The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-11
THEIR LAST DRESS PARADE.
CLOSING ExEROIsEs At WEST POINT
FOR THE IRIS CLASS,

the Band Plays .'The Girl I LEFT Behind raen
and Col. willis Deiivers n Farewell Address
rho Board or visitors Will Recommend
That the Standard OF Admission Ne Raised.
WEST POINT, Juno 1O.-Tho Board Of Visitors
convened ct 4 o'clock this afternoon, completed
their work by cleaning up some odds and ends,
and then adjourned sine die. The board made n
thorough inspection OF tho post. They found
everything in an exceedingly satisfactory con-
dition. They will recommend that the standard
OF admission be raised by adding to the
subjects In which the cadets arc already
required to pass an examination a knowledge
Of algebra and the elements OF geometry. They
think that by raising tho standard OF admission
they can place the graduates moro nearly on a
par with the graduates OF the universities and
higher classes of technical schools in this coun-
try. The board will also recommend that greater
attention be paid the study OF tho English Ian
guago and literature.
In the matter Of buildings the chief recon-
mendation which the board will make will be for
the improvement Of the library building, SO nc
to make 1t absolutely ~ireproof, and to convert
to library uses the entire interior Of the old
academy building. In view of tho possible in.
crease in the House Of Representatives when tho
census of / 1000 shall BIO taken and q new appor-
tionment DO made. It 10 not deemed advisable to
recommend any increase at this time in the
number of cadets. The board has laid special
stress upon the Importance OF q sufficient appro-
priation to finish the construction OF tho litter
WHICH Is IS used Sc at tho post. The ht'e board I'd think The
water in its natural, state Is particularly pure.
S SSs II e S Ssas . ss' ths s1l .S sRRFfls Il s%1isss Ss d SH SsSs
IT. filtered nsIy LODI They Ef find the tnsu health ~ h. at the he. pest ~ Pc PSo,
past twelve months no sickness worth speaking
OF, except q few cases of malaria, for which no
local cause could DO found.
| The military exercises arranged for this after
noon had to be omitted on account OF the stormy
weather. and at 3 O'clock this evening there was
I'M Of Lieut.. Dyer, tho details being made
T TRe 81 bS oaaSt ., f Ti.it s@s a anst ABOUT saS se 5000 s spssts:
i 5ysr! sn iSSr Of t aSty d II w to t Rs,n utmost ssstres Lieut. ATs.
class occurred at $3.50 o'clock this evening.
sweet sWe MHin o%e "a aHa @THo G SGhf | L p,ay Behind h %es
as appropriate airs for the occasion. After the
Col. S. NJ. Mills, Commandant Of Cadets. called
the members Of tho graduating class from the
ranks, and with apparent emotion addressed
"GENTLEMEN OF THE GRADUATING GLASS: I
congratulate each and every one Of you upon
the academy. and 1 cordially welcome you to the
grade of the commissioned officer. THANK the
the class, when performing the duties OF officers,
for their valuable assistance and loyal support
III CdIT1lnk OUT nc TeRulatlOnb VI lnO hChuetuy
and in gliding in maintaining the standard
OF discipline that prevails in the corps
to-day. fully realize and. appreciate how
much of this efficiency is due to the high
conception Of duty entertained and enforced by
the cadet officers of the battalion. In separating
from you, l wish to repeat the suggestion which
l made some five years ago to the graduating
class OF that year, which 1 have reiterated on
many occasions since as q parting advice. and
that Is on all occasions, whether on duty or off
duty, be particular at all times to extend to and
always show the proper respect and Difference
to your superiors In rank. II the superior officer
relaxes in his intercourse from this standard
with you, do not you fail at all times to extend
to him the courtesy demanded by his rank and
years OF service. This is ~enjoined by the regu'
leuons, and besides Is one Of the principal
charms of the official and social intercourse that
exists between officers, and should be cultivated
by all wish the greatest amount of Joy and
happiness to you all in the various branches
Of the service to which you may
be assigned. and 1 will note with
pleasure and qualification all the successes that
may come to each Of you in your honest efforts
and devotion to duty. Tho class of 1897 Is.
predict, as we'll entitled to win these successes
as other classes that have gone before. Now
gentlemen, II you will take your posts by my
side we will witness tho companies pass In re
view"
This was Col. Mills's last drill, as his tour Of
duty here is at an end and he VIII go abroad.
The last OF the military exercises incidental te
graduation occurred at 8 o'clock this evening
gorgeous pyrotechnic display. Adjt. Gen
Ruggles arrived tonight and will deliver the
diplomas to the graduating class. The Rradu
ating exercise will be held at IL o'clock to NOR
row. and at their conclusion the graduates viii
take their leave Of West Point.