New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-08-07
VEST POINT ACADEMR.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE BoAFD OF VISlIoh''
W,su1NcToN. Aug 5.-The Board OF VISITORS
annoipted by the President to attend the amman eA
nation at the United States Military Academy az "cS'
Point IN June last have submitted their report 10 'o
War department and 1t will be laid before Congress az
its next session. The Board was composed Of judge
ISarias m warren Mass: Gen. John Eaton, IT,
Tenn: Gen. David Hunter, u. 8 A.; Gen. W ".
Gresham Ind the Hon. ID. f. Loan, MO- ana fIesuens
oh ~ The Rochester University, N. " and Stanton
~ the Miami University, ONO. The system OF US
PREVAIL freedom SO necessary to the development of
Strong self-reliant characters is not lHpeutu ~ u
wise restraint, yet the personal knowledge OF lno
fendet respecting tho habits conduct, and capacity Oh
officers and cadets Is surprisingly mluute uuu i
being oppressive tyrannieal ana conseqheuS Ian
sive is made TO exercise a constant and powerful lhuu
ence over both. The principles OF hhonai'Ss go
f0HR R Pyr n9d and INSURE 10 the country patriotic and
honest as well able officers me nlouuvt ii sS
radual extension OF the system OF enlarged Eeses us
Teward for good conduct is declared to be working very
we'll Instruction the and The gu sDec
Supervision Of the professors, assisted Dy army OH
sDecial branehes they are severally detailed TO
teach. The division OF tho classes INTO sec
tons each in charge of asssant-the professor pro-
eeedng from section section, imparng the benefit OF
his Tiper knowledge TO both teaehers ana the taught
e and declared TO be one OF the best features IN the
system The blackboard illustrations ana rccitallOns OF
he cadets command high praise and attest their scien
tiGc Observation-Disclosures of their subjects and the faithful
ness and ability OF their Instructors marked
deficiency in elegance and even facility OF ut.
terance was, however, found TO exist, and more
training in logic, composition ana criticism Is
considered as exceedingly desirable. THIS and other de-
cenees are charged to low standard OF qualifications
for admission which asserted TO be two years OF study
below the Of colleges and universities III our own
country and in military schools abroad aud to the neces
sty of devotng the cadets limited time at the Academy
to the studies especially apperainng to his Intended pro-
fsIon of arms While prasing the attachments Of the
diets in foreign languages the Board think that equal at
mention shold be given TO our own Tie suggested rene
dial measures for existing Deficiencies embraced In
written as well oral examinations short courses OF
tary operations hygiene connected with the care
and preservation OF troops IN the heid ana historical
studies means OF education Inc standard OF adlhs
should also be raised to correspond IN some degree
with the standard Of other educational institutions at
home and abroad. Constant ADDITIONS 10 the sc!ehtlc
apparatus advised, aud the collection OF mus
tfatons Of natural history zoology and mneraoy being
found to be very far below what is required plan Tor
their enlargement and Improvement srecommended Tor
adoptOn Competitive examinations the basis OF APP
pOlntment to the academy are also suggested Ie spar
OF the chap9incy from the rofessOIsp or ethics
lapguishing their enforced union, Is recommended
by this Beard it has been by all their predecessors for
Tire study OF the course of ethics has long been dis
tasteful to the cadets, aud this important branch las
reorganization proposed would revive aud make II popu
lar The Board consider the proposition made TO abolish
IL altogether inadmssibe, but its useful continuance
is regarded dependent upon reorganization In draw
Ing 1t is advised that more time be given TO draw from
teal instruction OF all kinds, and both OF mil
itary and civil character, gratifying proficiency
report is devoted especially to the signal
and telegraph drill; the application OF these aux,
iaries military operations, and the almost wonderful
combinations Of with tho other illustrated by the
cadets exciting the admiration Of tho Board The place
of the ground and buildings with the exception Of
want Of underground drainage, pronounced, after
general observation, confirmed by minute examination
TO be excellent in every respect The superintendent
administration OF the varied OF the Academy
zealousy aided by his staf officers, Is as highly com
mended by this by former Boards OF Visitors In com
menDg upof this branch Of their inquiry, the Board
express opinion adverse TO the displacement unnc
cesary Of any officers in the more responsible admins
The fiscal affairs of the academy are reported upon
very favOrably. Purchases OF supplies seem 10 have
been udiciousy made at seasOnaDe times, and conso
queny at reasonable prices and the accounts have been
kept with crupulOus eXactness The cadets hospital Is
large enough Tor the ordinary wants Of the academy -
wen Kept, but needs more light and a better fys-
TEN OF drainage than cesspools beneath the
10ilSms , Inc library contains some 1900
to the studies pursued at the Academy but with Judi
eious infusion OF biographical and historical WOGks To
enane " 70 Keep up Win the wants Of the age yearly
appropriation for the year. good catalogue ia
cost 70 the Government, and It's publication at cost Of
In conclusion the Board express their opnlon that
however nearly the Military Academy may have met the
wants OF the past 1t does not, in view our national
growth the place we have taken among the nations,
art OF war, meet the requirements OF the present,
| should be raised to standard unsurpassed abroad
They therefore recommend that the Academy be
! greatly enlarged the number OF pupils greatly
| increased, and two separate courses OF study pur
suedone IN general class for all the cadets tho Other
in special class formed by selection Of the best material
thorough comprehension OF the elementary principles
the Of but the special class 10 DO limited only &c
changes suggested dependent upon the adoption
of this proposed basis Of reorganization, reaching
| OF the graduates In each year TO civil life
and TO entire change in tine system " promotion in The
army. As the result Of their Investigations the Board
find that considering existing obstacles, wonderful
suits have been attained under the present organization
! be reneded but that the time has come for q new
organization altogether, on greatly enlarged plan.