New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-06-09
VEST POINT EPISODES.

PROGRESS OF THE EXAMINATION - IMPROMPTU
wALTZEs.
WEST POINT June s.-The examination Of
the first class in engineering was finished yesterday
morning go the members OF the class seem to have
acquitted themselves with great credit, but as
the examiners keep their own counsel their
impressions can only DO gathered from sundry and
divers mods, or shakes OF the head. The exercises
during the examination in Mneraogy and Geology were
very interesting Four sections taken in hand and
proved their kn0wledgeof this dry subject by identifying
and Analysing specimens Of rocks and minerals. The
first section was given n box containing eight or ten
varieties and the cadets stated very accurately the
name, composition and OF each. The building
stones were analysed. and their strength durability,
and the effects or moisture and acids explained.
with the aids OF chemicals and tine blow
pipe, mineral combinations (which had never before
been presented them Analysed aud their con
stltuents given. This examination Will be completed
tomorrow, and that in ordnance and gunnery begun.
Tie fret and second classes showed their proficiency In
bridge building Yesterday afternoon, by throwing
a pontoon bridge about $50 feet into the river. The
cadets under command Of Capt. Oswald II. Ernst and
Erie Bergland, were divided into five squads each
having separate duties aud working without confusion
In so minutes the bridge of IL sec ions was completed
The time taken IN lts construction was longer tnan
usual, last year Ouly 40 minutes Delug uceue9 olJ INC
strong wind troubled the anchor boat men. Tue worst
sufferers from this the unfortunate cadets who
carried the flooring. for the pranks which tho WIND
played with tho boards, investing each one with sort
"
aging But the bridge was built and remained until
tins morning, testimonial OF the engineering skill OF
the cadets. -
In the evening there an impromptu " hop" When
notice OF this given and with II the in Orm0tiOn
that the Secretary Of War had extended the time OF the
cadets who had passes until p. it created lutter
among the young ladies, who expressed their almra-
ton OF Mr.. Belkuap's kindness worry enthusiastically.
At y. m. the dning-rOOm was cleared, aud TO the
music OF portion Of the post band, the dancing beCau.
Then the regular on 'ers and envying civilians stood
around the doors and windows and looked on II was
Am they could do Occasionally one would, by some
oversight Of the cadets get waltz, but very seldom.
so the girls and the cadets waitZed and hrted, and
nirted and waltZed until IL o'clock, when the cadets
bade a hearty adieu and scampered for quarters.
A compliment TO the Academic Board from the Board
Of Visitors on Friday evening should be overlooked.
Atm m the TWO Boards, with the Secretary OF Var,
GEN Rice, and Senator PerSOn, sat down To dinner
al the West Side Hotel, and had enjoyable time.
regular speeches made but the interests Ot the
Academy were discussed In an informal way.
To-day, ~ usual, has been very quiet Inc regular
Sunday inspection took place nc guard mounting Wnen
the uniform and Of the cadets were examined In
doing this, Col Upton, with two three OF the Board OF
Visitors walked through the ranks minutely inspecting
each cadet the band meanwhile playing operate music.
AT the chapel this morn ng tie Rev. John Forsyth, ID.
D., the Professor OF Ethics and Law, preached on
Proper training and manness IN running tue race of
Life"
The Rev A. L. Chaplin d. D. OF the Board Of Visitors,
has gone home. Two others the Hon. Henry Is. Curtis,
and the Rev j. L. q. McKoun, ID. d., are absent, the
latter visit to Newburgh. Among the latest arr-
walls are Gen. q A. Gilmore and Richard POlilon Gen.
Sherman, and Gen. Whpple VI his sta are TO arrive TO-
morrow morning.