New-York tribune., 1883-06-09
CADET LIFE AT WEST POINT
JUNE DAYS FULL OF PLEASURE.

MEMORIES OF MEXICO-A CHARMING YIEW-AN tx
HIBITIoN OF HORSEBACK RIDING.
IFRoM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSE
WEST POINT June S.-The storm which cast
its shadow over festivities of West Point yesterday
afternoon passed away In the night and this morning
when the sunrise bugle blew from under the gloomy
arches OF the Cadet Barracks the broke bright ana
cloudess To the cadets, who at this season
of the year all wear white trousers, a muddy
day means great deal for what cadet could be truly
good happy with his last pair of trousers splashei
with mud
Among the guests at the hotels here are many old
Army officers whose names once filled the trump oi
fame but have been for now reegated to the
retired list of the Army They OF another age
and all generals. It these men who led the
long whe-crested of fight" against the heights
OF Chapuepcc and the passes OF Buena Vista In the
days when soldiers swore by the Great Scott" ana
Zachary Taylor. They present at all the drills ana
parades OF the cadets and compare the present state OF
things with the condition of the Academy "when we
were boys"
There is no walk In the vicinity of West Point that
pays better than the somewhat tosome ascent that
leads the crumbling ramparts OF old " Fort Put
From the and lichen covered basons OF this dis
mantled of the Revolution the ranges over
a billowy OF forest.ca mountains amid which nestle
numerous villages; and the noble river Hes IKE
broad pathway Of FURNISHED silver In
the sunlight. West Point is lovely
at all times. but especially a moonlight night.
When the sound Of the fife and drum Is heard no longer
from the plain when the buge has sounded the retreat
and the lights have vanished from the windows of the
barracks when
The moon looks down the old Gro Nest.
And silvers the shades IN her rugged breast,
then West Point Is fairy land
There is little doubt that all the cadets OF the frat
class have successfully passed their final examinations
This morning the graduating class gave an exhibition
OF horseback riding In the Riding Hail. The exhibition
was would have driven the proprietor of the
Greatest Show Earth wild with envy; and 1t Is
morally certain that II any OF tho present graduating
do not succeed In their chosen profession they can
ut any time command good salaries as crcus-rders.
The two small galleries Of the Riding Hall were
crowded with spectators, among whom were many
ladies' who warmly appaudcl the difficult feats OF the
cadets Among those present in tine galleries were John
jacob Astor and family. Mr anl Mrs. Morris K. Jesup
Colonel and Mrs. f. d. Grant. Mrs. John Bigelow, Mrs
T. B. Van Buren,, General Culun Admiral Rodgers an
the members OF the Board Of Visitors The cadets hay
ing performed several eyoutnns the satisfaction OF
Captain Godfrey and tae admiration OF those In the
galleries. two hurdles pl ced the tan-bark aud
midway between them wooden framework, fIom
which depended iron ring. At several points
Of oI''e command ne cad1f, came charging down
the hurdles. at time. their horses going az t
u, aad. his horse eIpud the hurdle, he
drew his sabre and caught the suspended ring deity on
the hurdle slashlng of the leather head Of the
wooden IA &c did so and swept
on TO the smaller post In Ike manner.
After some time the said o, removed and ltic
bareback riding induZed Ia. Tue cadets set their
horses In motion and gyfatnR IN ring
around the hall. Just before reaching
hurdle the cadet would dsnOuut and, cingiug
10 his horses name. would leap The hurdle
with him, springing his back again immediately the
obstruction passed. Then tac lurdl remOye Ell
and the cadets still rid ug around the nail al fu speed.
began Jump and OF OF tuer horses without cheek
ing In the least furious pice at walch they were
gong. Then Or,ler 4" ride at Will" was gwen aud
the cadets around tue hall standing up, lying
kDeclng hanging by one foot ON the backs OF
their horses
This afternoon there se1-cOIst bathing drill, aud
the echoes OF all the mountains around here are weary
with work they sd 90 do. Tomorrow between
10 aud IL o'clock, there VIII Or exhibition dri IN
bridge building. aud ia the AIT rnDOn there Will BE-
skrnish drili the cadets Will g into camp on June To-
WAsHISGToS June s.--occr,ary Lincoln, General
Sherman, Adjutant General Drum. Colonel Barr and
Colonel Bacon will leave suudIy evening % attend
the graduating exercises AZ the West Point Military
Academy next week.