Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-06-11
FROM ANNAPOLIS.
GraAsasien Exercises 1t the Naval Acad'
emy-A Dramatic Scene Added TO
the Programme.
ANNAPOLIS, Nd, June 9.

ANNAPOLIS, Nd, June 3.
The graduation exercises of the naval
academy were observed here today. Inc
ceremonies commenced at 10 o'clock oy the
cadets forming without arms and marching
10 the chapel. Here the exercises were OPP
ened by prayer by Chaplain McAllister- hon.
r. o. Mills of Texas then addressed the
graduating class. The diplomas were then
delivered by Capt. Ramsey
During the morning exercises there was
scene enacted that was never before wit
n. ssed at that institution, nor probably never
excelled in dramatic interest in any COM
mencement exercises. The cadets had list
ened with great interest and applauded to the
echo the address of Mr.. Mills to the gradu-
ates, and especially those points that severe
ly criticised by implication the conduct In
cadets in cheering and groaning their fellows
against regulations. Then Capt. Ramsey,
SUPERINTENDENT of the acadamy, arose TO de-
liver the diplomas Behind him, seated on
the platform, were DIR. Leayitt. president of
st. Johns College, members of the board OF
visitors, members of the academy board and
numbers of ladies. Capt. Ramsay stood with
his cooked hat in hand and in full uniform,
and looked straight forward into the audi
ence. His lips were seen to move, but few
of the spectators heard what he said. The
the class. was called. As Cadet Greene
stepped forward to receive his diploma. a
number of cadets broke into cheers, the
usual course on commencement day, when a
favorite steps to the front to receive test-
mony of his graduation. In an instant the
bright and cherry scene was changed. Capt
Ramsay's countenance lowered, and, in a
voice broken by anger, he said ~ on show
your characterization, and attempt to dis
grace yourselves and the naval academy be-
fore the eyes of the country; those who ap-
plauded march to the 'front.' and there, to
the establishment of the spectators. twenty
cadets stood before the the irate superintend-
ent, who said to Lieut.. Greene, who followed
them up, Take them to the Santee until
further order" Several of the convicted
cadets parents were present and saw their
sons march off to prison, and nobody seemed
to know the reason
Diplomas were then awarded to the re-
manning graduates in funeral silence, the
situation being painful and gloomy. This
over, the cadets were marched out to the new
quarters, where they were dismissed. Then
it was discovered that the first words Capt.
Ramsay had spoken were that there should
be no applauding, and the unfortunate cadets,
like nearly all the audience, had not heard
it. Officers and cadets crowded around the
superintendent and represented the situation,
and Capt. Ramsay relented and ordered all
who had not heard the order to be released.
In an hour the cadets were once more at
liberty. Messrs. Glasseock, Gray and Web
ster of the graduates were also given thelr
diplomas. The orders of the graduates de-
tach them from the academy and send them
to their homes. The cadets say the reason
why Capt Ramsay did not want any ap-
plauding was that there were several of his
'.spoonies," as cadets call some of theil
fellows who stand by the captain, in the
graduating class, who would have beer
marked by dispproving silence.