The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-12
NEW YORK HERALD FRIDAY JUNE H. ls74-TRPLE SHEET.

new ones substituted. The European wars, which
began with the French Revolution and closed
separated the nations that the great improve
ments in the abstract sciences which marked
o nao psher way across the English cSanne
General laws, applicable to every condition
OF human affairs, and an abstract science so
were the ideals OF the French mind. The English
had been less conyersant about theories and gen.
eral principles. Their workshops and the great
activities OF labor. hich the crisis had developed,
were not yet subordinated TO the laws which regu-
late all the arts with as much certainty as the
laws Of gravitation govern the motions OF matter.
The world now knows that the universal law
reigns every where-that there is no true practical
which Is not governed by scientific principle
and that every actual which Is not empirical 10
pies were carefully observed in the construction Of
the scientific courses Tor the Military Academy,
took precedence and became the guides and COM
bined with the methods OF the English system, and
the example mas since been followed IN the schools
OF England and France. In these organizations 9TH
OF course contributed their labors The distln-
guished Professor OF Natural and Experimental
Gently returned from the West, where he had
originated and developed system for the division
continent into farms. so that each could be Ger
tainy located and accurately described The En-
cheering Department was filed by distinguished
graduate OF the schools OF France who assisted in
the organisation OF the scientific courses. the
period to Which we refer. and who. perhaps. merit
special notice, were selected by General Thayer.
appointed on his recommendation, and were, In
TACT, but the fruits OF the system which ne estab-
In the organization OF military school many
delicate questions have to be examined and
settled. The limits OF the military and academic
departments must be clearly and accurately de-
fined and yet these departments must be IN per-
feet harmony with each other. How lar abstract
science shall be studied, and when and where ~
rassns proses HOW far mere literary studies
and general culture can be combined In an educa-
aso to Se Bus
not the most dlfricut questions In the new orRan-
zation. The cadets were drawn from all sections
OF the country, one from each Congressional dis
trlct, and were appointed by the Secretary OF
War on the recommendation OF the members
spects Very desirable, was, however, attended prac
tcally with serious difnculties Ali the acts or the
on the rolls OF merit. their determination Of de-
1clencies at the close OF each examination, their
dination or inability to accomplish the course or
studies, were all to be reviewed at washington. by
81 WAR ne
found that the interest OF members Of Congress in
these whom they had recommended TOR appoint
that that justice was done them al az their
dcient who were qualified TO pass, and
that no unnecessary severity was exercised
at Washington, always In sympathy with the sub
jects OF discipee-dangerous. because irrespon-
me
were continued, In degrees more or less potent,
dependent on the intelligence and frmness OF the
Secretary OF War, until 1854 when 1t was pro-
vded by law "tnat cadets found deficient at any
examination shall not be continued at the Military
manaaton OF me Boara have shus
Indicated some OF the obstacles encountered by
Major Thayer In the organization OF the Military
Academy wnen he entered upon his duties as
superintendent. These difficulties could not have
the acedemc se or e aod
sustaining influence OF John G. Calhoun, then Sec
SYSTEMS OF STUDY AND DISCIPLINE.
The course OF studies adopted at the final organ
izaton OF the Academy has been closely followed
to the Present time. The departments OF Matne-
matlcs Natural ana Experimental Philosophy, and
OF Engineering, have undergone some changes,
suggested by the improvements In science and the
better methods OF instruction. But the great out
limo is preserved in al Its principal characteristics
The organization, at the very first, seems to have
embraced ali the necessary elements.
The examination, the rolls OF merit and the
manner Of making appointments into t the army
and ench year has demonstrated the wisdom and
equuloriur-; Each department, In the begin ming,
deficiency, no supernuity-and every oflcer had
his appropriate place.
partment OF discipline. The rules were simple,
reasonable and plaln, and implicit obedience was
law equally applicable at ali times and to all per.
sons. The influence OF the superintendent was
1elt IN every department. OF the But
was hardly personal influence 1t was an In.
nuence OF higher grade. 1t was the cheerful
homage Of grateful hearts to authority guided by
| wisdom and sOtened by kindness. It's one OF the
things lor which we are thankful here to-day, that
an admirable likeness OF Iull length, represent.
ing General Thayer IN an attitude which we all
remember, Is placed IN the library OF this insti-
tuition. This was not necessary to perpetuate
his memory mere; for that is part of the IN
stitution ITSELF 1t is, however, precious memo
rial OF a great and good man who did his duty well
| IN life, and who has gone to his final rest.
/
/ The connections OF General Scott with the Mill
tary Academy were not strictly oficial. They
important; and true history OF the Academy
could not be written without stating them.
could not exercise his functions at West Point; for
the act OF Congress OF 1872 provided '.that the
rank. should be the superintendent OF the
Military Academy, under the direction OF the Pres.
q By 70 tie
the exclusion OF general officers, and the subord-
nate officers OF other corps. This legal impeachment
to the exercise OF military authority did not repel
General Scott from the institution, but seems
rather to have attracted MN to 1t. Ee was not a
graduate. HIS first visit here was soon alter the
| close Of the conflict OF 1872. We saw him ut that
time, the acknow lodged nero OF successful war
me young looked upon him with enthusiasm, and
the aged with reverence. From that day the
regard and Point the home SeS his
! We do not propose to write his life. That mas been
done already, and forms brilliant part OF the civil
pose only to refer TO mis- CONNECTIONS with
| this institution. Here he loved to come
| Tor rest and recreation and here all
/ hearts were open to receive MIN. Tie had CON-
| manded many graduates on the fed OF battle,
| had witnessed their bravery and borne testimony
to their valor. He regarded the members OF the
Academic Board as the honored professors Of a
! national school. and the cadets as the younger
| branch OF his military family. Between himself
| and the Faculty the relations of respect and mu-
tual friendship were early established and long
continued, ana nrs atIacnment 10 tne CADETS was
truly paterna- the intervals OF active service,
| for period OF more than half century, were
| passed here, and during the whole OF that time,
far as we know, his interest in the institution
! and IN all connected with 1t was undated At the
| College OF William and Mary, in the State OF vir-
| gina, he early acquired the habits OF study and
| The love OF letters Adopting the profession OF
the law, he was trained In the courts or Richmond
| and in the school OF John Marshall. These prepar-
| ations Tor the military procession were subse-
| quenty improved. Il day were passed without