New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-06-05
VEST POINT TACTICS.

MANEUVERs or THE CANDIDATES-LIGHT BATTERY
DRILL BY THE CADETS.
WEST PoINT, June 4-Ths has been very
quiet ordinary sort of day Contrary TO the pro-
gramme and all expectation, the examination OF the
graduates has yet begun, and the pebes are sui
as ignorant Of fate they were yesterday Inc
Academic Board have remained in the library exam
ming papers and comparing notes. The result mas
been partly reached, but strict military DIS
cipline foIbds that any names shall be given out
before the whole report is ready. so the Board
OF Visitors the Secretary Of War; and the other celebr
ties have been visiting the different points OF interest
the cadets have been utilizing another day OF grace In
hard study and the plebes between drill hours nave
been making themselves further acquainted with their
quarters and fellow-candidates The morning opened
chilly and damp, with heavy mist that Threatened
ran 80 that il expected that all outdoor exercises
yonld DO postponed Fires were built in the hotel, and
reouisition was made for thick clothing But about
noon the sun came out, the mist disappeared and Tue
rest Of the day was all that could be wished.
At4p H. the "plebes we're mustered for their usual
drill in what is called the setting up process Ihey
have been at this since their ARRIVAL at $50 o. m ana
D. M each dav, being divided into small squads and
drilled by the cadets Of the fourth class or yearngs as
the others call them Elch cadet has charge OF run
one 20 three "pebe and with his ramrod as his badge
of office, puts his pupils through various motions
OF body. First they march them around
with slow and solemn steps, keeping them poised
on one foot as long possible without losing Balance
Then come the acngs and saues which are more nat
ural and easily performed To insure activity and
correct carriage they pat through number OF gym
nasc exercises very much IKE the course OF calsthe
mics that is recommended for scnOoi cnll1ren. IheV
% their hands in front ever their heads behind their
backs touch their toes, and swing their arms IN
every direction, with very authoritative instructor,
who remember the course he put through year
cadets than the "plebes" IL rather audlcous seht
ite dgnifed storks and others twisting their bodies
and getting their coats up around their ears 20 the az
tempt 10 perform the prescribed motions gracet1y anu
snceessiuiIy and all this too amid perfect babel OF
orders from their combined instructors.
dri at $50 this afternoon The drill under the
command of Capt. John Egan Of the Academic staff
pieces Of the six guns which were manned by members
OF the third class These last wore tnelr fatigue suit OF
white Jackets and trOwserS, aud lOnRed and probably
felt more comfortable than their officers i'll the regular
dress uniform For over an hour the guns aud osssOns
the right and then to the left and raising cloud OF
dust which almost ooscured any view OF thei1 eyoiu
ions Tuen the guns were unlnoereu ana ufeu 10
the trout and the rear, 10 tho night ana
a noise which made timld spectators jump ana WIKI az
each discharge which seemed q dozen bursts from the
echoes which followed. battery drill is more exciting
than other for TO the cYlans VINO Wlthessed ~ ~
is q OF hurried movements confusion ana morse
and smoke The cadets that for really grand dtl,
one performed last Fall should have been seem Then
a heavy thunderstorm came up dllr1ug the drll which
lightning ana the roar OF the thunder were accom-
panied by the comparatively puny efforts OF the cnnons
The Hon John COburn member OF Congress from ln-
diana arrived to-day and is stopping with the other OIL
tire Board of Visitors the West Point llotel. Tho
B5aTd Is now complete and ready begin the examln
alton of the graduates tomorrow that is, II nothing
ee haupens TO postpone II. This examination Will be
probably hurried little at least those Of the other
classes so as 10 finish the whole by tine 10th OF tins
month The only other arrival Of note IL Gen. j. j. key-
nOds q S. A. This evening, C0zzenss Hotel VIII at
tract tne presence Of visitors ana officers, as the Mem
dessohn Giee Club il expected TO furnish some excel
lent singing after eatiOG the regular Summers dinner
The Club with their friends, came up from New YORK
tits morning in the Mary Powell aud after a ride
through the Academy grounds, went down to TIER
Iarfts Tomorrow, II pleasant, the cadets will prob
ABLY have battalion drill IL rainy, a cavalry dllb VIII
take place III the hall.