The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1881-10-20

The BINGHAM CADETS. 1t was the
best thing out there, said one Of d
II. Hill, Veterans on Thursday.
lie referred to the drilling Of the
bingham Boys" whose grey uniforms
and manly bearing, have SO often won
the plaulits Of Fair goers,' and the
fair, as well.
Maj. Bingham brought down a young
brigade this year, and as our visitor re-
marked the display was one OF the
leading features OF the week. The
precaution Of having thc parade ground
cleared of stock, spectators, etc, gave a
better field for evoiutIons than hereto -
fore, and the cadets were equal to the
occasion. We were not personally pres
ebt, but have the testimony of a score
Of veteran ex-Contelerates, certainly
competent judges that the drilling Of
the youngsters was quite at the head of
any similar display ever made IN the
State. Parents may think that SIX III in
tactics adds little to the merit of school
ing; but old soldiers know that to ac-
quire proficiency IN drill nccessitates
upright, manly carriage of body, neat
hSDr VI doblIt ltNIJpI ohd ftA!iC-
tuality IN action, clf-possession and de-
cision OF manner, quickness Of eye and
ear; together with well trained muscles.
These be things as essential to success
in life, as glibness in book lore.
1t Is fair to say, however, that mill
tary discipline is merely a secondary
feature of Bingham School. 1t coulG
not have built up a reputation as per-
haps the most successful boarding
school for boys in the South, had there
not been good teaching, as well as good
conduct, and good drilling, within its
course and curriculum.
Indeed we were surprised to learn
from some of the young gentlemen who
visited our office, that the remarkable
skill in drill was not the result of neg
lected school hours. We were inform
ed that no class exercise mad been re-
United, nor recess taken; as the drilling
was done during play hours and that
even the trip to Raleigh was taken in
lieu of the usual holidays, SO that 10
time was lost.
Here we note a special feature Of
Maj. Bingham management. He ar
ranges things on business principles.
The recently issued catalogue shows
this. SO do his advertisements he is
the only school teacher who keeps a
card In the Farmer and Nechuntc the
year round and SO does the demeanor
of his pupils, as witnessed by thOus
ands. Many school men would hesitate
to bring 100 boys to a large town dur
ing the uproar of Fair week. But the
Bingham Boys are gamers tEerefrom.
The trip strengthens that esprit de corps
which is part Of the fame of the school.
The young men are put on their parole
of honor as gentlemen not to drink, nor
gamble, nor visit any sort Of low resort.
and we know OF 10 instance wherein
the pledge was broken. Parents are
coming to understand this; for we have
been assured that the question of com
ing to the Fair had been submitted to
them, and was approved by a majority
Of II to l.. Moreover, the existence Of
the right spirit was manifest By the
anxiety of the cadets to see what was
said Of them by the press, and to have
the school spoken of favolably. The
question was asked what would be done
if a cadet should misbehave while in
the city and brings disgrace on the
Bingham colors. oh! we would
strip off his uniform and drive him out
from among usl'
Bingham Academy has a fame dating
from the beginning Of the century; but
at 10 time has it equaled its present
success and usefulness. Mai. Robert
Bingham early struck out a new and
original line for himself and as the
proof Of the pudding is the eating.
his management speaks for itself. His
widely advertised claim of Pre- Emi
hence among the Boy-Boarding
Schools Of the South would seem to be
not an idle boast; since he can point to
A-gc, 10 tocatton, TO ntulbcrs, 10 afen Of
potroaoge; and to the unusual feet that
seven northern States are represented
on his rolls. These things arc not ac-
cidental. They bespeak an honest sue
cess, ard back Of that must be inte!li
gence, good judgment. and pluck. We
are glad that 'Bingham's" is a North
Carolina institution, and we hope, and
expect, soon to see other schools arts
ing to similar prominence.
ITEMS FROM THE WINSTON REPUBLI-