New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-18
VLST POINT Paintings.


PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS TO TIE GRADUATES
ADDRESS OF PROF. FRANCIS wAYLAND-DERART-
URR OF GRADUATES AND GUESTS.
WEST POINT June 17.-With the exercises of
TODAY have ended the interesting features Of the yearly
examination, and the guests and graduates are now
departng The late hours Of the ball did not prevent
the fair walters from being up betimes and present in
full force at the chapel before II O'Clock this morning
In regard to the ball. the cadets are firm In their belief
that no other ball at West Point the disadvantages OF
very rainy evening and the absence OF national repre-
sentatves being remembered was ever SO perfect in all
the appointments for pleasure. 1t was warm the
rain tempered the air. The company was large. but still
II was possible to dance and there was no lack Of good
nartners Too cadets Of the second class, become
the first class deserve great credit for its success
The presentation of the diplomas and the final part
ngs took place this morning. The chapel selected
scene. for the ground was yet TOO wet to admit
Of outdoor ceremonies. At the hour appointed when
the side aisles were filed with ladies and gentlemen
officers and members of Academic Board the gradu-
ates fled In and seated themselves in front, while
other cadets took the remaining seats Gen. Ruger then
escorted Prof. Wayand the President OF the Board Of
Visitors and the orator Of the day. to his seat and the
proceedings began with music. Hail Columbia" by the
band. Prof. Wayland then introduced, and ad-
dressed the graduates, in part, as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE GRADUATING CLASS: The official
duty which your superintendent has requested TO
perform is one which 1 might well shrink from
dscharging IL / consulted merely the question OF
my own fitness for the position. or remembered only the
men eminent in civil and military life who have adj
dressed your predecessors and yet there that in the
occasion and the audience which could hardly fail
quicken the most sluggish pulse and kinde into enhu-
slasm the coolest heart. l do not envy any who
could look upon these wards OF our nation these
dams of their oountys honor these possible martyrs
in their counrys cause without being more than will
ing to say few words-however poor and inadequate.
however simple and unsiudied-a least few words Of
Alx, ado nf nd 4
good cheer. AT the same time can well under
stand that young men to whom doses OF al
vice in its most concentrated form have been admins
tered daily during four long years would gladly
dispense with another prescription of the same mcd
cine from a new physician, especially when lie repre-
sens different school OF practlce-the school OF the
civilian. Suppose then. that We Danish altogether this
vogue among boards OF visitors for many years"
omine ndatons:" Let me say III the outset that re-
joice belief that some OF the topics which
often urged upon collegiate graduating classes need
not occupy our attention, The diplomas which you are
YOU have acquired those habits OF ruthfuness trust
worthiness, aud personal honor which, while always
INDISPENSABLE and the highest success
were important 10 this country as AT the
moment The traditions of past times and the
ord of recent years justify the proud boast OF this mill
tary school that who has not earned the respect
aud confidence OF his Instructors can go forth from
man on this subject therefore have only TO express
my sincere conviction that TO the close or your lives,
which pray may be long and happy, your kDightly
shields Will be sullied by stain, nor your crcsts
lowered In deserved dishonor
/
generous hands you have received your elementary
education Will not forget you, will not he Indifferent TO
your future unmindfn OF your future merit
From TINS moment you are NAKED men. Ioiav the
press OF the country will record your names and the
order of your rank The roll IL made up and its memory
will remain / have said that yOu are the wards-I
mi ght almost have said the favorites-of the nation.
Wherever you 20 your diplomas will be your ready in
PRODUCTION the choicest society which your country
can boast In whatever service you may be hereafter
employed, whatever fields your proves may DC put
forth the telegraphc wires will convey the swift
dngs to the remOtest corners OF the land and millions
will rejoice In your success ympihzo Win your SUI
ored graves Aud is there here to-day no other element
OF encoura cement, no other incentive 10 honor
able ambition Confront. II you can, with steady
nerve and unshrinhng gaze this feminine bat
Talon this battery OF bright eyes, more formidable
to your peace of mind than the rownng cannon OF a
thousand fortshen tell me II you dare that you can
have a sharper spur 10 prick the sides OF your Intent
than the approving smiles Of sympathizng women 4!
Are these ladies here enjoy the lovely Of the
stored Hudson. TO look with awe upon the yenetabe,
CORDS cor nt Of hsrnciSr ' se e ssa nSea
my decided opinion that they have not come to West
Point any such purpose, Al! yonng soldier, the
old old story told again" The voice OF the herald IN
the tournament seems even now to he sounding IN our
ears Love of ladies' spnteng OF lances stand forth
gallant knights Fair ewes look upon your deeds" But
we do not need the aid OF naug lratlon Believe me,
the age OF chivary is not past The highest types of
herosm survive among us.
In conclusion IT only remains for me- in behalf OF the
Board OF Visitors whom nave the honor 10 represent,
to graduate you thc successful completion of
your academic course aud 10 wish You speedy and
sic return TO your homes Gentlemen Of the Gradual
ing class. bid you all farewell
THIS address frequently applauded. and at its
close after the performance OF the Star Spanged Ban
ner" by the band, Gen. Ruger in few words referred
to the absence OF the Secretary of War; who had intend
ed to have presented the diplomas and expressed his
regret Col Hall then read the general standing OF the
class, as follows: