National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-06-12
WEST POINT ACADEMY.
Interesting Graduating Exercises
Yesterday.
Review of the Battalion of Cadcts-Whit
takcr Examined la Phiiosophy-Gradu-
alton Exercises-siSn Snifoent Re
marks by the Secretary of
Wharf.-The Merit Roll Of
Cadets Announced.
Review of the Battalion of Cadets.

Review of the Battalion OF Cadets.
WEST POINT, N. Y, June 11.-About 900
visitors were nt the Point this morning. Tho
battalion of cadets was reviewed on the plain
/ at 10 a. m. by the secretary of war, General
Sherman and others. Tho secretary Of war
was escorted up and down the line by Colonel
Lazcllc, commander of tho corps, followed by
General Sherman, who was escorted by Gene
raj Schofed, with General McCOok ,of General
ShOrman's staff, aud others coming after. The
battalion passed before tho secretary of war
and the general of tho army, both In ordinary
timo, and at a double quick each time giving
the distinguished men y marching salute, tho
band playing patriotic air. Tho awarding of
diplomas will not take place until 3 p. m.
THE EXAMINATION OF WHITAKER.
WEST Point, N. Y, June 1.-The second
class, of which Whitaker is member, was
| examined in philosophy to-day, the study in
winch Whitaker is supposed to be the most
deficient The questioncrs were Professor
Michio and Captain Sears, and the examination
| occurred before the academic board. There
were twelve cadets in Whittaker's section, and
each cadet was allowed TO draw his question
by lot from Captain Sears table. Whitaker
drew the following question: "Show how to
construct tho tables aud ophomeris of the
SUM- After receiving the question ho ad-
yanced to the blackboard aud commenced to
eluGdate his problem. This occupied somo
time, during which the other cadets illustrated
their tasks, and us euch cadet finished his work
on the blackboard he faced tho academic
board aud awaited his return to be questioned.
When Whittakcr's turn camo ho was first in
terrogatod by Professor Niche. Whitta-
kcr stood erect with marker in hand,
and his answers TO questions were
spokonin clear, distinct voice without the
least show of trepidatiOn, and only now aud
then slight embarrassment. As the cadet do.
NnsI 10 Ito dr,,, . n.
board he now and then expressed misunder.
standing of the question, when ho would
promptly say, Il do not quite understand your
question:" While he was answering and OK
planning tho other cadets gazed at him
intontly, as did also the large number OF spec
tators in tho room. After finishing tho ques-
lions in reference to matters on tho board, he
was told to advarco 10 the centre of he room,
which he did, still facing the board
Captain Sears then commenced to intorrO-
gate him, and put such questions as what do
you understand as to the surface of elastic
ity p What is a waves surface 2" and others.
When Whitaker took bis seat an officer
who was in attendance was asked how he
thought Whitaker acquitted himself. "My
own opinion is, badly" and in second or two
he added II know his examination was had"
! Whitaker was recalled subsequently,, and
asked to explain the principles that govern
the use of the Gulilean telescope. He re-
ndlncu lOr u long tlino Win MS lNCC 10 Unc
blackboard before ho attempted to give tho
wished-for explanation. He made good
start but was soon after stopped by Professor
Niche, who, after quazing him few mo-
ments, and making some suggestions rs to the
drawing OF the figure, pronounced the lattor
wrong, and requested Whitaker to tako his
scat.
Captain Sears then announced that no was
through with tho class. The result of tho cx-
Iaminution will not be made known for several
days.
THE GRADUATING EXERCISES
commenced this afternoon. Addresses were
made by General Patterson, president Of the
board of VISITORS General Sherman, the s0cre.
, tary of war aud General Grant Wilson. A
portion of the secretary of wars address to
the cadets was significant, 10 view of the
; Whitaker matter. and was MS follows:
SECRETARY RAMsEY's ADDRESS.
at is expected OF you by your country that
you will vt all times sustain its honor
This you cannot do unless you sustain youl
own. II is expected OF you that you will
fully appreciate and maintain the great un-
D derlying truths which are the foundation OF
! our republic, the equal rights before the law
of all its citizens 1t is peculiarly tho duty
, of all officers Of tho government by theii
action TO demonstrate the truth of the theory
of tluo national lifo 1t is pre-ommenuy
the duty Of the graduates and undergraduates
of this academy, who arc benetciaries of all
our people, to symboize their faith in tho
vital source of our nations strength The
equality Of manhood by recognizing the right
OF all persons OF whatsoever condition, 10
:. strive for the attainment of such position rs
D their abilities and desires may warrant. 1t Il
{ an ignoble thing to be governed By an i'm
D aginaly superiority over any of our less for
5 tunate fellow citizens born of adventitiou'
= circumstances, and thrice ignoblo to max,
0 active exhibition of so unworthy Il sontimentb BY
D expressing those we may deem beneath US
0 true manhood dictates the extending of
helping hand to lift up the lowly and kind
words of encouragement TO those whC
arc struggling to elevate themselves.
D ask you, my Young friends, to give some
thought to these suggestions, and cultivate
not only love Of country, but as well n love OF
: the sentiment Of which our country was born. ,
4 Tho address WAS loudly applauded. Al
the diplomas were awarded, Cadets Wilcox
Tate and Burnett were vociierously chceiod by
Q the corrs whom they advanced to take theirs
7 General Shermans address was OF humor
Gus character, and created much merriinent
1 General Miles WAS in the main full Of practical
I adviCe to tho graduating cadets
0 THE GRADUATING GLASS.
The standing OF tho graduating class aG
cording TO general merit is in thc order named
below. commoncing With Cadet Carter as
: number l Oberiin NJ Carter, George w
0 GoethaIs Sydney f. Stuart, William G. Eaf
I ferty, John l.. Chambcrlsin, Charles S. Burt
| Henry A. Schroeder, Charles j. Bailey, Frank
, Ii. Peek, Edward II. Catln, Frederick j
. Strong, Wiber Loycrilge David J
( Rumburgh, Willard +. IIarman, Charles
= IL. Hunter, George w. Yandeusen
Y Edgar Hubert, Ames b. Aleshire, Samuel l.
Dunning, Edward S. Avis, Warren IL. Cowlos
4 James b. Erwin, Charles H. Hewitt, Hugh
t McGrath, Elias Chandler, William s. Scott
4 Walter N. Dickcnson, George l.. Convense, jr.
j Frederick d. Halton, Daniel l.. rato, Pierce
w. b. Travis, George II. Morgan, Albert B
Scott j. Walker Benot, Benjamin s. Weayer
James S. Rogers Henry b, Moon, jr,, Harris
e l.. Roberts James r. Cotman, John Y. Blake
; James II. &. Wilcox, Francis j. A. Dorr
/" George Bell. Charles b. Vodges, George II
,, Sands, Henry @. shootc, George w. Goode
! zeriah Torrey, Charles Stewart aud George r
l Burnett.
There were fifty-three in the class, Cadet
Batcheor Watson and Tripp being fount
wanting,