Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-08
CADETS AT WEST POINT.
Col Wilson Calls Attention to Some
Needed ImproyementA

Col Wilson Calls Attention to Some
Needed improvements
Col John NJ. Wilson, superintendent Of the
West Point Military Academy, has submitted
TO the War Department his annual report. He
says that there were 294 cadets at the academy
September !, 1889. Since that date the loss
has been: by resignation. q by discharge, 2
by death and 81 by graduation. The gain has
been: 81 admitted as new cadets, making a total
of 49, 4 of whom we're admitted September /,
1890 The number includes one cadet from
Switzerland and one from Central America.
Col Wilson makes q point Of the disadvsn-
tage under which the candidates who enter in
September placed from the lack of drill
and instruction. which their more fortunate
classmates have acquired during the summer
encampment of the fifty-six candidates who
presented themselves August %. 1889, only six
teen we're admitted, and only six OF these
manned in the class after the June examina-
tons
Col. Wilson attributes this greatly to the fact
that they did not get an even start with their
class He earnestly urges that. except under
extraordinary circumstances. no further sep
TENDER appointments be made and that the
June candidates be notified sufficient time In
advance Of reporting to permit them to prepare
for the examinations. He also suggests that
candidates report fer physical examination to
the nearest medical officer Of the army lmme-
diately upon appointment, 80 that in the event
of physical disqualification their appointments
could be at once revoked and they be thus
spared further expense and modification.
GOOD CONDITION OF THE CADETS.
The condition of the corps Of cadets as re-
CARDS drill, discipline and instruction has been
excellent. In the first three classes, number
ing 1874 men. but one cadet failed to pass the
June examination. while of the seventeen pro-
nOunced deficient in the fourth class ten were
recommended to be turned back and only
seven were discharged. During the year the
health of the command was less favorable than
usual. and upon expert examination 1t was
found necessary to recommend extensive
improvements in the sewerage anu plumbing.
In view of the limited period allowed for field
artillery drill it is urgently recommended that
another battery of new ). pinch field guns be
supplied to the academy. The seacOast and
siege batteries are also reported to be in bad
condition, and three guns burst during the
year, fortunately without serious results.
Those supplied their place
old guns used during the rebellion. and the
superintendent SAYS II would be criminal on his
part to endanger the lives of the cadets by
practicing with these obsolete pieces. and he
recommt nds that new fve-inch breech-loading
steel guns be furnished. He says also that the
battery instruction should be placed at once
upon an independent footing, aud that fifty
horses and thirty artIllerymen should be fur
nished. The light at present supplied to the
academy Is said to be of inferior quality. and
the superintendent submits estimates for a
complete electric light plant to cost 500. 600.