National Republican., 1883-06-15
"A SPLENDID SCHOOL.
abe Visitors 10 West Point Find Nothing to
Csnsure, Everything TO Commend.
a Nsv Gymnasium and improvements OF
VArIoas Sorts Recommended.

visitors appointed TO attend the annual ex-
animation of the military academy at West
Point have attended to their duty, and sub
NIT the following report:
All the members of the board were present,
with the exception of Senator Cameron, of
Wisconsin, and the board organized by the
election of Rear Admiral G. r. p. Rodgers as
president of the board, aud of Col. l.. NJ. Day
ton as secretary. Aqe la
At tho first meeting of the board the follow
ing committees were appointed, viz;
Committee on the state Of discipline, in
cluding drill-Hon. j. Schuyler Crosby, Hon
George w. Steele Hon. b. @. Whitman, Col.
l.. M. Dayton.
On instruction-Hon. Isaac N. Arnold, Hon.
Asa French, Hon. Amos Townsend
On police administration, including build.
ings and grounds-Hon. William A. J. Sparks
Hon. j. Schuyler Crosby, Col. L. NJ. Dayton,
Hon. Asa French.
On fiscal affairs and other concerns of t,o
military academy not provided for lin tho
other committees-Hon. Isham G. Harris,
Hon. Amos Townsend, Mr.. Howard Potter,
and Hon. Geo. w. Steele.
These several committees Immediately pro.
u
careful examination of all the departments Of
the academy, the results of which were re-
ported to the full board for its action.
1t is proper to add that the conclusions of
the board now to be presented arc based not
alone upon the reports Of these committees,
but upon tho personal inspection VI each in
dividual member of the board so far as that
was practicable in the time allotted TO the
work.
We desire to express our high appreciation
of the uniform courtesy shown 10 us by tho
superintendent, Gen. Merritt and by all the
officers aud professors of the academy. Every
possible facility was furnished by them TO
enable the board 10 make q thorough invest-
CATION of all matters connected with the ad-
ministration of the academy down to the
minutest detail. To Gen. Merritt we are
especially indebted for valuable suggestions
made by him to the board at its request
The state of discipline is most excellent,
and is characterized by great fairness aud alb
soute impartality. The fine military bear
ing of the cadets their superb physical devel-
opment and cheerful faces, show that tho
system is wise and not unnecessarily severe.
The precision with which tho evolutions and
movements were made by the corps of cadets
IN artillery, cavalry, and infantry, gave evil
dence of most thorough training; and the
same is true of the target practice with the
large guns and mortars. The exercises, too
in ponton aud spar bridge building indicate
great proficiency in that branch.
In the various departments constituting
the academic course the cadets showed q de-
gree of intelligence aud efficiency rejecting
the highest credit upon their instructors, as
we'll as upon themselves. Something more
than familiar knowledge of text books is re-.
quired. The cadet must understand the
principles of the subject in hand. However
correct the result at which he arrives may
be, he is not suffered to go without giving the
reason.
So far as we can judge, the results of the
course of instruction and training at the
academy are in the highest degree satisfactory.
A graduate of West Point is almost of ne
cessity gentleman in the best sense of the
word-a man of intelligence, integrity, and
truth-the very best material for brave and
efficient soldier and a useful citizen A sys-
TEN of instruction producing these results is
entitled to the support of the government
and the respect OF the people.
The great wonder is that in the short pc
riop of four years such wide field of study
can be covered, and at the same time tho
work can be done SO we'll. Nothing but tho
utmost fidelity on the part of the officers and
professors in steadily upholding and enforc-
ing the requirements of the course can account
for it..
A careful inspection of the buildings showed
the necessity of some general repairs to the
cavalry stable, which, in the opinion of the
superintendent can be made out of the gem
eral appropriation under that head. 1t would
be easy to suggest other changes and altera-
tions for which no specific appropriations have
been made and which would materially add
to the convenience of the buildings, and be of
permanent benefit to the academy.
We cOntine ourselves, however, to recon-
mending such improvements only rs we deem
absolutely essential to the efficiency of the
institution, and the comfort and well being OF
those for whose edcaton and training it is
maintained.
There is a pressing and immediate neces-
sity for new floors in the cadet barracks and
in the academy building, at an estimated cost
of $1,000.
The present bathing accommodations foI
the cadets are insufficient aud wholly made
quate to the requirements of cleanliness and
good health. Only thirteen bathtubs are
now provided, and these need thorough re-
pairs. This limited number makes 1t neces.
sary for many of the cadets to bathe at unsea-
s0nable hours, and should be increased to III
at least fifty in number, which can be done al
an expense of not exceeding $4,000.
The sum of 5000 is necessary for the com
pletion of the new hospital building, aud fol
grading the grounds around it.
1t is important that tho main pipe for the
supply Of water should be extended from il!
present terminus TO the cadet barracks, whicl
will cost SO 900.
There are several old and dilapdatet
wooden buildings located near the artillery
and cavalry barracks, and used for workshops
and stOrehOuses. They are in the last stages
of decay and crowded closely together and
are wholly unsuited to the uses to which
they are put Should n fire break out among
them ian event very likely 20 happen), i
would cause the loss of much valuable prop
erty stored in them, and. greatly endange
the safety of neighboring buildings. W.
recommend their removal and the erection o
suitable building or buildings of substau
tial material in their place. The cost OF thi
will be $4,000.
The foregoing estimates were furnished Il
the board by the superintendent, and may b.
relied upon as Approximately correct
During the past two years regular instruc
tion has been given in gymnastic exercises
the results of which have been most satistac
tory, There is but one opinion on the part o
the board as to the Importance OF continuing
this branch of instruction and Of making i
more efficient by providing adequate accom-
modations for its development. The room
now used for that purpose in the acadom
building falls far short Of the requirement
of modern gymnasium aud is utterl,
unsuited for the purpose to which 1t is ap
piled.
In the opinion of the board plain and sub
stantial building should be erected and fur
nished with such apparatus as may be needet
for thorough physical training.
No estimate has been made of the cost O
such structure, and our purpose is accom-
plished by calling attention to its necessity
A careful investigation WAS made into tn
manner of conducting tho financial affairs o
the institution the result of Nvhi IA WAS i'm nj