The New York herald., 1869-05-30
THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
Continuation Or the Kxanination--PraetIcal
Exercises i'm steAm Engineering- Comp piete.
ness Of the siean DcpartSsent-Arrivsl OF
SenOr Rulx.

"ess 0i the Sle1o DcpaHe"tDAT"v" Oh
SenOr Ruiz.
ANNAPOLIS, Nd, May 27, 1869.
The Board OF Visitors at eleven O'Clock this morn.
Ing resumed their labors, combining their attention
TO an oral examination OF portions OF the FIRST and
second classes. The subjects taken up were naviga-
lion and philosophy in the first class and French In
the second. The examination was highly satsfac-
tory TO every member OF the board. In navigation
the midshipman OF the first class received search
ing examination covering the whole theory OF sail
ing, taking directions latitude, longitude and every
other branch OF the complicated science.
Having shown themselves proficient in traversing
the high seas, the mdshpmen displayed to the
board that they were equally expert in navigating
'he intricate windngs of philosophy. From the hard
Iacts OF nautical problems they were now brought
race to face with the solid teachings OF Plato and
Aristotle, the erudi,ion OF Bacon and his age of
thinkers, and the incomprehensibe logic and sense.
less propositions OF the piratical philosophers OF to-
day. The time passed in this examination was
highly interesting. The ''middiesn like phoso-
pliers, demeaned themselves in true philosophic
style.
The examination of the second class in French
was conducted entirely In that language. Not an
American word was spoken during the exercises
all questions being asked IN French and answered
In the same dictiOn. The talent for language In
the different members OF the class very strik-
Ing. While some hesitated TO reflect upon the
modes oi expression others ratified OIL their answers
as uently as II they were nsng their mother tongue.
There was not a member OF the class however, who
could not make respectable appearance should ne
De dropped into The midst OF the French empire
Paris, for instance This afternoon the Board OF
Visitors were present at the 'steam buildng' set
apart Tor practical instruction In steam ana ma =,
cnlnery to witness the examination the first class
in this important branch OF modern naval education
most perfect description Cnier Engineer Thomas
Miliamson III charge, has already succeeded In
bringing tnis department INTO condition OF efii-
cheney second to no other at the academy, or prob
ably III the world. In the main hail. painted on black
boards around the walls, are drawings OF all va
and transverse sections OF ships showing the ma
chnery and different portions OF naval vessels of ali
descriptions. Around the room are number OF sec.
tonal working models Of the various parts OF an
engine; also q six horse power marine engine, with
glass cylinder heads valve chest ana alr pump
bonnets. There are also several models of beam en-
gines IN wood. In the details Of machinery collec-
ton Of propelers Of different inventions ana other
the convenience OF practical studies
In the adjoining room IS full sized marine en-
swatara, set up as if in ship
Inc class today was examined under the super
assistants, FIRST Assistant Engineers i. j. Alien, f.
.. Lalch and G. f. DE Vine and Second Assistant
OF Visitors the midshipmen who were ready 70 pro
ceed were ordered by CHIEF Engineer Williamson to
prepare the engines for working After an absence
OF some minutes one OF the midshipmen returned, !
reporting the engines ready TO move. The Chief |
Engineer, accompanied by the board. took position
The signal bell was pulled to go forward. In few
seconds the machinery commenced moving. The
Chief Engineer now put the class through
gard TO the movements OF the engines
increase speed. Every signal was obeyed Without
hesitation, much to the ast0nishment and satisfaction
Of the board. After passing four hours in testing the
skill OF the class the mldshipnen were dismissed.
There appears TO be but one thing lacking in order
to make the department perfect in all its details, and
used Is by an English author, and is defective In
many respects In the Details the work treats upon
numerous improvements adapted By American inge- |
nuity and ski. 10 Is the Intention OF the Board OF |
make some arrangements by which Thoroughly |
American work, by an American author, may be |
adopted IN place Of the present book in use.
There are still several Of the practical exercises
unfinished, the handling OF spars fencing and man
agement OF boats. The club races and base bail
matches are Also to come OF. The haste now is to
complete the oral examinations in order to afford
ample time for these.
Sehcy Ruiz, representative Of the Cuban patriotic
government, arrived here this evening and Will
remain several days In looking into our system OF
naval instruction. Unless his duties call him back
to Washington he will attend the ball 30 be given at
the Academy next week.
Bad Weather for Examine tion-JIasic 10
Finish the Oral aud Written sfudies--ArrivaI
Of the Frlaafe Snvsnnah-The Practice
SqaadrOn-I4ist OF Onicers--The Z" "NTfddicso
To Act ns SailOrs-Arrival of Candidates for
Admission to the Academy.
ANNAPOLIS, Md, MAY Is, 1869.
The cold drizzling weather which has visited this
vicinity for the past two days mas put stop for the
present TO the outdoor exercises. Advantage has
been taken OF the opportunity thus presented to
push forward the oral and written examinations so
as to leave clear field next week in which to COM
plete the practical studies well as TO have test
OF skill on the part OF the rival boat and base ball
clubs.
This morning the Board Of Visitors attended the
examinations in the unfinished branches OF naviga-
ton, astronomy and political science.
This afternoon the board, notwithstanding the
weather, performed their usual practical exercises
over an elegant dinner prepared by the inlmitable
SAM cher de cuisine. 1t is Intended to-day to make
out list OF the "delcienrs," or those midshpmen
who have failed TO pass the requisite test OF pro.
cency. This list will be submitted to the Academic
Board aud each case viii be considered separately.
II Is the usual practice to give the unfortunate mid
shipmen another chance by putting them throsgn |
the entire course before board Of seven officers.
II they again fail their cases again considered
by the Academic Board and Il IL either recommended
to set the midshipmcn back year or their resigna
ferred to the secretary Of the Navy, who usually /
adopts their suggestions. II Is not yet known how |
many will be paced In this predicament Of anxiety
and uncertainty.
Tne frgate Savannah, which has been at Norfolk
for some days undergoing repairs arrived here tns
morning, and anchored or the Academy. The vessel |
was towed up the bay by n steam tug yesterday. |
when about fifteen miles below this point she ran |
aground, which delayed her arrival until this morn
ing The ship Is In excellent condition for the cruise,
having received complete overhauDg.
The officers assigned TO duty with the cruising /
squadron, which viii leave here between the sth |
and 10th OF June, are now reporting daily. Active |
going on In view OF speedy depar-
ture. Most Of the officers who have been living on
shore have already taken possession Of their guar.
ters on the ships.
I give below the vessels which viii compose the
practice squadron, and the Officers who have already
been assigned to them and have reported 10 Captain
Harrison, who will command the neet
UNITED STATES FRIGATE MISUNDERSTANDING. |
CdpdO--N u. Harrison, commanding Pacinc |
squadron.
Lieutenant C0niG,ondets--C. H. Franklin. execu- |
tive oficcr; J. Z. McGensey, &. W. CONN, T. A. |
Cook, =. H. Baker.
SupsOi,-James McNfaster
Assistant S,ope0H-F. X HartZell.
Ttryjpdslei--W. Il. A. TOrhert.