The New York herald., 1870-06-01
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.
THE ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS.
1hs Bssrd Of visitors-Improvemen Pro-
gre~ OF the studies-Admiral Farragut
Nxpscted-The Summer Cruise
ANNAPOLIS, May 81, 1870.


The United states Naval Academy at this place is
now in the midst OF its annual examinations for the
graduation OF the senior class and the advancement
Of the remaining three classes one grade nearer the
end OF their course. The excitement and j0lli1ca-
tion incident to the boat race and the Overwhem-
Ing victory won by the middies have now subslded.
and sinstituon once more returns to Its decorum
and toilin the paths OF nautical learning.
by law the President Is required to select Q
mixed Board OF Visitors, composed of naval
oifioers and civilians. whose duty 1t shall be
10 attend the examinations and report
upon their thoroughness ana the enicienoy at
tanned ty the midshlpmen; also to look into the
discipline, administration and economy OF the instt-
tuition. AS the Board OF Visitors for the present year
the President appointed the following gentlemen:--
Rear Admiral II. X. Hor, President; Commodore A.
M. Pennock, Captain william Reynolds, Sur
geon Joseph Beale Paymaster @. F. Cutter Chief
Engineer W. W. W. Wood Thomas Cadwaader,
stanly Q. Trott John +; Baslets; Paul Dllllngham,
General Pitcher The latter gentleman returned to
West Point several days ago In order to be present
"a the opening Of the examinations there, he being
The Board reported here on Thursday. May 10.
and the next day were formally received by Conm0-
dSre John L. Worden, superintendent OF the Acad-
envy. and Captain Carter, commandant OF midship-
men. The mdshipmen were at the same time
drawn up on the green In front OF the old uarters
After these preliminary ceremonies were concluded
tho Board partook OF lunch; after which, escorted
by the Secretary OF the Navy Commodore Worden.
Captain Carter and other Officers OF the Academy,
they made general tour OF inspection, visiting the
paid particular attention to the new building
occupied ,,,. as quarters by the mdshipmen,
ses ION OF since the last anu anSaai saasn vtss PSs
rhe quarters of the marines, under Captain Philip
r. Fendall. also showed great Improvement since
force ut the Academy. This branch of the service
there has materially improved. In their general APP
in
soldiery bearing and discipline OF the men, there
has been great advance. The visit OF the Board OF
Visitors to Captain Fendall was attended with many
determination is now at its height and viii last
ally given their attention to the examinations, both
oral and written, and have already repeatedly ex-
pressed themselves pleased with the horoughness of
the midshipmen In all the branches OF learning SO
far reached belonging to complete seaman: They
have have also experienced sense sense Of Just
in the practical exercises in seamanship
on beard the practice ships, also in gunnery with
ar ms and Tie evoIations and drill Of Infantry. The
Board also put the classes through severe trial in
the ste,m department. This embraced the complete
management, the filing OF the boilers building OF
the fires, the regulation OF steam and running Of
the engines The studies yet unfinished are being
list OF the branches taught at the Academy
Naval construction seamanship, gunnery steam.
ish, mechanics, astronomy, trgonometry, rhetoric.
chemistry, algebra grammar and history.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES.
Seamanship (sails, Infantry and howitzer driu,
seamanship (spars great guns and target practice,
naval tactcs fencing, practical exercises In steam.
II is expected that Admiral Farragpt will be
present. and deliver the diplomas to the graduating
class.
AT the close of The examinations those
midshpmen who stand the severe test through
which they are now passing will be sent az
once a years cruise, after which they VIA
be ag lin examined, and, II successful assecon&
time. will receive an ensign's rank and emoumenfsA
The second and third classes will take cruise On
the practice ships, returning about September next
incoming class will receive their elementary lesson
In sailors life by beating abont in the ChesapeI
Bay during the summer months.