The Portland daily press., 1884-10-06
THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
Report of the Board of Visitors.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5.-The board of visitors
to the UHited States naval academy for 1884,
consisting of Rear Admiral Shufeldt, Hon.
Robert U. Schenck OF Washington, Senators
tives s. s. Cox, Goff and John 81. Evins, Hon.
Dorman B. Eaton, Hon. Stephen M. Allen Of
Boston, Prof. Edward S. Jaynes OF Columbia,
8. c., and Messrs E. s. Jewett of kansas,
VIM. H. Upham of Wisconsin; have made
theif report to Secretary Chandler 1t is ac-
compahied BY special report upon the condi-
lions Ut admission, to the academy prepared at
the suggestion of the board by Mr.. Eaton.
Inc special report recommends radical
change In the appointment of cadets. Rela-
tive to admission and dismissal of cadets at
the naval academy the board says. "Board
has not learned that there is any formal en-
trance to the navy unless it be the taking of
the oath and entering of the academy. Yet it
does not appear that naval cadet while at
the academy is regarded as Q. part of the navy.
he has taken the oath to support the articles
governing, and to serve in the navy, neverthe-
less he is not regarded in it or as entitled to,
or as subject to courts martial. The board
thinks that the interests of Justice and disci-
pltne at the academy require that these naval
cadets like the former midshipmen whom they
have succeeded should while there be regarded
as part of the navy, and be subject to courts
martial in form best adapted to the crcum-
stances OF the school and this islthe view of the
most experienced naval officers whom the
pOaru mas oeen aDl6 TO consult.
The board ascertaned that by the existing
system under which nearly all the patronage
OF cadet selection for Annapolis is enjoyed by
members OF Congress, those cadets who have
been sent away for fraud and other moral de-
linquencies are sometimes returnedaand ara
again admitted to the academy, there being no
legal authority for preventing ii. The board
thinks that no person whose connection with
the academy beenhas severed in consequence OF
misconduct chould be again admitted to it ex-
cept with the approval OF the academic board.
The Board thinks 1t Wohld be great i'm
provement to have selections for the Academy
made year before the time of the intended
admission, and that candidates should be ex-
amined so seasoGably as to be ready to enter
the academy on the first Of June, or at the
latest, during the first ten days of the month.
The question of having the examinations
nearer the homes OF the people, 80 as to save
to applicants sure to be rejected the time and
expense required for travelling long distances
to the academy, was referred to special COM
mittee:
Relative TO the subjects of study and scholar
ship, the report says: "It is difficult to see
how studies, proper in such an institution,
could be better selected, better arranged or
more compactly comprehended within the linn
it of the time possible In the present course of
four years. The Board therefore suggests that
the Secretary of the Navy require a report to
be made by the superintendent to the next
meeting of the board of visitors, setting forth
what advantages and disadvantages, If any
would accrue from the extension of the naval
academy course from four to five years. The
Board suggests that the Secretary of the Navy
call upon the superintendent to report such
recommendations as he may deem proper for
the further development of special or electoral
advanced courses in later years of the regular
course, looking also to the development of a past
graduate course hereafter for special stady at
this institution OF the highest departments of
naval science.
The buildings and grounds were found in a.
satisfactory condition, with the exception of
the Quarters for the cadets which the report
says seem totally inadequate. A new building
is therefore recommended with accommoda-
tions for 400 cadets.
The special report was prepared by Mr..
Dorman B. Eaton. He strongly opposes the
present system of entering the academy which
pends primarily upon your parents standing
well with your member of Congress and not
on your merits" The present system is uncon-
stitutionsl. Cadets sc West Point and Annap-
oils alike are "inferior officers in view of the
constitution and their appointment is an exec
utive and not legislative function. The con-
stitution declares that Congress may vest the
appointment of inferor officers in the Presi-
dent alone, in courts of law or in the heads of
departments but has no authority or right to
take such appointments to itself or disiribnte
them among its own members. 1t might as
We'll thus Distribute ali appointments to de-
partmeuts and custom houses.
Senator Pendeton concurs "most heartily
in the general spirit and In most of the conclu-
sions of Mr.. Eaton's report" Other members
OF the special committee, ell OF whom concur
in the report are E. S. Jaynes, W. FL. Upham,
s. w. Allen and Il. e. Jewett. fk