The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-08-07
ives, ro 81 ,n .1 S.s,s, Re.

at the United States Military Academy at |
West Point, In June last, have submitted
their report TO the War Department, aud II
will be laid before Congress at lis next ses-
sion. By law II was made the duty Of the
board to examine Into the discipline, instruc-
ton, police, administration, fiscal affairs,
and other concerns of the academy, and full
reports upon each OF those subjects are made.
The system OF discipline prevalent at the
academy Ia highly commended, and the per-
sonal knowledge Of the superintendent re-
speeding the habits, conduct and capacity OF
officers and cadets is pronounced surprisingly
minute, and without being oppressive and
tyrannical, and consequently repulsive, Is
made to exercise q powerful influence over
both.
Tho board was pleased with tho long cx-
isting practice Of reporting the conduct and
class-stauding Of each cadet monthly TO his
friends, but would be glad to find more evil
dcncc that the labors Of the academic au-
thortics were seconded by influences from
home, and that no cadet Is allowed to fall
below the measure OF his abilities for want
Of such inspiration, made doubly necessary
by his long separation from his family. The
introduction and gradual extension OF the
system Of enlarged principles as q reward for
good conduct is declared TO be working very
well.
Instruction at the Academy Is carried on
under general direction Of the Superintendent
and the special supervision Of the professors,
! assisted by army officers distinguished for
their attachments In the special branches
they arc sevcrally detailed to teach. The d.
vision of the classes into sections, each In
charge OF m assistant-the professor, pro-
cceding from section To section, imparting
the benefit of his ripper knowledge to both
| teachers and the taught-produces q uni
| formity Of attainment not otherwise possible,
ard is declared TO be one OF the best features
| In the system.
The blackboard Illustrations and recita-
lions of the cadets command high praise, and
attest their scientific comprehension of their
| subjects. and the falthfulness and ability of
their Instructors. A marked deilciency In
elegance and even facility Of utterance was,
however, found to exist, and more training In
logic. composition and criticism Is considered
as exceedingly desirable. This and other de-
flclcncies Is charged to the low standard Of
qualifications for admission, While praising
the attachments of the cadets In foreign Ian.
guages, the Board thinks that equal attention
should be given to our own.
Constant additions to the scientific appa.
rotus are advised, and the collections OF
Illustrations of natural history, zoology and
mincralogy being found to be very far below
what Is required, a plan for their enlarge
ment and improyemept is recommended 10,
abortion. Competitive examinations as IN,
basis of appointment to the Academy Is also
suggested.
The separation of the chaplaincy from III,
professorship of ethics Is recommended b,
The Board, as Il has been by all their prcdc
ccssors for many years.
The Board consider the proposition made
to abolish the course Of ethics, which hal
long been dlstastcful to the cadets, alto
gether as inadmissible; but It's useful con
tinuance Is regarded as dependent upon re
organization.
In drawing II Is advised that more time b,
given to draw from nature and less time Il
mechanical copying. An interesting chapte
OF the report Is devoted especially to tn
signal and telegraph drill the application o
these auxlliaries to military operations, nnt
the almost wonderful combinations Of on,
with the other, as Illustrated by the cadets
exciting the admiration Of the Board.
The place OF the ground and buildings
with the exception ola want Of undcrgroun,
} drainage, Is pronounced, after general obscr
walton, confirmed by minute examination
TO be excellent In every respect.
The supcrintendent's administration O
the varied concerns of the Academy, yea
ously aided by his staff officers, is as highl
commended by this as by former boards c
visitors.
The fiscal affairs of the Academy are r.
DO, ted upon very favorably.
c The cadets hospital Is large enough fc
:. the ordinary wants of the Academy, Is we
G kept, but needs more light and a better syl
l.. tenn Of drainage than ccsspools beneath IL
:. building.
!. The library contains some twenty-thrt