The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-06-11

30 no one sees their fails and mishaps.
When they are able to handle themselves
On bareback horses visitors are allowed
some Of the ooys IRE simply scared out OF
their senses AID some of them never have
touched horse before. but as the end Of
the three years cavalry instruction there's
nothing more 70 be admired than . well
ees-up West Point graduate on horse
hack. They become perfect gymnasts, and
perform in fatigue uniform feats that cir
Gus riders could hardly do In any but
iiGhtess outfit And moreover the horses
which they ride hare to be used in artillery
practice - we'll. and many are only fitted
for the heayier work. Bat the cadets get all
there is ont of them. The GROWING point
In control Of horse comes when he will
lie down at his riders command, and in
the last Few years cadets have been taught
10 make their horses submit to be thrown
with the surcing.e or lie down Of their own
accord Il is rarely interesting TO see
Capt Craig in the center of the dark-s:one
riding hall surrounded by double row Of
horses PROSTATE on their sides, some With
riders still on their backs, other cadets
making sure Of their sseeds while an or
derry repeatedly nres . toy pistol The
cadets become such daring riders that 10
hold them in check is the hardest work.
The perfect product Of the American
school Of cavalry instruction 10 . superb
article, and about all he needs 10 practice,
which he is very sure TO get If he is
assigned to duty on the plains.
A West Point cadet Is taught about
everything except Greek and how to cook,
and some Of the latter creeps in. Not only
is he taught from books and drilled in mil
itary tactics, but his moral qualifications
and traits Of character are closely studied
till long before the four years IS up some
OF those professors can tell to dot just
how boy will think and act, and the pro-
cess OF reasoning IN every CONCLUSION. If
. pupil Is extraordinarily ap, and shows
indications of pride. the weak spot in his
armor IS picked out and he is gwen some
thing to bring il to his attention, and
when he has learned humility he is helped
to fight till what was weak becomes
strength IN his nature. Boys who are
backward or weak are carefully stimulated
show them they can succeed. There -
one professor at West Point whom every
cadet remembers. He graduated from
West Point just as the war broke
out. He served through it with
extreme bravery, and Immediately
returned to West Point as an instructor.
Sometimes he is grUf but he is devoted to
West Point, and no matter what he may
have IN hand for his own pleasure, this
professor will give it up 10 devote some
hours to helping along . backward boy
who shows any desire to succeed. or to
awaken his ambition. That's the way
with other instructors and every officer
has personal pride in West Point that is
active.
1t 10 West Points proud boast that its
cadets are as near truthful as men can be
and not be too good for this world. From
the moment ''beast" enters, truth" is
held up to him. He gets black marks
when he fibs, and in time 1t gets to be
habit. and the longer man stays there
tho more he prizes his word of honor. No
matter what he may do afterward. most of
West Point, and If they depart why other
cadets rather ostracise them. This is
largely aided by the system Of self.govern-
ment used on the cadets.
While the larger part Of the graduates
are recommended to President Cleveland
tor cavalry and infantry service, and
others for three or four branches, half q
gincers. ordinances, artillery. cavalry or in
fantry. and as many more for all but the
engineers.
In four years cadets are given courses in
natural and experimental philosophy.
modern languages, drawing, mathematics
from plain arithmetic through calculus;
chemistry. electricity, mineralogy and
mechanics, geology. history, geography
and ethics, civil and military engineering,
military tactics. including cavalry. artil-
lery and infantry; law. and practical mill
tary engineering. ordnance and 9unnery.
There are minor things worked in and
incidentally cadet has been taught to be
gentleman besides. 1t Is altogether an
exhaustive study, but 50 carefully Is the
cadets living regulated that few break
down under tho strain of fifteen hours
work daily.
All the four years of his course cadet
looks forward to the graduation day in