The New York herald., 1869-06-10
WEST POINT.


>>~>~~~~~~~~>~~~.~~~@o
The Examination Of tho Second CInss-A
Signal and Telegraph Driil-Eow Field Tell
egrupLs nre Built and Notwithstanding OF
the Graduating Class in Ordnance. Gunnery
and Cavalry.
WEST POINT, June Q, 1860.
Now that the examination OF the Graduating class
has been brought TO brilliant close, the Academic
Board have taken the second class in hand, and to-
day the major portion OF the Six sections Of which
the class is composed were overhauled IN Philosophy,
which stands at the head OF their third years
course.
THE CLASS OF 1870.
In o certain point Of view the examination OF the
second class not considered attractive event
to outsiders that OF the first class; but to tho
cadets Immediately concerned it 10 OF far more I'm
portance than the awarding OF diplomas to q whole
corps Of graduating classes. This can be easily I'M
derstood when the thoroughness OF the examination
OF the second class Is taken into consideration. It
the good tight well, from the ranks OF the fourth
class until ne has finally become member OF the
first Glass; s found deficient at the end OF the year,
when 1t becomes q question who are worthy OF
being entered on the ar my register as officers
o. Uncle Sam, and this simply because the xamina-
fate of every asprant for west Point graduation
honors. Not that the examination OF the graduat-
ing class Is less than that or the class which
comes after 1t, but simply because the great stumb
ing Dioc for drones and stupids Is the fnal over.
s merges into LIQUORS Of higher degree. No better
illustration OF this fact be given than that AZ
Iorded by class which will leave the post tho
18th INST as officers OF the army. At its exam
second class, it numbered forty-six members,
only thirty nine strong for at the excOlaon" last
June 1t lost four OF Its members VINO were turned
az snd swo ouna deacn
bid farewell TO West Point as cadets 1t viii thus
be that the examination Of the second class Is
one that mas no small terrors for Its members. This
year 1t numbers sixty-one cadets ard II every one
OF them should succeed in crossing the Rublcon OF
win be larger one than any which has graduated
for many year. 1t wnl, however De most bril-
an exception To 70 secona cases as OF ss
struggle tnat has already begun.
In the examination this morning the sections that
In the subject upon which they were examined
Natural and Experimental Philosophy. The text
books consulted Dy the class in this study are Bart
iett's Mechanics Acoustics and Optics; and, ii.
though the learned authority himself, who happens
Academy, crossquesoned the % Various % sections in IN
vigorous style, the cadets proved themselves 50
by the million when 1t came to astronomy.
A SIGNAL DRILL.
One OF the most interesting drills which have taken
place since tho examination exercises were opened
was had to day. II was what Is called signal and
telegraph dril-signallIng by means Of 1aQs, and
sons but those Immediately concerned in the drili
were able to comprehend much about the thing, it
upon with great deal Of nteres. bg the oicers Of
the Post. The signaling was probably the most at-
traetive feature OF the Whole aaatr. A certain num-
Der Of tue second class were desaied with the nags
to poles about four feet long. Several Of the
Putnam and the river, ana sigraied to others
on the parade ground with the nags Tor several
minutes orders were communicated IRON point to
point and Conversations held by tue aid OF the
slmpie movements made by the moving Ol the nags.
The orders were communicated ana repeated with
rapidlty which was actually astonishing The build
ing OF the neld telegraph, which was done BY the
first class WAS also u great feature OF the drill.
Lines were run ifom Fort Putnam down ia the
direction OF Cozzens' West Polat Hotel and back to
the post, ami messages were sent the wires
without the slightest hindrance, although on the
miles an hour. The batteries that were
used in the drill differ very much from
telegraph companies, ono OF their principal ad-
vantaees over the ordinary kind being Tie impunity
the wagons. Everybody who knows any thiag about
telegraphing is aware that ordinary batteries alter
Tine refuse 10 work; but all the rough usage which
the batteries received during the drill to-dny ap-
pearel IN nowlse to impair their efficiency. They
consist simply OF peculiar apparatus TO be attached
TO the wires, ana contain suphase OF copper IN
chry stals piece Of zinc and a sponge. When they
are used tho copper, zinc and sponge are wetted,
anu, It IL said. after once being put IN readi.
ness for action, that they will work steadily for
o Wa used ad e snf, oas ess s T a
instead OF glass The officers stationed here and
Ceaera Meyer, OF the sgna corps, who was present,
EXPRESSED themselves as very much pleased with the
exhibition.
Tns GRADUATING CLASS IL ORDNANCE, GuSsRRy
AND CAVALRY.
The standing OF the graduating class In ordnance
and gunnery and cavalry tactics was read at parade
Ihis evening. 1he following are the names OF the
ORDNANCE Asb euSNrRY, ~
l-T!ll@an' s-Hnn; s-porer
Il prir =
The following are the names Of the FIRST ten In
CAVALRY TACTICS.
2-Iiur. 6-Naxon. g-bradep.
e-Nye. 5-TIlman. lo-DuvalL
A-Tayior.
I'm which the graduating class are 10 participate,
West Point Hotel, just couple OF iailes below this
pos, AZ the cadet hop which will close the festive
Come or on the evening Of the l4th inst, and a.
many OF the ladies WHO are V attend are stopping ~
this hotel the most extensive preparations arp being
ess who will DO present. II Is always considered
lowed TO 20 10 any ball outside Of the post before
tney are formally relieved from duty, hut General
wao T. 10 nsSeo eoy ens esouo m
long az they will not compromise" themselves In
any way has consented to allow the class to attend
ghted at the prospect and are already aying aside
choice gloves aud Furnishing up bell buttons to an
excessive brightness In order all the readily to
captivate the hundred and one gay ladies' who are
certain to fall In love with them or then uniform on
the occasion.
''yoURs TRUTy.r
Some person who evidently believes tDat the
graduates are as pous as they are good looking has
10 eacn one of them 'moran work. for
which, OF course the Aforesaid person VIII Dc praneas
during the natural lifetime Of the class OF 'op All
The books are neatly bound, and on the ny zeal ot
Zach is Inscribed the name OF the cadet 70 wnom y
was sent, with the line "Fr0u mienu" One ~
The books has q frontispccc, In whicn melanchoIy
looking young man IL leaning on tomussone suu
peerinR wsifully at distant cnurcs Sevp,ss yu1
though he was wondering wna' sgYu rs canet Who gos