, 1877-07-20
California Military Academy

California Military Academy.
There Is probably not another school on
this coast which occupies field so exclusive
and remote from rivalry as this one, nor
could another one meet the requirements
which the California Military Academy so
amply fills, because 1t combines the fullest
intellectual and moral culture with the CON-
plete development Of the physical man as
well. 1t is surprising that often from the
most humble and modest beginning great
developments are made and grand objects
accomplished. A brief review Of the history
Of this Academy is an Illustration. The Rev
David Mcclure, who is the present principal,
founded this institution in 1855 as a private
school with membership Of IL pupils, In
tending to limit the number to 20 as the max
imum. The superiority Of his system Of in
struction, which combined military disei-
pline with full collegiate course Of studies,
was soon acknowledged, and so numerous
were the applications for admission, that Dr.
Mcclure consented TO enlarge his establish
ment, employ assistants and give the youth
Of the remote West an opportunity TO ac-
quire an education such as could not other
wise be obtained. The school was at this
time located on Ninth street, near Franklin,
Oakland, to which a roomy addition was
built the first year after the founding OF the
school The number Of cadets constantly in
creased, and in 1867 the present site OF the
Academy was purchased by DR.. Mcclure,
and the following year the fine main build
ing was finished, and the school removed
thereto. In '6S the armory, a two-story build
ing, was erected, but year later, in 20, 1t
was found to be insufficient for the accom-
mediation OF It's increasing patrons, and an
other large building, three stories high,
75xl50 feet, was built connected with the
armory by covered passage 20 feet wide.
The first floor was used for recitation rooms,
and the two upper floors as dormitories for
A destructive fire occurred on the 10th Of
September, 1878, which completely destroyed
the elegant new building, the armory, barns
and other outhouses, inficting q serious loss
upon the proprietor, as the insurance upon
the buildings burned was very small. The
main building, occupied also as the residence
OF Rev. Mr.. Mcclure, upon which there was
aheavy insurance, was saved intact.
Nothing daunted by this calamity DR..
Mcclure Immediately set to work to have
the destroyed buildings rebuilt, the school,
in the meantime, occupying the building
then recently vacated by the State Univer-
sity, which was kindly placed at DR.. Nc
Clures disposal BY President Gilman, and no
interruption TO the regular course Of studies
occurred. Very soon the elegant new build
ings, much larger and finer than the first
took the place Of those destroyed, and In the
Incredibly short space Of two months time
were finished, furnished and ready for oc-
cupancy.
The object of the Institution is not to edu-
cate students exclusively for military career,
but 10 impart such knowledge, In connection
with instruction In the manual Of arms, as
will 1T them for any position in civil life as
well. The time devoted to military drill does
not encroach upon study hours, but occupies
the time usually given to recreation, and
which is so often wasted or abused by the
scholar.
Though Its military training Is not an ex-
elusive feature, the Academy ranks with other
military schools in the United States, and has
been recognized by the Government and
furnishes arms for the use Of the cadets.
The uniform dress worn by students, which
Is cheaper and more durable than ordinary
civilians dress, Is another commendable i'm
provement over other schools, in this, that
1t avoids all those invidious and sometimes
mortifying distinctions In the style and
quality Of garment, observable where rich
aud poor mems sons dress according to
means.
The rules relating to punetuallty, good be-
havior and personal cleanliness are strictly
enforced, the honor and pride OF the cadet
being constantly appealed TO-. There is an
inspection OF the face, hands, boots and
clothes of each cadet on assembling to
march to breakfast, lunch aud dinner each
day. The use OF tobacco, intoxicating drinks,
profanity, vulgarity, lying, desertion,. ETC.,
are causes for expulsion, and no applicant is
received as a cadet who is morally bad, as
the institution is not designed to reform vi
eious boys and young men, and all pernicious
influences are carfully excluded. An appli-
cant who has been expelled from another
school for cause is not received into this.
The principal says it is his aim to make this
an academy where the best culture may be
secured to trustworthy students. The Acad-
emy embraces two departments:
l. Preparatory Course-Extending through
three years Of elementary instruction in Eng
lish studies. Boys under twelve years of age
are received in this department
IL Academic Consolidating through
four years, affording a thorough preparation
for the State University, or any Eastern Col
lege, or for business pursuits. Young men
under twenty-five years of age received in
this department.
The Academy is one Of the best educational
institutions in the country, and one of which
Oaklanders feel proud, because located in
their midst and such one as does credit to
the Pacific Coasts. +. Evening Post.