The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-18
WEST POINT.
The Graduates Take Leave
of the Academy.
PROFESSOR WAYLAND's ADDRESS.
of the Third
Glass.
THE GRAND FINALE.


THE GRAND FINALE.
WEST POINT. June IT, 1874.
II ratned furiously here early this forenoon ana
there was general gloom in consequence among
the guests at the hotel. 1t had been arranged by
the powers that be that the ceremony OF awarding
the diplomas should take place on the grass plot
beneath the oaks which stand like gigantic senti-
nels before the little stone chapel, but the move
ment OF the clouds and the storm generally vetoed
the whole proceeding despite the fact that the most
puissant ruler on the post had duly declared in
general order that II should take place exactly
In the way he desired it to take place. There was
much pouting OF pretty lips ana many gentle re-
marks on the part Of the stern sex about the IA
tally which has Of late years attended any at
tempt to give an outdoor send-on to the boys In
gray. But the Superintendent had counted With
out his host, and, as wet grass and mud under
foot and drippings of rain from overhangng tree
branches are not always conducive to enthusiasm
when one has to put up with them at college COM
mencements, he bowed to the decision Of his
irresistible adversary and changed the programme
Of the day. 1t was this decision that brought
about the exercises in the chapel itself instead OF
out OF doors in its immediate neighborhood.
Fortunately, as the hour drew nigh for
the commencement OF the ceremony, the
sun struggled out through the clouds and in a few
minutes the sky was bright and cheerful and
nothing but the sparkling drops OF rain in the
grass remained to tell OF the storm which every
body had believed IN the morning would make the
whole day long miserable one.
THE GRADUATION CEREMONY.
The hour fixed for the ceremonies was quarter
to eleven O'Clock and promptly to the minute the
cadet corps under arms arrived, escorting the
graduates to the chapel. The main aisles were
reserved for the happy iorty-one and their guards
Of honor, while the side aises were gwen up to
visitors. These latter did not long remain I'M
occupied, and by the time Colonel Ruger
! STOOD up TO introduce Professor Wayland, the
President Of the Board Of Visitors who had been
selected to address the graduates, there was not
even standing room anywhere outside the altar
ratings. The professor delivered his address FIRST
and then the standings Of the graduates were an
nounced; after which Colonel Hail. the Adjutant,
read each ones name or and as he stepped for
ward Colonel Ruger handed him mis- diploma. The
band OF the post envened the proceedings with the
strains Of 1.-THE Star Spangled Banner" '.Hail
Columbia" and yankee Doodle"
PROFESSOR wAYLAND's ADDRESS.
The following is the address Of Professor Way
lands
GENTLEMEN OF THE GRADUATING CLAss-The
official duty which your superintendent has re,
| quested me to perform Is one which might Well
| shrink from dischargng II consulted merely the
| question OF my own fitness for the position or
remembered only the men eminent IN civil and
military life who have addressed your predeces
sors. and yet there is that In the occasion and the
most sluggish pulse and kinde into enthusiasm
the coolest heart. do noe envy any man who
guardians Of their country's honor, these possible
martyrs in their country's cause, without being
more than willing to say few Words how,
and unssudded at Least sd,, Jew words
understand that young men TO whom doses Of adj
vice in its most concentrated form have been adj
gladly dispense with another prescription or the
same medicine from new physician, especially
the school OF the civilian. Suppose, then, that we
Danish altogether this obnoxious expression and
g
Let me say in the outset that rejoice IN the be.
lief that some Of the topics which are often urged
not occupy our. attention. The diplomas
which you are about to receive viii certify
those habits Of trnthfulness, tr9stYort5lness
and personal sRP honor o.. which: WIS MWays
20 10
"a at the present moment. the traditions OF past
times and the record OF recent years justify the
who has not earned the respect and confluence Of
his instructors, can go forth from these. walls obi
this subject, therefore, have only to express my
sincere conviction that to the close OF your lives,
which pray may be long and happy, your kniohtly
shield win never be sulled by stain, nor your
crests lowered in deserved dishonor. And now
bear with me while utter q word Of recommen-
from this moment critical period in his pro-
fessional career. To-day you can look back
preston, Of laborlous and continuous study. Dur
ing all TINS time, with single exception, no fur
longh mas interviewed to relax your h minds or re-
educational institution III the land exacts from its
pupils 80 much mental and physical exertion. And
reacnedP Is your education completely Very far
from 1t. West Point Is not finishing school,.
those seats of learning which are irequented by
fashionable young ladies. To what end, then, you
naturally ASK have oeen tins toll TINS seidenia
acquired no knowledge Are we not wiser than
when we entered the Academic Undoubtedly you
portant result or your labors. The cardinal fact
Is that You have gained habit OF mental disci-
pine, apOwer OF concentration, capacity for con-
tinuous effort, which conscienuously. used and
rightly directed, WIN place the highest honors OF
the law student just let loose upon helpless
community-as he ''nangs out his banner on the
outer walls hoping, Oh, how eagerly that he may
knows perfectly well that his lie work has but
commenced. The medical graduate licensed to ex-
come fee does not need to be told that incessant
application Is the price he must pay for a
Why should there be different rule for the mil
ltary chieftaln in embryo You would laugh me
TO scorn II should assert that the profession OF
the lawyer or the physician calls into exercise q
higher order OF ability than the profession OF the
soldier. You would hasten to remind me that
throughout all history the successful warrior on
land or sea towers above his contemporaries oil
every calling; and, for illustration, TO 20 fur
Their back than our own century, you would point
me to Napoleon and Wellington, to Nelson and
Farragut, to Grant and Moltke. Il this be true,
yourselves the lesson which 1t teaches. Act
hereafter on the principle that thus far you have
only learned how to study. Put far from you the
erroneous idea that you have done more than &c
lay the foundations OF future emlnence Hold
constantly before YOu the hiQheSL ideals