The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-07-24
THESOUTH'S WEST POINT
sUCH THE sOUBRfQUET or THE
yTRGIyIf mTLfrfRT INSTITUTE.
Established In 1889, This Institute Has
Flourished Beyond Expeditions
Excellent Training for Boys.


ing soubriquet by which the Virginia Mil
itary Institute Will probably always here
after be known. Many. many years ago,
long before the institution had reached
It's present fame. some enthusiastic friend
so named the Virginia school, and now
half dozen years past the half century
mark finds the institute worthy in all
respects Of the compliment then ex-
pressed.
In 1899. the state Of Virginia was main
tanning at considerable expense a COM
pany OF soldiers at ting western Arsenal
AT Lexington, for the protection OF
large quantity of military stores. Mr..
j. r. L. Preston, an honored citizen Of
Lexington, conceived the idea OF the with
draWal Of these soldiers and placing IN
their stead a company Of cadets, who IN
addition tc their duties as an armed
guard over the states property should
pursue course OF scientific and military
studies.
The inspiration, for II was scarcely
less. found favor with the Lawmakers
Of the State. and in March, 1879, the Gen
cral Assembly passed an act establish
ing the Virginia Military Institute. Two
months later the first board of visitors
President. Colonel Claude Cr0zet dis
tinuuished French soldier. Who had serV-
cd under NAPOLEON in 1872. and who had
subsequently been a professor az west
Point bur who at that time was resi-
dent OF Virginia The Board then gave
their attention 10 the selection OF SUI
porintondent. and recognized the emf
neut fitness OF General Francis II. smith
a graduate OF West Point. and then
Professor at Hampden-Sdney College,
they secured his services, and under
his command I'm November, lsS the hrst
corns of cadets were mustered into the
service Of the State. General smith re-
NAMED superintendent Of the Institute
for full fifty years. sharing in all of its
yicissitudes. during the perod OF war,
and retiring In 1890. with he grateful
esteem Of the people OF the state ana
ENJOYING the gratitude Of thousands VINO
had served under his wise command. lie
was succeeded in 1850 by General Scott
Shipp. under whose splendid direction the
institute has enjoyed a prosperous ana
Furnishing period.
OF the history OF the Institute dur
ing the war the world knows, FOR me
services the cadets rendered IN drlil-
ing the volunteers at Camp Lee near
picbmond. the active services they rem
dored in the Valley Of Virginia, ana tnell
eouraa oous conduct al New Market nave
NOT only hound their place on the pages
Of history. but have been preserved, ana
repeated In the songs Of the South.
ORGANIZATION AND CONVENIENT.
ORGANIZED under the laws Of the state
the Institute is governed by Board o.
Visitors appointed by the Governor and
9pnrovod by the State Senate The adj
iutant-Generai and superb endent OF
public instruction with nine other MEM
hers constitute the board. and the Gov
ernor is ex-0fici0 inspector Of the IN
stitute. The cadets constitute inlil-
tary corps, and the professors and Of
hcors hold commissions IN the STATE hl-
lita.
The Board of Visitors have enacted
code Of regulations based practically
up0n those Of West Point and under
these and the regulations Of the mill
tary service. so far as applicable,
regular routine Of duties Is observed,
such as obtain and ar" enforced az the
United States military posts.
Under this inhexible routine cadets are
trained to habits of neatness. system
order and punctuality. and acquire a
sense Of personal obligation and respon-
sibntv Their services as officers and
n0n-c0mmissi0ned officers OF the c0mpa-
MES and of the guard. as sentines with
prescribed duties 20 perform and orders
10 enforce, as section marchers I'm COM
mand Of class sections. as room order
lies. tend 10 cultivate discretion. tact
judgment. the power 10 command 9TH
ers and 10 control ones self The drill
mt only gives military training, but
affords hoaithfut exercise. and promotes
physical strength and development. Mil
itary duties are so arranged as not 90
conflict with or trench upon time set
apart for study and academic work. The
regulations and supervision. while eX-
acting as 10 formal matters, DO not neg
lect mere serious interests Moral de-
linquoncics are visited with the sever
est cersure. condemnation. and disci-
pline. Effort IS made 10 direct and con-
troll and by warning and repr90f 20 deter
end restrain those who ars found 20
be- inclined 10 evil courses. Regular
monthly reports advise parents or guard
JAMS as 70 the general conduct and dill
eence +. study of their son or ward; ape-
II ren0fts are mads as occasion re-
qulres. The requirements of military
etiquette tend 20 the cultivation OF that
courtesy which is a characteristic % the
cadet ~ the Military Institute. The gem
sral effect OF tho system Of government
is % produce habits Of self restraint and
recognition Of lawful authcrl,y-moral
results Of great value.