Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-02-21
RUTLAND HERALD.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY Is, 1867,
The Naval Academy.

me removal OF the NhNaI aSauoinJ iioh
Annapolis, Maryland, on account of the
disloyal spirit manifested by the citizens
OF that town and In that section Of the
State, has called public notice to this
School under the patronage of the Gov
eminent. While most Of our people are
acquainted with the workings of the
Military Academy at West Point, but
few have the means within their reach
of learning the objects or system Of the
Naval Academy. Our attention was
brought more forcibly to an investiga-
ton of the subject on looking over its
last annual Register soon after the Con-
gresslonal agitation of its removal.
The education received at the Naval
School rs different and, in some respects,
more important TO the public interest In
times of peace, at least, than the train
ing and education given In the Military
Academy, for it frequently occurs that
persons connected with the navy are
called upon to represent the Government
in matters of Importance, in the absence
of other proper officers, or, perhaps,
where none are resident TO whom pro-
perly belongs the negotiations of the
character they are Immediately called
upon to perform.
The regulations governing the admis-
~ 81 Inf Naval Ara
DENY are two for every member and dele
gate of the House of Representatives,
the President of the United States NOM
mates two for the District Of Columbia,
ten at large, ten appointed annually from
boys enlisted in the navy who have been
at least one year in the service, six
months of which shall have been sea ser
vice. The candidates must be between
IA and IS years Of age, OF good moral
character, certified by testimonials, and
possess a good English education.
The President is Vice Admiral David
D. Porter and is assisted by twelve pro-
fessors; besides these there are some
sixty or seventy assistants, tutors and
other officers, connected with the AGA
deny. The graduating class of last year
numbered "a; second class, 50 third
class, 81 fourth class, 1913, and the stu
dents admitted last July and September
numbered 1919. Two terms are held each
year. First term, Oct. to Feb. ! ; sec
ond term, Feb. / to June /. Three reclt-
atoms are given daily, except Saturday.
The old frigate Constitution is used as a
school ship, and twelve other vessels are
held at the disposal Of the Academy.
There are eight separate departments in
the course of instruction first, practi-
cal seamanship, naval gunnery and in
fantry; second, mathematics; third, as
tronomy, navigation aud surveying
fourth, natural and experimental phil
osophy; fifth, ethics and English studies;
sixth, seventh and eighth, French, Span
ish, drawing and draughting. Each
year a physical examination of a rigid
character is instituted with every class,
20 that they may have the assurance that
every graduate is free from any bodily
obstacle to the efficient performance OF
his duty. Duelling, the use of tobacco
and alcohol are strictly prohibited and
heavy penalties are imposed on delin-
quents,
Within the last year the buildings OF
the Academy have been enlarged and
improved. The great increase of mid
shipmen over the former number had
made accommodations limited both fol
officers and students. The present area
of the Academy grounds is about AZ
acres. When Admiral Porter took charge
of the school the buildings and grounds
were in bad condition, having been &C
oupied during the war for hospital an(
other purposes, but he has had then
renovated and put in excellent condl
ton. A building for the use Of the Steam
Department of instruction has beef
completed; and a gymnasium erected
The library consists Of 10000 volume
consisting chiefly of scientific and pro
fessional works, but large additions ar
needed to bring 1t to the requirement
Of the present day.
We have made this summary of tn
Naval Academy that our readers ma
know the discipline required OF tn
American youth who becomes CON
petent naval officer. Not only Is skill il
his profession required, but it Is neces
sary that his manners should be marke
with courtesy and his mind amply store
with useful knowledge. In the servic
on foreign stations he will be brougt
int contact with naval officers of 0the
countries and ostentimes with persons
high rank, then the COED name of h
country and government are In h
hands. He will at times, with little d.
liberation, be called on to decide que
tions OF international law, with no tin
to consult the home government. Their
f~xn tha voprr r,;5eb;nu,ap hoCnmas r