The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-03
OUR CHARITY SCHOOLS.

OUR CHARITY SCHOOLS.
When the Whitaker case was up for ex-
animation General Scoield In command at
West Point Indignantly denounced all in
situations that possibly some of the high
born cadets had nrevaricated to the detri-
ment of their colored associate. Impossible!
Their keen sense of "honor" forbade the pos
sibiity of such baseness The young gentle
men at West Point were too honorable, too
noble, to disown the truth even in the most
trivial matters. So earnest was his protest
that few-a very few-may have been per-
suaded that the dear fellows would not be
guilty of telling even a white lie, "fib."
Then, there were others-and their number
are as the sands of the sea-who were cruel
enough to declare that the boys living on the
bounty of the public were no better, no more
honest and reliable, than were boys who
did not attend that tony charity
school. Both Whitaker and Flpper
were dismissed on the honorable testimony
of their white classmates. 1t now transpires
that West Points twin institution supported
by the general government, has developed a
very phenomenal condition OF affairs. By
some inscrutable means a cadet found en-
trance there who could not only lie like an
Indian, but backed it up with his 'honor,"
like full-blooded Caucasian. How he man.
aged to get into that high and honorable
place is not explained. but there he is, and
Al. e II.
is C. e. Woodford, AND he is from Pennsyl-
vana. Last Friday he certified con honor"
to falsehood in connection with his exam
ination papers. Being little more clumsy
than his fellows, he was detected, and admit
ted his guilt in writing. He was at once re-
duced to the ranks, and while being led away
Cadet Lieutenant Street. i'll command of the
first class, led his division in cheering Cadet
Woodford. This kindly manifestation of
sympathy for fellow in a misfortune that
might have overtaken any of them, caused
their arrest and the very honorable Cadet
Street was reduced to the ranks. The con-
tagion of dissatisfaction spread uutil the en-
tire institution was deprived of its privi-
leges, and thus the matter stands. A first
writing, and was arrested. The other hon
orable' cadets applauded the honorable pre-
varicator, and are in bonds with him, proving
that not only may a cadet lie, but that his
comrades deem it an outrage to take meas
ures for the suppression of lying.
The young noblemen at West Point and
Annapolis, who enjoy the bounty of the
American public, need disciplining. The
erroneous idea that they are something bet
ter than the people outside who pay their
expenses, must be eradicated Personal
honor in West Point and Annapolis is not a
whit better than elsewhere and, if we may
judge by the present condition of the Naval
Academy, not near so good. Charity stu
dents are not a particle superior to those
who pay their own way, and the snobism
and exclusiveness that have grown up about
these two schools must be destroyed in a
way that W II teach the young lords that they
live in a republic where one man is as good
as AnOJHeT, anu NTeTe Tue worn Vi uOnOf Oh
a hod-carrier is as valuable as that of
cadet. These two schools are unquestona-
bly, good in their way, but sweeping
reform IS needed, and wholesome lesson of
Democratic equality and simplicity should
be taught the privileged boys whose very
food and clothing are paid for by the parents
of other boys less highly favored. Uniform
and buttons do not change the nature
of the one who happens to
wear them. If his instincts are
low and mean they are sure to manifest
themselves in his conduct. 1t is nonsense to
claim superior qualities for cadets Many of
them, doubtless, are honorable in all things,
and many great and noble men have grad
uated from these two schools, and have hon
ored themselves and the government that ed
ucated them. What Is so hateful about these
institutions in these later years is the spirit
of superiority and exclusiveness manifested
by the cadets. 1t is honorable to honorably
graduate there, but it is ungrateful and inso-
lent to take on airs of superiority over other
students and boys generally who cannot en-