Evening star., 1895-10-23
THE MILITARY ACADEMY
Col. Ernst's Report as to the Condition Of
Affairs at West Point.
High Standard Maintained In the
Academic Departments-New Build
ing Partially Completed.

The report of Col. Ell nst, superintendent
of the United States Military Academy, for
the ear ending September 80. 1895, shows
that the number of officers and Instructors
on duty al West Point September l, 1885,
was eight professors and one associate pro-
fessor, ffty-four commissioned officers, one
sword master and one teacher of music,
making a total of sixty-five. The number
September l. 1894, was sixty-four Ihe
number of cadets en- the rolls September J.,
1895, was 324, Including one foreigner. re-
ceiving instruction by special authority OF
Congress. The number September l, 1874,
was 322, including two foreigners During
the year twenty-nine cadets were discharg-
ed for deficiency in studies. one "a foreign
er) for deficiency in discipline, two for phys
ical disability, nineteen resigned and fifty
two " ere graduated, while 1o5 were admit
ted at the examinations held IN March,
June and August.
Academic Depart ments.
The departments of philosophy, drawing
mathematics, chemistry, ETC., history, etc.,
engineering law modern languages, tao,
tics, practical military engineering ana an
ordnance and gunnery have maintained the
high standard of instruct ton for which they
have always been noted.
The Library.
During the year ending August 81 there
were purchased for the library 6O2 volumes
and 50 pamphlets, and there were present
ed to it 5S6 volumes and 24I pamphlets,
making the additions for the year l, lSS vol
umes and $50 pamphlets. The totai num-
Der of books and pamphlets in the library
on September l was ?S,2O3 volumes and
5,914 pamphlets.
Health of the Command.
The health of the command during the
year was generally good. No death oc-
Cured among the cadets. Among the OIL
GERS and their families there was but one
death-an infant. One death occurred
among the enlisted men and seven among
civilians residing or visiting upon the post
The state of discipline of the corps OF
cadets has been generally excellent. NO
case of dismissal or suspension by court
martial occurred during the year.
Artillery.
Further progress was made in replacing
gurs and carriages which had become OBJ
solete with those of modern patterns. I'M
portant additions were made to the Hs1
of models and sample guns for the gen
Gral theoretical instruction OF cadets, aho
the work of constructing new permanen,
platforms in the new SeacoaSt battery, and
for new eight-fnch rifle and new
twelve-irch breech-loading mortar and
three front pintle platforms was com,
pleted.
Water Supply.
| Satisfactory progress was made during
| the year in the construction Of the new
| reservoir, and it is expected that the mair
dam will be completed during the present
working season.
buildings and Grounds.
| The new academy building reached 6
stage when it could be partially occupied
| in January, 1895, and there is no doub
| that the increased facilities for instruction
| furnished by this building and its better
| ventilation and light will raise the STANDARD
| of the institution. The building has beer
supplied with plain, substantial oak furni
| ture, made to order. conforming in patterI
ard finish to the character of the building
| The arrangement of the model rooms
| museum and cabinets is stin in progress.