New-York tribune., 1877-06-12
AT WEST POINT.

VISIT TO SECRETARY FfsHs-ACcIDESTs AT THs
CAVALRY DRlLL-EDUCATIyG PRACTICAL En-
GINEERs-THE HONOR MEN OF hGI
fFRoM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSZi
WEST POINT, June 1.-THE Board of Wis
itors having practically completed its abors, has sur
rendered itself private hospitality, and In company
with the Academic Board unched at exsocretary Ffss
this afternoon In view Of this invitation the cavalry
drill held this morning on the plain by Capt Beau
mont This the exciting OF all the drills, even
dashing than usual this morning. After the ex
h.bton tactics the squadron swept in line across tho
plain the utmost speed OF the horses the cadets cut
ting right and left above and below with their sabers
imaginary enemies. In the midst OF the charge tho
saddle of Cadet Hoppn Of this state-a superb rider
turned and he hurled with great violence to the
ground, and for moment lay perfectly motoniess MS
arm tended as though his spine injured heexcite
ment was intense and the officers accustomed 10
witness such accidents feared that lie dangerously
hurt surgeon and several OF his classmates ran 10
his assistance. but in few minutes he had recovered
strength walk carriage, In which he was driven 70
the hospital An hour aferward he feeling as well
az ever and TINS evening he Is about the post as usual
little earlier in the drill three curb-sraps broke at the
same instant. and the riders, unable to rein in their
horses at the end the parade borne away at fun
speed, disappearing from view behind the parapet OF
Fort Clinton. III moment they emerged at the lower
end Of the plain aud of the cadets had their horses
um,er control The third horse galopcd down the steep
h toward river. but his rder guided him on to the
terrace ard wheG within few feet OF the Diun WIN
admirable skill and c0oness sprang from the saddle and
brought the animal TO staad.
1t is believed here and quite naturally too that the
national surveys be best directed by the Engines
Bureau OF the War Department and ring this Sumner
Can't Raymond who Is in charge OF the hed observatory,
will endeavor make the first section OF the rst class
practical observers or course he cannot give them
practice except wishn short limits but they can be 80
taught that they will be able 10 make immediate pracu-
cal use OF what they ean and at least some OF them no
believes viii be fitted TO make accurate observations
as any in the country. The theoretical instruction during
the Summer includes the general theory OF astronomicai
Instruments the theory Of errors in Instruments ana Cd
seryations with the best methods OF making recording,
and reducing observations. Each one viii be required 10
reduce and discuss his own worh and no printed forms
will be allowed.
The examinations of the first class are over and tho
standings have been made up. They viii not he pub
Usbed before wednesday aad in the meantime are KEEPS
entirely secret Conversation with the cadets, however,
and a calculation Of the previously printed reeons,
enable me TO say that The Ave honor men IN order OK
merit are IN all probability Black Of Pennsylvania Fisk
of Iowa Roessler OF illinois, T. e. Patterson OF Ohio.
and Todd OF Kansas with GoTdon Oi f,hAsyl'ahia a.
sixth man ia rank.
The lst of applicants for admission 10 the Academy,
lust printed contains I2s names, nine OF the "beasts."
"a they are termed in nelcgant yernacular of tho
corps being from New-Yorl state.
The Board OF Visitors returned from Mr. Fsbs just In
time for the evening parade, and prepared 20 listen ills
evening with equanm.ty 70 the final report-that OF the
Committee ON Disciphne-whlch, considering that it Will
make no important Recommendations has certainly gwen
itself ample time for delibera'iOn. This letter must 30
sent too early 70 allow description OF the beautiful NOR
tar drill which will take place after dark. The shells
are ained 1T q depression In the mountain just below
Ctonest the fuses cWyng like meteors over the river
,lo tlrsfit tho ftgf
fireworks made by cadets III The ordnance laboratory,
and often pGpcr shells which burs; IN mid air fired
from the battery Tho scele always beautiful one, VIII
be especially enjoyed this evening FOR tue sky is clear
and the air and delcoGsy fresh after the rains OF
last week