuance it has been said
that the Government oNght not to select small
body of youths to be educated at the public ex-
pense for the purpose of being placed in situations
which could be sufficiently we-flled, whenever
vacancies occur, by almost any young men
of average education and capacity. Not only is
the fact thus assumed erroneous, but the objection
is based upon those narrow and Jealous views of
the principles that should regulate political
appointments, which are gaining ground so
rapidly among us, That electoneering SER
vices entitle man to an office, and that
the qualification to fill place is less to be con-
sdered than the amount of influence which backs
the pretentions of the claimant, are practically
recognized as legitimate propositions for the con-
sderation of the Government. 1t seems to be
tacitly admitted that one American citizen is al
ways the equal of another, both in his legal rights
and in fitness for work requiring the exercise
of such qualifications as special training, social
refinement, or mental culture, to bring it to
profitable issue. We appoint Il Consul who
never saw a ship or ledger, and who has to
master the multiplication table on his outward
voyage. We nominate a backwoods editor for
foreign mission, whose ignorance of the Ian
guage, history and habits of the people among
whom be is sent TO dwell, render him ridiculous
in their eyes, and incapacitate him for being of
any earthly advantage to us. We are, in fact, the
only civilized people in the world who think it
of no Importance that men whose business is with
affairs which guide or influence the destinies of
nations, should be possessed Of either experience
or knowledge in the line of their duty. So in re-
gard to West Point, we have heard it urged in
support of the objection We have mentioned, that
the heroes of the Revolution came untutored from
the plough and the anvil, and what they in their
The war in Italy if its movements be attentively
studied, will demonstrate the falacy of an exclu-
sive reliance in the future upon simple courage and
| patriotism. War is now series of scientific
operations in which awkward bunder is
certain to prove disastrous, if not fatal as is
false upon the chess board in the face of an
experienced player. The days have gone by when
behind Il rude breastwork or in few loop-holed
houses, undscpined rinemen could hold their own
against regulars for any heightened period. The
facility with which large masses of men can be
moved into different positions or directed upon
single point when drilled according 10 modern tao
tics-the precision and overwhelming force with
which the deadly shells now in use can be show
cred down into redOubt-and the rapidity and
SKILL with which praised engineers can construct
earthN orks which are impregnable except to an
attacking party supplied with the formidable mis-
siles SO lately invented, and knowing how to
use them-all these things have rendered any cal
culations in war which are based upon the system
of few years ago, of no avail now If ever scien-
tc requirements and daily exercise in all the duties
OF his profession were necessary to constitute an ac
complished soldier, they of trnfold more mpor-
lance to-day than at any previous period in the
worlds history. Nor can we afford while the Euro
pean powers straining every nerve to keep pace
with the improvements of the age, to be wholly be
hind them in knowledge of military affairs In our
small army we can only educate handful of Off
GERS, who, in great emergency, could effect but
little, on account of their paucity of number, in
country so widely extended ours. 1t is of ex-
IRENE importance, then, that in the absence of
such school, which large standing army always
affords, some means should be devised by which
a thorough military education should be impaired
to a considerable class of our citizens West
Point, limited as is the sphere of its action, is
worthiy laboring to this end 1t compares most
favorably with similar institutions abroad, and,
while it annually sends forth body of men emf
nently prepared to do good service in time of dan
ger, the reputation of the country is enhanced by
proving, by its support ofthe Academy its determ-
nation, in at least one department, TO take care that
men are fitted for the stations they are expected
to occupy