The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-06-15

tended descriptions of the closing exercise,
at West Point. The graduating class mum.
bers forty-one. Rank is determined by the
place on the list. The Worlds correspon-
dent, however, remarks that this place is
no true test of ability for command:
'In regard to this standing it Is but fair to say
that by the academic rules no distinction what.
ever Is made between the marks for conduct and
the marks for study. Thus it may happen, and
does, that good student will find himself low
down because he may have been careless about
keeping his coat always buttoned; smoking in the
wrong places, and such like trivial offences which
earn many dement's, while above him will be
some boy who may be thick-headed, but has,
nevertheless observed religiously all the minute
rules required for perfect conduct" It'd.
hive would like to ask all sensible men,
what good is to be expected from an insti-
tutien, which, protesting to qualify officers
to discipline and to lead the national soldiery,
and to assign to each his proper rank, thus
confounds all true distinctions of merit ?
When the momcntous consequences which
hang upon battle are considered, the ne
cessity of sitting candidates for high COM
mand with the utmost caution is made
evident. We have long been convinced
that West Point is one of the most ex-
pensive and useless parasites of the Ma
tional Government.
When we consider the mode of selecting
its students usually the sons of those
friends of the sitting member of Congress,
who can do most to re-elect him) we see
how small are the chances that boys OF
great aptitude will get appointed. Cadet
ships are usually subjects of bargain and
sale mot for money consideration or under
definite contract, but with an understanding
that amounts to the same thing. When the
exciting questions growing out of the war
are happily settled, and give us time for re-
the abolition or modification
of the military academy, will be one of our
first duties to the American people. haa
We have military schools in Virginia,
and IN nearly all the States, adequate to
the supply of competent officers to the
army. Our free schools, when properly
will aid powerfully in the work.
Our whole military system should be re-
and brought up to the standard
Of modern science. The first step is to
abolish all specially priviledged, pctted
schools, and open every place in the army
to fair competition. The battlefield is the
place to select officers. Initial rank can
only be fairly won by competitive exami-
nations, thrown open to all the youth of
5he land, covering not only the knowledge
IF books, but the ability to handle COM
)any or regiment in the field.
The troubles which have occurred during
he past year, involving gross infraction of
hat discipline which is vital to the exist
,nce of the army, bya whole class, show
low utterly rotten this thing has become.
It fails in the very work, which is the sole
lpology of its existence; viz: to teach the
value of subordination and discipline.
The late war was full of illustrations of |
he inefficieny of its course of study to make
oldiers. Its pets were all failures while
he men whom it ignored, finally led the
rmies of the Union to victory.
1t snubbcd Grant, Sherman and Sheri-
Ian, and kept them down till their brilliant
chievements, rising on the dark ground of
lefeat, compelled its feeble proteges to re-
ire and give place to men whom God had
made soldiers, and under whose lead de-
eived and betrayed people at last tri-
lmphed.