The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-07-03
Making Bold Riders.
New York Times Letter.

New York Times Letter.
The drill for to-day was "sehool of the
soldier, mounted" which took place in
the great riding hall. As the title i'm
dlcates, the drill is an exhibition of in
dividual skill in craftsmanship. 1t is
said to be q great favorite with the boys,
but the severity of the training they
have to undergo before attaining the
degree of skill deemed necessary for an
officer, is something they never forget.
The record of broken arms, strained
wrists, dislocated shoulders, fractured
legs, ana days spent in the hospital by
reason of limbs rubbed raw, attests the
tact that there is no child's play in the
teaching of West Point. They don't do
things there for fun, and little sympathy
is wasted on the unfortunate youth, who,
in his early efforts in the saddle, comes
to grief with broken bone, He is more
likely to get reprimanded for his
awkwardness than to be condoled with.
There was a great crowd present at the
hall when the drill began, too large,
indeed, to find places in the small GAL
Ieries of the place so, when these were
full of ladies, the more agile among the
male spectators climbed up on window.
sills and the like places, while other
crowds besieged each of the four large
doors OF the building. This is the one
occasion on which the observer might be
justified in supposing that the work
done was a good deal for show, because
it is here that the excited spectators
applaud every boy who goes through
well. Let him take every head, and he
is certain of hearty round of applause
The comments of the spectators are often
very amusing. When the boys COM
mence using their revolvers, some one in
the gallery anxiously inquired if they
had "real bullets" in them, and seemed
rather relieved when assured that they
did not, and there was consequently no
danger of any stray lead finding its way
upward. When the order was given to
djsmount and mouDt at speed the area
of the hall was instantly scene Of gall
Looping horses, riders jumping of, Others
jumping on, some down in the tan-bark,
others clinging to the main aid bride
desperately struggling to get astride,
horses rearing and plunging, and gene
rally remarkably time for all; then
the women began to utter little screams,
which increased to shout when one OF
the boys making spring for the horses
back (there were no saddles) went
clear over it and plowed up the
bark in the middle of q rush
of galloping beasts to the imminent
danger OF his brains Why, this is
quite dangerous |" exclaimed an indi>
vidusl in the gallery, indignant at the
danger Ire boys being made to run such
risks. The good gentleman seemed to
suppose that the services were merely
Ior show. Ii is needless TO say that the
boys did well; they always do; but,
while none tall bslow a certain level,
there are vast differences between them
above that level. Some of the boys take
| wonderfully well to the work, and fee
ga much at hoyae cutting and slashing
sbout on a bSre>backed horse as in
rocking-chair, while to others 1t never
becomes easy. They do the work, but
it is hard. The actual movements OF
the drill with sabre snd pistol are few.
The soldier is started from the company
to make the circuit OF the hall. Putting
his horse to a gallop, he begins by firing
at head on post, returns his pistol to
the holster, draws his sabre, and at full
speed, makes thrust at another head
on a post, then cut at one living on the
ground, then jumps a hurdle, and, in
jumping, slashes head from post be-
side it. or thrusts at suspended ring
ON level with his own head; and,
lastlv, makes right thrust at another
hesd on a post. 70 go through this
performance on ahorse without a saddle,
and a big pair of spurs on ones heels, is
not an easy task, and if any one thinks
it is he had better try it in the nearest
ridinS.school. The different cuts and
thrusts are, of course, against infantry
snd cavalry.