Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1886-06-16
A GLIMPSE OF CADET LIFE.
Examination of the Candidate for
Future Naval Rcnown--HazinS
"Plebc."

The actual appointment is not made
by the Congressman, but by the Secre-
tary OF the Navy, and this is not given
until after the cadet has been duly
sworn in as a naval cadet in the United
States navy. On receiving the permit
the candidate, as he is then called, re-
ports TO the superintendent as specified
in the permit. His name, age, place
Of residence, and birth are then regis
tered in a large book, and he is given
blanks To fill in stating what progress
he has made in his studies, and the
text books he used, these blanks to be
handed IN the next day at his mental
examination.
Four days are given to the mental
examination, two in English and two
in mathematics. If 4 candidate fails
on the first two he is given re-examin-
alton in the branches he has failed in,
and if lie then fails that is the last of
it. After the mental test is over comes
the physical examination, which is very
rigid, The principal defects in candi-
dates are in the eyes, ears, and in vari-
cose veins. Having passed both men
tai AMI physical examinations, the can
didate Is given papers to sign, binding
himself to the navy for eight years, un-
less sooner discharged. Then he is
sworn IN, for which he has to pay 10
cents.
The cadet life of this young aspirant
for naval glory has now begun. Ii is
not necessary to make any deposit of
money. but it is preferred that 500 be
deposited for his expenses, which are
heavy, and this amount Is placed to his
credit in drawing his pay. lie then
takes his mattress and bed clothes on
his back and marches down TO the
Santee, where he is TO remain until the
ship starts on her practice cruise III
June,
When the new naval cadet goes to
his first meal he then catches little of
the running" or rs Is called by civil
ians, haZing. He walks around for Il
few minutes with his cap stuck on the
side OF his head as big as any first class
man. when his dignity is suddenly in
fringed by some third class man COM
ing up and accostlng him. The follow
ing dialogue follows:
Third Glass Man-Say, there, you,
Mister What-is-your-name, where are
you frOm2 Whose place are you in?
Shake it up and give an account Of
yourself.
Plebe-Jones.
Third Glass Man-Jones what?
Plebe-Jones nothing.
Third Class Man-Jore5, sir; do you
savey?
Plebe-Yes, sir.
Third Glass Man-You don't want
TO forget that little word, or you might
get into trouble.
Plebe-YeS, sir.
While this conversation was going on
the third class man had evidently for
gotten to remind the plebe that he is
standing in a very unmIlitary manner,
and informs him Of it in this way:
"Say, you, mister, brace up and have
some style about you. Put your feet
together, fms out, and raise that chin
"A little; stomach in and breast out.
What the devil did you come here for
anyway-the glory of your country,
the $500 year, or the educatiOn?"
And whatever answer the plebe gives
he is sure to be taken up on it.
After having received his first dose
of hazing, he is told to skip, and be
quick about it, or he will stand him on
his head TO give HIM an appetite for
his breakfast.
the cadets are provided with excel
lent food, for which they have to pay
Slj per month