Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-05-03
THE VEST POINT INVESTIGATION.

THE WEST PO1NI IN TESIIGA1IONs
The inquiry into the mutilation of the
colored cadet Whitaker at West Point has
brought out some curious features, both at
the military academy and elsewhere. The
theory advanced on the day of the discovery
of the outrage that Whitaker himself was
the perpetrator, for the reason that he feared
he would not be able to pass an examination,
has not been abandoned. In fact it is
strengthened by the testimony of several of
the instructors favorable to him as to his
standing in his class. Where they all agree
that he was prompt at recitals and studious
in an exceptional degree, they have reluct-
antly admitted that his mental capacity was
inferior to that of the other cadets, and that
every indication pointed to his failure at the
commencement next month. In this event
he would either have been refused COM
mission or have been sent to a lower class IN
order to acquire the necessary proficiency.
AS he had been reduced once before it is
probable that he could not have secured the
favor second time.
1t has been proved during the examina-
ton that colored men are not treated well at
West Point as far as concerns the cadets, but
it has also been proved that the instructors
have accorded them exceptional privileges.
So it appears that the ostracism complained
of rests with the cadets, rather than with
the management of the institution.
The investigation has developed the fact
that Gen. Schofeld, in charge of the acade-
my, has but faint conception of the pro-
prieties of life and more especially of the
obligations resting on him as commander of
the academy. Before the inquiry had fairly
got under way he felt impelled to issue an
order expressive of his confidence in the
cadets under his charge, acquitting them of
all completely in the attack upon Whitaker.
The order was ill advised and uutimely, and
created the impression in the public mind
that Gen. Schodeld was antagonistic to the
admission of negro cadets to West Point.
In Congress the effect of the investigation
has been marked. 1t developed in the first
place the opposition of many members to
the maintenance of the institution. Mr..
Voorhees, used the incident as the text for q
/ prolonged assault upon the system of edu-
eating men at the public expense who seemed
to disregard not only the laws of the land,
but the spirit which prompted their enaction.
Mr.. Allison used it as the motive power for
resolution compelling the Republican
party to carry out the professions they have
all along iterated and reiterated. Both were
a little astray. Mr.. Voorhees, should have
recognized the fact that West Point gradu-
ates have rendered the country such service
as would compensate ten times over the cost
of their education, while Mr.. Allison should
have known that he was condemning his
own party and himself by his resolutions.
In general the inquiry has demonstrated
that the Caucasian and the African race
cannot enjoy social equality, no matter what
legislative action may be taken. 1t has fur
ther developed the fact that West Point is
turning out too many cadets who are des-
tined to be burden on the community. 1t
has conspicuously shown that the profess
sions of the Republicans OF especial affec-
| ton for the colored race are a hollow pre-
tense, and that tho only consideration that
race has received in the past has been at the
hands of the Democrats.