The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1876-06-08
S2,692,798 81
U. s. Military Academy.
WEST PoINT, N. Y, June 3, 1876

WEST POINT, n. i. June ), 1876.
DEAR Mr.. EDITOR: The board of visi-
tors convened here on the 31st ult. It'll
consists of twelve members two members
of the U. S. Senate, appointed by the Presi
dent of the Senate three members Of the
Z. S. House of Representatives appointed
the Speaker Of the House ; and seven citi-
zens appointed at large by the President.
The board this year consists of the follow
ing distinguished gentlemen Gen. Charles
Devens, Associate Justice Of the Supreme
Court of Massachusetts, Gen. R. p. Ham
mond, of California Gen. A. S. Williams,
of Michigan Hon. w. a. Wheeler, \. Y;
Hon. II. r. Harris, Ga; Hon. John |. |
Patterson, S. c.. Theodore Randolph, n.
j.; Prof j. ". Stirling, Vice President of
the University of Wisconsin Prof IL. c. |
Cameron, of Princeton College, n. j., Prof. |
NJ. IL. Buckham, President Of the Univer-
sity Of Vermont Rev. 4. n. Ogden, of
Louisiana and Rev. DR.. c. D. Carrow, of
Pennsylvania. The board organized by
the selection OF Judge Devens as chairman,
and President Buckham as Secretary.
The examination of the cadets COM
mcnced June lst, at 8 a. IL, the examina-
ton being conducted by the Academic
board in the presence Of the board Of yisi
tors. The graduating class numbers IS,
which is not quite fifty per cent of the
number admitted four years ago; ; and this
being an unusually large proportion the
general average OF graduates being about
80 in hundred The teaching here is ev-
identity very thorough and, as only the
very strong, or the moderately strong, and
very diligent ever reach graduation, it may
be inferred that the examinations, during
the course, and at the end Of it, are very
thorough and the standard Of proficiency
thus obtained is such that it ought to be
very satisfactory to the country. The
standard of attainment is SO exacting, and
the discipline so minute, severe, and infexi-
bic that lad must have no small amount
of genuine stuff in him to win the crown
Of graduation.
The location of the Academy, as to eli
mate, surroundings, and all needed facilities,
may be said to be perfect. Some changes
are shortly to take place in the administra-
ton Of the Institution. Lieutenant Col.
Thomas II. Rugcr, who has been Superin-
tendeut for the past five years, and whose
administration has brought the discipline
of the school up to the highest possible
point of completeness, is to be succeeded
by Major General John Nj Schofeld, one
Of the hroadest minded men, and one off
the ablest soldiers the country has pro
duced. This, believe, is the first instance
in which an officer Of 50 high 4 rank has i
been placed in charge Of the Academy
General ocho6elds superior mind and large
experience in military command, viii doubt !
less exert fine influence upon the lads |
that are being prepared here for the de
fcnse OF the common country. The cadet
who is to take the highest honor of the
graduating class is from Tennessee. Rank
in graduation, depends almost exclusively
upon proficiency in mathematics, and the
observance Of the disciplinary regulations.
Hence the rank in graduation is no rule by
which to determine the soldierly qualities of
a graduate. Some Of the very best scholars
have the least adaptation to military life,
and the least facility in performing the
duties of military command. One Of the |
cadets, who has decided fame for being
unambitious and lazy, as student, and off
careless and unmedthodical ways is all the
time bringing himself in contact with the
fine points Of discipline, is confessedIy one
Of the best, if not the very best soldier, in
the corps. That fellow, in case of actual
war, will be likely to get himself killed very
soon, or, failing in that, will make "a very
decided impression upon the country.
OBSERVER.