Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-09-12
WEST POINT DAYS.
A Letter from a Cadet from Our
City.
AUGUST 2STH, 1898.

Yesterday Lii Hung Chang visited
the tomb of Gen. Grant and placed
there wreath of exquisite flowers
in tender memory OF his illustrious
friend. Today he came to West
Point, the famous academy where
Gen. Grant was fitted to perform his
great duties to the American Repub-
lie. The contemplated visit of this
Eastern statesman and diplomat,
Prime Minister of tue Autocrat of
an ancient civilization, is significant;
for in China the profession of arms
is considered the lowest and most
degrading of all-perhaps because of
the cheapness of human life. In our
newer civilization no profession ia
more honored. the soldier occupying
the heroic position, for though Dot
always called upon to give his life
for cause or country, yet he offers
it, and that is the most q man can
do. Alter the late disastrous exper-
ience with Japan militarism may
take higher stand in China.
On the closing day of summer
West Point appeared more beauti-
full than ever; everything was in
holiday attire and prepared to give
a rousing welcome to the nations
guest, Ii Hung Chang, Earl of Pc
kin. The corps Of cadets in all Of
its history has never been as large
as it is now or in better training I'M
der the accomplished and soldiery
commandsnt, Col. Mills. T hev
stood in thin grey coats and white
trousers on the plain of West Point
exposed to pouring rain for one
hour, awaiting the coming of the
"Son of the Suns" prime minister.
The cavalry escort, under Col. Err
nest, stood for two hours in the
same shower, all awaiting with re-
specttul patience the arrival of The
Dolphin, which was to bring the EN-
bassador and his Suite and Gen. Ru-
ger and staff.
The curriculum for the day pro-
yided for an ambassadors salute
from the big guns, drill and review
by the corps of cadets, and an enter
tainment at Col. Ernest's quarters.
To this many distinguished guests
had been invited to meet the Earl,
including a dazzling bevy of fair
maidens, the future mothers of fu
ture warriors. But the lion of the
event was indisposed to wet his name
and his doctor wss ordered to order
him not TO venture out--so Lis lit
tie foot did not press the classic mud
of West Point.
"For ways that are dark and tricks
that are vain," the heather Chinee
is peculiar. Some said that it was
owing to the depressing influence of
yesterdays tea at Mrs. Grants, but
the real cause viii never be known
beyond the great and teeming brain
of III Hung Chang ard more is the
pity, for now the Emperor Of China
will never learn from LII the amount
of Col. Ernest's salary or whether
it is paid in silver or gold. Loud
were the expressions Of disappoint.
ment and disgust from the thous-
ands of spectators whose curiosity
had brought them TO West Point
Gen. Ruger landed with his staff and
the AMBASSADORS Suite and received
the salute intended tor the heather
Chinese. Owing to the pouring rain
the salute was failure, the caps on
the guns exploding without ignit-
ing.
The visiting party drove around
the grounds and then returned to
the Dolphin. 1t weighed anchor and
sailed way to New York. The Vel
low Jacket, that never came had
gone, and so had all the storm clouds.
The soldiers dried their moistened
plumage, the guests revived
their dampened spirits, the handsome
quarters Of Col. Ernest filled rapid
~ with genial, CHEEKY company, the
band gave firth its ligeliest melo-
dies and the setting sun decked the
historic billie of West Point with an
halo Of glory. The cadets broke
camp and returned o barrack life on
Aug. 28th.
The summer vacation Of 1896 is
over. the furlough class has return
ed, tie professors and officers are all
back al their posts and tonight after
call to quarters, the studies for the
new Academic year commenced in
real earnest. 1t will prove year
of hard work and trial for we young
soldiers, who must make up By Sc
we're application our lack Of mathe
NAUTICAL genius. j. W. VI.
G,rqditorss Notice