Clarksville daily chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1884-188?, 1884-11-05
CADET LIFE ar wEsr PoINr.
The Course OF study-Hard Work
and Strict discipline.

LPoughke6psie Pressl
The activities of West Point have no
break throughout the entire year. Work
beginning the list of September lasts to
the end of the year. After few DAYS
consumed in examination, another
term begins, which lasts till the 3lst of
May. Then come examinations which
last till about the middle of June, from
whence till the 29th of August the ca
diets live in camp on the plain. During
this period no regular studies are pur-
sued, books being largely thrown aside
for practical work, such as surveying,
astronomical observations, etc. For
these purposes the finest instruments are
provided. Cadets are admitted to the
academy as late in the year as Septem-
Der, when the years studies are begun.
The course lasts four years, dividing the
cadets into as many classes. The fourth
class, or first years men, study mathe-
MATES, the English language, French,
history, geography, and ethics and
tactics of artillery and infantry, and re-
ceive instruction in fencing and bayonet
exercise and military gymnastics
In the second year, mathematics are
studies, which comprises, also French,
topography and plotting of surveys
with lead pencils, pen and ink and
colors, construction of the various pro-
blems in descriptive geometry, shades
and shadows, and linear perspective
and isomeric projections. Practical sur
veying in the field during the seasons of
camping out aptly supplements the
studies in drawing The study of mill
tary tactics comprises practical lnstruc-
ton in the schools of the soldier, COM
pany and battalion, and in artillery and
cavalry With the third year the sue
cessful cadet is advanced to the study of
natural and experimental philosophy,
chemistry, mineralogy and geology, free
hand drawing and landscape in black
and white, constructive and architect
ural drawing in ink and colors,
which tactics are continued,
and practical military engineer
ing added to the hard work of
the period. In the last year the scope
of studious pursuit is enlarged by the
addition of civil and military engineer
ing and the science of war, the Spanish
language, international, constitutional,
and military law, outlines of the history
of the world, and technical instructions
in ordnance and gunnery and signaling.
The reveille call at o'clock in the
morning rouses him from his bunk. He
and his mate forthwith prepare the
room they share in common, and in
half an hours time he is seated at his
breakfast. Forty minutes are given
him in which to make the first meal of
the day. Guardmounting is next in
order, taken in turn. Each days guard
consists of thirty-five privates and four
non commissioned officers, and the Off
Ger in command, all cadets. AT 8
o'clock one half the students are seated
in recitation classes, and the other
engaged in preparation for them. AT
half-past a. H., this half take their
places, leaving those who have left their
classes at liberty to pursue their pre-
paration for second recitation. This
begins at II with half the cadets, as in
the first recitation, and lasts an hour,
when the remaining students take their
turn for the remaining length of time.
After dinner, at about 2, another period
of recitation is begun, lasting an hour
each for all the students, who are
divided into two sections, as before.
Glasses are resumed at 10 minutes pas;
4 p. M, and last until half-past p, NJ.
Parade is the event of sunset, and in
fine weather is attended by numerous
admirers of the natty young fellows
who take part in it. This includes the
whole of the cadets in attendance at the
academy. Supper succeeds the display,
and at half-past 8 p m. taps" are
heard on the drum--the signal Of pre-
paration for bed. Each stadent there
upon unfolds his couch and makes
ready for the nights repose By 10
o'clock every light is out and silence
broods over the quarters.
OF the calls at West Point, the bugle
summons for recitation; all calls for
military formation are made by means
of the drum and fife. One by drum and
fife, heard every morning after reveille,
is understood by ailing men to mean
that they report at the hospital for ex-
animation, where they become subject
to the rule of Esculapiua
Every Saturday the cadet is allowed to
wander at his own will anywhere within
the government lines. Two hops q
week during the warm months Of the
year assist IN forming the gentlemanly
department for which the cadet is justly
celebrated, and increase his esteem for
the better half of creation. Light read
ing amid pleasant surroundings is at his
disposal in the library, or, at
his pleasure, in his reom. The advent
of friends Of the past gives him "spslf'
Of liberty, never INDUCED, however, at
the expense of his progress. Inter
changing calls with other cadets is q
pleasured tempered with prohibitions
which are wholesome, and suggestive.
The cadet must not smoke, nsr are al
coholic drinks allowed in the rooms. He
must not play cards, but chess and
checkers are not interdicted. Many ca
diets who are musical in their tastes, play
on Instruments and sing. Here, better