The University daily. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 18??-????, 1880-06-10
DEPARTMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
The chair Of MILITARY Taetie..
BY MAI, W. o. IsoN, coMMANpANr OF CA
DIETS.

eAsss
sss
Although not a military school, In the
strict sense Of the term. the West Vir-
ginia University has had military de-
partment ever since the founding Of the.
college in 1867. The design contempla-
ted in the act Of Congress BY (which pub
lie larsds were granted to the University
and similar institutions ii other States
was, that, among other things, military
tactics should be taught. Accordingly.
among the first professors chosen was a
professor Of military tactics. The gen.
tleman who FIRST held this position, TO
which was joined the professorship Of
mathematics, was Col. ]. r, Weaver, A.
M. now U. S. consul-G encrai.at Vienna.
He had charge Of the military department
for two years. $3.50
The law providedfor the appointment
oftwo cadets from each senatorial district
Of the Stafs (at that time eleven IN mum.
.bcr) Who should be entitled to all the
privileges and imnryBities. educational al
vantages and benefits Of the college. free
of charge for admission, tuition, books
ane stationery" and who should .'consti-
tutc the public guard 'fof tho,insiitution.
The Cadets were at once formed into a
military organization, and, for two or
y -. E ~ G5sfrt u
three years, all the students in the regular
college classes were required to DBL, ex-
#ccpt the Senior class and such Others a.
for sufficient reasons might be excused.
This plan was afterward abandoned, how
ever. and military, duty IS now obligatory
only upon State Cadets and such Other.
students as choose to enroll themselves
as volunteers. The number ofIypIuntees
is increasing, and i larger this year than
at any time since drill was made optional
with all except State Cadets9H
The doubt that a first may have skis
ted as to the practicability Of having =
military departments IN the College. was
soon dispellcd. As viii appear from me
following extract (refering to the military
Department. taken from the fist report
Iof Pres't. Martin, adopted as4tbe first re-
port Of the Board of Visitors:
1T IS gratifying q, beaRlsto say that
the course adopted, after much and anx-
ious delibcration. has been found not only
not to interfere with, but really 10 advance
all the other interests Of the College, and
still further to promote. in large body
Of excellent youth, steady progress D all
scholarly culture and discipline: =
The saIutary effect Of the drill. IN. add
ton to knowledge obtained. IS seen n
the more erect carriage, graceful manners.
and physical development. ~ . II
has furnished the indoIent or too studious
youth with measure and kind Of exer..
else which to such are invaluable. while
the not unfrequent presence Of ladies' and
other spectators, atparadc, stimulates all
to the attainment of the highest excel
1enccf in service which may some
day 81 greatly advsntageousto the State.
IT would be wrong TO supPosefiaA is
physical advantages. however obvious
and great. are is only recommendations.
The habits 81 attention, precision and
ready obedience %hieh Il requires and
strengthens, and the generous spirit Of
Ehealthful emulation which Il fosters, find
expression inIeyery other department Of
study Or experience would seem to
warrant. independents 81 legal 6biie ation.
the existence Of some such atfsbednseht.
II introduced with proper judgment and
feeling. in every College Of the land. Z"
rep Of Jan. 1865.
[ContDmri ob Zi1H R9gr.