New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-06-13
GRADUATING DAY At VEST POINT.
BROADER GENERAL GIBBONS ThIBUIE TO FiTZ
Join POTTER


JOHN PORTER
WEST POINT, n. Y, June 12.-The gradual
ing exercises were held here this morning large
platform erected Ia the grove in front tho library
the distinguished guests, the academy and military
staff and their families. About 1000 other spectators
occupied chairs stools and benches IN front Of the plat
FORM and over all was stretched huge awning. Az
1920 a. H. the battalion marched with elegant precision
from the barracks and took the places assigned the
The Secretary War; Mr. EHdcO occupied the seat OF
honor with Generals sheridan and Merritt on either
side. The academic and military staff sat on the
right and the BOARD of Visitors on the left The band
played national airs Chaplain Postlctnwtts offered
prayer aud General Merritt introduced br-a9er'Oe
absundsd IN rrcoccions Of his cadet e and the pranks
he used to play. lie never considered harmless pres
si,nal dcyiling" injurious lie referred to hi. class
mate. as he knew them here ana again In AFTER IKE
Said he 49,,
denly appeared aud announced his intention OF dis
trlblting Beforehand the prizes OF the future
to the on 'neH the Snoadr of Fa JOHN Porter
and saying You Will he the gleatest military martyr
army by DISTINGUISHED calamity, yon WI De si.rAen
the and made to suffer years OF agony ana
shame. But don't hang your head SIR remember thlt
inst country. and when the ish; Of truth shall
illuminate page OF history and show the true char
Sc.ef v OF yC conrysn do yo justice And rcm
ber above all things that one who Is acquitted D. the
a Getty can well afford to stand M against the charges
any accuser ore cannot bur be struck with The way
in witch dice box of fate has denied all prosnosca
lions formed here 49, , ,
.The hnmhlest member OF the class" ho said. need
never despair Thi Institution does not IN AXE generals
II supply luiplanis he \. b. g. LDn-stree, was tara
from loot IN his class EIsts Newton, khhrs
aud RosecranS were NJ the mead, Hrant
No. 81 anon. thirtynine m ubers II WAS question
with General Gibbons II the standard or the Academy
TO, hgn lie advised graduates TO OBEY oteTs,
be political ptrtstns " heineinpcr' ne
SAID. "th,t no one EYER gained anything without nard
work. Be generous - others, ana give tlenl
all tho credit they deseryo When you nna
others You deemed Less worthy Grasplhg
prz you contcndng for. copsoe yourself with
tn. apAorls II. that never grows on barren SOL
Above all, never tarnish your military reputation ny
practising the arts Ofthe politician. Gent.cmcn give
Won most hearty concentrations that to-day y0u con
the aAd don the breye and change the gray Tor
General Nichols Of the Board OF Visitors made a five
minutes speech.
Auuy, whose commander ain. WEI!
como you to onr ranks. know how
you are. and the you have PAT on your
pain clothes, th- better yol Will be graIlhed."
secretary Endic0tt spoke few words OF conSratu!a,
the cadets and The officers o. the Institution and
then handed diplomas to the graduates Inc beneilc-
ton was pronounced and tho gathering dispersed NO
tho battalion broken ranks thtn the gradu-
hastcuci their and took on her uniforms,
before OF them were caught aud put Under
the luulp.