Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-30
WHEELER VISITS WEST POINT.
Memorable Incident I'm History or
Military Academy.

Joseph Wheeler, cadet, graduated from
the United States Military Academy in
the year 80; his son, Joseph Wheeler
Jr.. graduated from the same academy
in '95-the same figures reversed. Father
and son revisited West Point yesterday
and the visit will go down as one or the
historic events OF the academy.
The visit was an informal one, but the
General was received, OF course with all
military Sonors. Thirteen guns were
fred upon his arrival at l10 Z. Nj. The
General was accompanied by his stan'
Major c. Creighton Webb, Major Beach,
Lieutenant Batson, and Lieutenant Wheel
er. They were met at the landing by
detachment of cavalry and escorted TO
the home of Colonel Mills, the superin-
tendent. With the party was Colonel
Francis GULLY (retired), who was class
mate at West Point of General Wheeler.
The party was entertained by Mrs.
Mills, Mrs. Helm, wife OF the command
ant of cadets; Mrs. Batson and the other
ladies' OF the post, and after luncheon
the party started off on an inspection;
They went first to the gymnasium.
MADE HIM YOUTHFUL AGAIN.
General Wheeler was dressed I'm service
He looked with interest upon the many
fittings OF the new gym" He lifted the
dumbbells, punched a bag. and eyed with
longing the ''horses" on which young
'plebes" are exercised before they try
the real live animals. Thence the party
proceeded through the barracks.
when was here" said the General,
1--WE didn't have incandescent lamps 10
study BY"
The party proceeded TO the recitation
rooms. The advent OF the distinguished
visitor did not disturb the cadets; they
went right on with their recitations and
studies.
In the drawing-room there was a big
map OF Cuba recently issued by the
government. General Wheeler spied it at
once.
FOUND DEFECTS IN A MAP.
There are some defects in that map"
he declared; II think that Santiago
should be little more east. l am sure
the distance from Ell Caney is not quite
so much" He went all over the map,
pointing out slight mistakes. He had
studied the ground. and he evidently
knew every inch Of II.
Then the General and his escort. con-
slsting of Superintendent Mills, Command
ant Helm. and Lieutenant Hazard. adju-
tant, visited the new Memorial Building,
the library, and the mess hall. The
General seemed delighted to go over the
old grounds again.
II have been here several times since
my graduation" he said TO a reporter
who accompanied the party, but l always
find new delight in going over IL again."
CADETS IN SERVICE UNIFORM.
At 4 =. M. the cadets were released
from study. At AIS they appeared in
the parade ground arrayed in heavy
marching order with blankets, pouches,
tent equipments. spades, picks, canteens,
ammunition belts, and field mess kits.
They wore campaign hats and looked ut
terly unlike the cadets that arc familiar
10 the public.
General Wheeler noted the changed APP
pearance with evident pleasure. That
looks like business be said.
The cadets marched past In review.
first In common line and then in double
quick time. Nothing escaped the Cen
eral. He saw everything. and he showed
his pleasure in unmistakaole manner.
BEGGED OFF FOR THE BOYS.
After the cadets had been dismissed
Superintendent Mills suggested that the
General attend the dress parade. but the
latter requested that that formahty be
dispensed with. and IL was.
Il don't want the boys TO remember
my visit" he said. "as one that entailed
extra work on them.
The General and his STAFF took an early
evening train. back 10 New York on the
New York Central At Garrison's big
crowd had assembled. When the Cen
eral boarded the train cheer arose from
the crowd and General Wheeler bowed
low in acknowledgment All the way 90
New York he was greeted.
MET AN OLD BENEFACTOR.
Yesterday had curious experience"
said the General on the train. II was
walking along the street when a white
haired old gentlemen passed me. lie
recognized me and l recognized him.
He was ex-COnRrassmau John Wheeler.