New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-14
VEST POINT.
THE NEW ARMY OFFICERS.


A SUNNY GRADUATION DAY-THE CADETS ADJ
DRESSED BY PRESIDENT HAYES, SECRETARY OF
WAR M'cRARY, ATTORNEY GENERAL DEvENs
| AND GENERAL sHERIDAN-THE STATES REPRE-
SCENTED IN THE GRADUATING CLASS.
IRON THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
WEST POINT, June 13.-The graduating class
of 7s Of the Military Academy received their diplomas
very suspicious day Only few clouds crossed the
deep blue sky in the morning and the brightcoored
garrison flag which foated out from the tall flag
staff was barely sustained by the gentle breeze.
The sunlight was dazzling, and few cared to
brave the great heat needlessly by venturing
out long upon the green paradegrOund The exercises
took place little grove in front Of the library OF the
academy. There small platform had been erected,
placed upon 1t for the guished visitors, and
strewn ON either side for the expected audience
Of the grove had perhaps been hnned out for
the purpose, for there open space in its centre
which was subsequently occupied by the cadets.
Promptly at IL the exercises began. The platform
was occupied by the following President Hayes and
Mrs Hayes, Secretary Of War McCrary, AttorneyGen-
era Devens, General Sherman and Miss Sherman, Gen
eral Sheridan General schohed, exSecretary Of State
Fish, aud Adutant Hil An audience OF about thou,
sand persons occupied the seats President Hayes and
uDOn the platform. The cadets afteTwsrd marched
into the open allotted TO them and formed IN
form and tile other class in such a position
OF resting enabled them to see everything
that occurred. The graduates swords, but we're
otherwise unarmed The remainder Of the cadets as
earned their muskets II was very pretty scene
indeed the dark grove filed with galy dressed thrOng,
.the platform dotted with officers in full UNIFORM the
cadets IN ther gray ana Whie nniCrp ~ tne %
raj schoneld opened the exercises by intr99duc;
the Board of Visitors, addressed the cadets.
He made q short address, especially emphaslzlng
s eed oil syf eeo S6
President Hayes, who on coming TO the front Of
about for second or till the applause had subsidized.
and then in strong voice. but apparently not forcing
readiness, and rather rapidly, and the stiffness
vas so great taa eVf[SGne ina him we sre snoe
Secretary OF War McCraIy; Acknowledgement DeVehs
pauded, but that Of AttOrney-Genera Devens most
the favor OF the cadets and the p0pulace Judging
praised by many persons in conversation as very eo
THE SPEECHES.
Mr.. Hayes said My friends, the very limited oppor-
tunty that have had make myself acquainted with
the advantages this interesting institution does not
authorize me say much. But what have seen en-
ables speak with satisfaction and with admiration
OF the thOrOughness and excellence OF the instruction
given here. 10 something more than TO make scholars
Here something more than learning Is acquired. The
training is that which leads to the best specimens OF
American manhood so say TO you for your country
men, young gentlemen, that are deeply interested in
Won and synIpathze with your abOrs and efforts. Last
night as heard parade those avorite tunes Home,
many OF YOU for the last time sympatized with you.
knew how your hearts were swelling with regret at
leaving this beautiful place | feel confident that In
every emergency you will be ready with alacry TO do
well your part
Mr. McCrary said: Gentlemen OF the graduating class,
Congratulate you most heartily your graduation with
40 much honor t occa sion great interest youO
the Army aud 10 the people OF the country No doubt you
feel as II u We're @ % d nre as ~ ss Is 20
be successful in your profession you viii find
il necessary to continue studying Constant effort
is the price Of success all professions and calinss
You about 10 enter the service OF your country
trust and believe that enter upon THIS service with
an appreciation OF the true position OF an Ohcer OF the
Army OF the United states. one word expresses your
duty" Patriotism" am that all great soldiers
must be inspired with great love Of country. Our
country right wrong" Is the motto TO follow. BE
solved 10 be true aud devoted to your country to follow
flag everywhere, and resolve 10 perish rather than
your back upon under any circumstances The
country regards tue Army as the guardian OF he pubic
liberty. We do not believe that the Army Is dangerous
enjoy hope that the fifty years will record many
gallant deeds by the young gentlemen OF this msiltu-
tuition. bid you God speed.
Attorney General Devens said This is time for
MaIor-Generas, and not Acknowledgements, ana there
fore | thought | would be asked to address you.
Nevertheless air Walter SCOTS heart leaped at sight
Tncfe "a rue OF the Supreme Court that lawyers shall
not speak over two hours so that III not tax long
fLGughter very glad 10 welcome you 10 the Army.
You welcomed To life OF ease You are invited
lives OF danger aud hard work. TO lives that will be
hoporcd by your cOuntrymen But nothing was
ever done that was worth anything without
hard work know that there Is
Bat for all that, you belong TO Republic that
grateful TO sU 0bad rdn n e p T npon F Fon
the importance an eleva ed. private character read
only last week Lord Mahon's Life Of Marlborough"
wondered at the ability that Maplaquet Rameiles,
and Blcnheim, remembered that his great palace
called Blenhem built with plumber. IL seemed TO
me that would rather have been private soldier at
the battle OF Blenheim than the commander and owner
OF that stained and tainted castle Gentlemen, when
the hour comes 10 you, whether In the peace or
home, surrounded by loving friends or ON the battle
field may you he able TO say have been faithful 10
tho country whose child was and have striycn to be
worthy Of Him In the hollow OF whose hand lie kings
and municipalities aud nations"
General Sheridan said Gentlemen Of the Graduating
Class IL is only necessary for 10 let my thoughts
back to 1853 feel for you in your delight over being
relieved from school, But although your education
here has ceased the education the accomplished Of
laid down here regard 10 study and how to fulfil the
various duties OF officer, VIII succeed best You viii
ready learned how TO do yourself You can make him
your devoted friend IL You treat him rightly You VIII
fluid your brother officers as intelligent a body
OF men as there Is In the world. therefore
treat them courteously and do your part Of
the work faithfully and you wall win their
esteem. You will be respected you respect
them And now, gentlemen, in the name OF the Army
General Schoheld- Gentlemen Of the Graduating
Glass in behalf Of the Board Of Instruction, extend 10
you our pateTnal blessing. The diplomas VIII now DO
gwen.
The diplomas were then formally presented, the cadets
advancing as their names called. The cadets Of
the lower classes applauded each name was called
Int the loudest applause given to the last man. who
goOd-paturedly smiled as he heard the demonstration
Tho exercises closed with the giving OF the benedctOn
nv CHAPLAIN FORSYTH. Below the names OF che grad
uatug cadets, their birthplace, the State from which
they we're appointed, and their ages when admitted.
Those marked at large" were appointed by Presl-
dent Grant The placed In the order OF merit
OF the cadets when graduated;
80. &.