The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-19
Members
Members
THE OLDEST GRADUATE

present was Mr.. 8. willard, of Boston, who
graduated Ia 1875 This young man when he got
his appointment took the overland route to New
York on his way up here and travelled last as
the fast travelling convenlences OF the day would
allow HIM. lie got to New York in five days. lie
left there one fine morning about nine O'Clock for
West Point on board the fast sailing steamer Fire.
n.y. as she was called, and the tide and wind and
everything else being very favorable, she made the
trip just eleven hours to the minute. The trip Is
accomplished IN two hours and hall, and Mr..
Wilardh has not much confidence In the Firefy now
as had some nifty odd ago. By right OF being
the Oldest graduate present he entitled to pre-
side at the meeting, but waived his right in favor
OF Professor Charles Davies, the next oldest gradu
ate. The professor after being conducted to the
chair by two OF the next oldest graduates Messrs.
Mansfield ana Wright, delivered the following ad-
dress:-
FELLOW GRADUATEs-The day OF our annual
meeting has again brought US together. Let re-
joIce that we have seen this day. Let us rejoice that
we are permitted again to meet and welcome each
other at the place 20 dear TO US ALL and to bring to
the cradle Of our youth the offerings Of affection and
love. Here we first assumed special obligations TO
our country, and here In the fulness OF age, we
again renew our allegiance at
THE ALTAR OF DUTY:
and here may that altar stand through all time be
seen by all eyes and receive the homage OF all hearts,
But why should congratulate you IN feeble words,
when all nature bids us welcomes The forests have
with the dignity OF pariarchs, the welcomes
with the graces or maternal love, while the little
hooks and byways, from which In early life we
looked all that Is grand and lovely in nature
like the, as they were intended TO be, connecting
Inks between the living anu the dead. But these
gatherings have yet another significance. They
admOIsn the young cadet that when he
enters the Military Academy he writes his
on leaf OF history, where IL becomes abld-
ing record, and where the whole country will read
1t. lie then connects himself permanently with his
Alma Matet sharing IN all It's past honors ana IN all
labor these thoughts Will nerve MIN, in his hours or
weakness they Will strengthen him, In his
HOURS OF SADNESS
they will cheer hun, and In his hours OF triumph
they viii reward nim. But above all, fellow grad
yates, let US remember that the nation which sus-
talns ana has spread ITS mantle over this institution
expects from every graduate, at all times and where
ever he may be- the full measure OF his duty. And
when the evening of lie shall come, and each one OF
us shall look back, for the last time, on the fading
that he mas not for moment been unmndful OF this
obligation; and that guided by II ana bv higher
wisdom, he has always walked In tine path Of duty,
virtue and honor. Younger sisters OF a household
greet with their sweet smiles OF perpetual youth.
Tnc dag, the emblem OF our nationality, ana which
has symDOized 10 this institution the power and
dignity Of the nation for seventy years waves us
cordial welcome. A day spent here together
Is s volume than n al hsing eo history reaching over
fun OF memories and full of joys. The reveillc OF
the morning seems TO us the reveie OF a new life.
The morning air IL fresher than the morning air OF
other days-the noon has fuller glory, and the
evening a softer radiance; wnile all around points
TO the past ana 10 the future. II the spirits OF
the ILLUSTRATORS DEAD
are permitted TO surround the monuments and me-
morals which affection and PATRIOTISM have raised
here TO their memorIes-if they are permitted To re-
visit the scenes dear to them In life-hen
not alone to-day; for those who are present
with In their lives and their example participate
in all that we do, and all that we leel.
THE BANQUET.
After the business meeting had come TO an end, the
youngsters OF the association wandered about arm
In 10 see the sights untll the banquet ready.
The table was all set aud the good Things all pre-
pared to be got rid OF by nali-past three O'Clock,
when the least OF reason and the flow OF soul" be-
gan III downright earnest. Tne banquet was right
Jolly affair, and some very funny speeches were
made by DIR. Vin,on Professor Dawes and Others,
VINO had all sorts OF stories 10 tell about old times
West Point when every ofcer OF the army depended
upon true merit Tor position and promotion, and
Who did a Islander forge
His neghbork fame to wound;
Nor hearken ~ false report
by malice Whispered round;
and when everv Official at Washington, who had a
say about the management Of the Academy, was,
unlike all Washington mon nowadays, man
Who to his pighied vows and trusts
At all times army stood,
And though he promised to his loss
lie made his promise good.
The following toasts were drunk with oil the
honors between swa0ws:-l. "Our Country" =
.The Flag;' D. "Our Alma Mater" 4. "rhe Presl-
dent OF the United States;'' o. "Our Army and
Navy" Q. ''0ur Citizen Soldiers:' T. "Our De.