The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-21
LITE AT WEST POINT.
How the Sons of Great Men Are Treated
The Courts Martial

How the Sons of Great Men Are Treated
The Courts-Martial.
Washington Letter in Chicago News.
If pure democracy exists on earth il is at the
Military Academy. When the son of distin-
guished man comes there he is put through hia
PAGES just to get out of him any possible snob
bshness he may have. 1t is told that when
General (then President) Grant went up to West
Point to see his son, Fred Grant, the first thing
that met his eye was poor Fred toiling along
with big bucket of water in each hand, it ber
ing his duty according to the cadet code, as the
last conner has to bring all the water his room
mates might require General Grants grim face
relaxed into broad smile as Fred hurried past
him with a nod, afraid of his life to be caught
tagging moment. Senator Logan's son. Man.
ming Logan, got-and deserved--some hard lines.
He went to the academy about the time his
father was nominated for Vice president, and
exhibited considerable elation and high silk
hat he was promptly relieved OF both. A
squad of third-clas men seized him one night,
perched him upon the mantelpiece, turned coal
scuttle over his head, put water bucket on that,
surmounted by cavalry helmet, with the high
hat GROWING the edi6ce. Thus ACQUIRED he
was made to sing I'm getting big boy now"
until he pleaded for mercy. This was not wholly
effectual, though. and day or two afterwarG a
tall and ferocious looking frst-class man went
up to him and told him that Mr.. Augustin DAILY.
of Days Theater had commissioned him-the
first class man-to find young man Of histrionic
ability who was capable of taking the leading
part in play he was about to produce, called
''The Good Samaritan" Seeing in Mr. Logan
indications of high order Of talent he would
take him to the barracks and give him his first
rehearsal. Ten minutes afterward little Logan
completely terrorized, was sitting in the first
class mans room sewing the missing buttons on
dilapidated jacket while its owner assured him
that he was bound to make great hit as the
Good Samaritan.
The courts martial are very funny, and It is
sometimes hard for the judges to keep their
countenances in the faces of the culprits Once
there was youngster who had been so perfectly
outrageous that he knew he would be fred out at
tho approaching examination, so he determined
to have one grand blowout before he left. On
the grounds was an old disused shed of some
kind, and in it young hopeful piled all the shaw
ings rags, and everything else combustible he
could get and one fine night he set a match to it
and had magnificent bonfire of his own. Of
course suspicion pointed to him, and court OF
inquiry was organized to investigate the outrage.
General Thayer was superintendent and Colonel
Fry commandant of cadents. When the pris-
called up for examination before the
court composed Of officers of high rank, impos,
ing in the majesty of the law, he was asked to
state what he knew about the fire.
IL don't know anything myself but what
is hearsay testimony, and you won't admit that"
he replied.
1.-THE court does not desire your views on hear
say testimony" severely remarked the prose.
cutor. you are directed to state what may
have come to your knowledge regarding the
affair"
"Well, but" objected the culprit, II don't
know anything about it, and what I heard I
don't believe"
''The court, SIR thundered the officer "has
not inquired into your belief. You will imme
diateiy state what you heard"
"But-but-you don't believe me, either.
By that time the court was In rage. "Go
on, sir" roared several officers together.
''Well, they do say, stammered the cadet diff
IDENTIFY, that General Thayer got the shavings
and old Fry set her afre!"