The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-15
EXERCISES OF THE GRADUATING CLASS.
Advice and Congratulations with
the Diplomas.
ADDRESSES OF DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS.
The Largest List of Graduates in the
History Of the Academy
NEW UNIFORMS AT THE EVENING HOP.

BIZ TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALp.1 4
WEST POINT, June IA, 1877.
The class OF TT tho Military Academy has gradu-
ated the diplomas have boon distributed, the cadets
uniforms havo been doed for the garb Of the civilian
and tomorrow there will be found few members
Of The late first elias within many miles OF
West Point Diplomas werc given each Of tho
seventy-stx members OF the Glass; not being
"found," as the cadets say. Tho class was ir many
respects OF tho most remarkable ever graduated.
II larger in numbers than any ever before known
in the history OF tho institution. Il contained In its
ranks the first coIored cadet graduated and in
general ability II was far above the average
HEAD OF the CLASS
Mr. William ". Black. OF Lancaster, Pa, who gradu-
aod 1rst had won his way TO the head Of the fourth
class alter entering tho institution, and thereafter
maintained that position in each successive class
through which he having boon displaced
Benjamin l. Butler son Of Benjamin +. Butler,
graduated No. 54 John Beow, Jr., OF the Secrc-
tnry State OF Now York, out No. 49, and Henry
.. Flppcr, the coorcd cadet graduated No. So
THE coLoRED GRADUATE.
As the colorcd youth stepped forward and received
his diploma with q dignincd bow, General Sherman
cappcd his hands approvingy and his example was at
present, until there almost universal round Of
applause. Flipper, II is needless say, not
to blush, but he acknowledged tho compliment by
modcstly inclinng his head. no was the only cadet
applaudcd 4
AWARDING rnE DIPLOMAS.
At early hour all astir about the Point aud
1t eleven O'Clock very largo asscmbage had gathered
on the grove in front Of tho Academic Building where
the diplomas were distributed to tho cadets who
thnpoJ shcdx
sral schoncd, Superintendent Of tn" Academy, pre-
,ided at table upoo which the parohments wore
beaped. Tho band connected with the post played
'Bcnny Ravens, Oni" as the boys took thor places.
PROFESSOR THoMPsoS's SPEECH.
Professor T. o. Thompson, chairman OF tho Board OF
Trustees introduced by Grnerai Scholelj said:- b
PROFESSOR TAoMPSOx's SPEECH.
Young, GESTLEMES--The courtesy OF your admirable
Superintendent forbds possible brcach In ancient
custom and lays upon as the repre- NATIVE OF the
Board Of Visitors the pleasant duty N rendering 10
you. their congratulations on IL suspicious
close Of your academic course. che people
OF this country have heayT stake In
the prosperity OF this institution I'll vocognize II
tho very fountain OF thor security xar and the
origin OF their best moihods Of educs ~ and upon
education In colleges and common SCI the pillars
al our STATE assuretly rest
TO participants, to bystanders, II remony Of
graduation is - intersstng and ~ exc u this
were the nrst instead OF the scventy-f occurrences
Every such occasion Is clothed with th W OF perpct
The secret Of your future success lies in the imposs,.
oity Of your entering into the experience Of your
predecessors Every mans life begins with the rising
SUM- The world would soon become frozen
waste but for tho inextingushable ardor OF
youth, which believes success still TO be pos
courage witch avoids rashncss by the restraints
OF knowledge and disnonor Ivy the fear OF God the
best hope Of the world History IS not life but its
Elections. The great armies OF modern times which
have won important victories have been composed Of
young men who have turned into historic acts The
strategy Of old commanders
To bystandcrs for tho same and other reasons tho
occasion Is a profoundly interesting one. For odu
tho world anxiously waits. An educated man who Is
false the world has good reason 10 dread.
Tho best thing that be said OF this academy with
Its long roll Of heroes In and In peace that every
year increases the conviction among the people Of
this country that its graduates are men who Will
maintain at all hazards tho simple virtues OF a ro-
bust manhood, like Cnaucer's Knight modest. lordy
and scrvccablo.
welcome you, therefore, to tho hardship and
pers OF q soldiers lie In timo OF peace The noise
and tho necessities Of war drive men In upon them
selves and keep their faculties awake and alert; but
soldier must spend his time in PREPARATION for
the active duties OF hts profession than In their
warfare subordinate. IL Is much easier men
10 fight other than themselves, much custer
help govern other men than TO wholly govern them.
We hope for everything lovely, honorable and Of good
report from you
You who have chosen the sword may at some time
In life be helped by recalling tho lesson which
covered in old legend OF English history-t Is the
Did lesson OF tho advantage OF knowledge over It's more
Ihowy countericita
A man losing his way on the hillside stsayed into q
chamber full OF enchanted knights, each lying motion
less IN complete armor with his horse standing mo-
Eoniess beside him. On rock, ut tho entrance, lay
sword and horn. and tho intruder was
would lead tho army OF knights Hc cnose the horn
and brew loud blast whcreupon tho knights anu thcir
horses Vanished Ia whirlwind ana tnelr visitor was
after him on tho wind
Cursed be the coward that ever he was born 81
Who did not draw the sword before he blew the horn
youno ho Roar ri NJ hav
no better WEN Tor common country than that your
future viii fulni Tho promise Of the present
applause, and Goaeral Hancock ommanding the De-
partment OF the East, was introduced.
GENERAL nANcoCKs REMARKS
After referring To thc timo OF his own graduation
and mentioning the TACT that there was but
rade OF bis class now IN active service, he proceeded
10 give to the young soldiers some good practical adj
vice OF the slorehouse OF his own experience Ho
admonishod them to pcrsevcrc In their studies and de-
clarcd the roll OF honor future OF would
again stand It did then. 1t would DO strug-
gle Tor life TO determine who among them would keep
their standing In tho contest for fi,urc honors
II would say to YOU" he remarked, "icad active,
qualities as vol ms mental Regard the education
IN tho line Of your profession, and we'll IN s,ch
other branches OF science language may best
,ord with your inclinat,ona IL will make you
greater In your profession aud enable you
10 DO Independent OF H. The latter 10 but
prudent In those practical days audible smncsl
study TO lcnd honorable useful and respected ves and
'vcn II no opportunity presents Tor martial glory you
Will not TAIL 10 ind your reward Avoid tho rocks OF
dissipation OF gambling, OF debit lead those manly
lives which Will always Ind you In health mind and
body, free from cntangicments OF whatever kind and
you may be assured you will md opportunities for
great services, when otherwise you would have been
overlooked or passed by. such men are known and
appreciated in every army and GU, Of it,
In conclusion the General advised them 10 seek
active service upon tho Western frontier once that
thoy might learn those lessons OF warfare which
only % be acquired by hard SERVICE and finally bid
them welcome into the army
sEckrARy xcRARy's sfEgcH
The Secretary WINS the noxt speaker ue said:-
Although not part OF the programme l cannot re-
fuse 10 say word Of greeting and would make Il as
hearty and earnest Ms possible to you, gentlemen
we'll as to the entire army and 70 tho people tho