The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1870-08-13
The Colored Cadet at West Point.

The entire National Military Academy were
almost breathlcss with excitement, yesterday, at
the introduction there of a son of a colored Ameri-
can citizen in his new role of military cadet.
There had been rumors that negro boys had
been appointed to the National Academy, but the
absolute arrival of an African, commission in
hand, is too much for West Point human nature
to endure. Autocrat Professors and jaunty ca
diets are speechless. The time for the breaking
forth of their indignation has not yet arrived.
They cannot do the subject justice, but their
countenances and ominous looks Indicate the
coming storm.
Cadet Master Charles Howard, colored, comes
from the State of Mississippi. His appointment
is from the Secretary of War, and was recon-
mended by the Hon. Legrand w. Perce, the
newly-elected member from the Fifth District of
Mississippi. Young Howard is a full black, of
sturdy physique. He measures five feet in height
regulation size-and is as bright a boy as ever
was seen. His hair is cut tight, and his accent
smacks decidedly of the plantation.
What you gwine to do wild dat bag, sab ?"
and ' you dun let dat DROP were his question
and exclamation to a hotel porter, who accidentally
took up his carpet bag. His nose is slightly re-
housse, and his face is shiny with health. 1t is
settled that he cannot be rejected, physically, by
the Medical Board.
The first African cadet landed from the ferry
boat with a jaunty air, and, lifting his military
hat he inquired for the West Point Hotel. On
arriving he registered his name and asked for a
room. For the first time at this hotel a cadet
was refused a room. Charles said something
about his rights, and sauntering out to the cam
pus, he asked for Colonel Jerry Black. The news
flew over to Colonel Black who then and there,
With Colonel Boynton and others, held a very
serious council of war.
The African came and stood before hem-be-
fore Col. Black, of the regular army, and respect
fully asked that his equality be recognized. The
Colonel warned him away with his hand. and one
by one the officers departed, speeches. with
The white cadets seemed paralyzed.
g 1t is dreadful" says one. Let's put the
niger in the river" says another. Some Of them
to resign, while others talked of killing
the black boy outright.
One thing is certain-the black is here. He is
undoubtedly physically qualified. He must now
drill with the white cadets until the examination
of the 9th of July. Then he will fail IN mental
examination aud 60 back to Mississippi. This is
the programme. The examining officers have the
power to reject any applicant. Gen. Schriver and
Col. Black are opposed to the African, and while
they are at the head OF the National Academy the
black boy will remain on the plantation.
Judge Hayes, NJ. c., from Columbia, is to ap-
point a negro, and had already signed a paper of
recommendation. Gen. Buffers colored youth
was too young, and the General knew it-he only !
him for political purposes. But in the
light OF the Fifteenth Amendment, what shall we
10 with the African in our national and navy
academies, is a grave question for unregenerate