The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-19
READY FOR THE ARMY BLUE.
Graduation Exercises of the First
Class ut West Point.

WEST POINT, y. Y. Feb. 1s.-Today
has been one of unusual moment at West
Point, especially in army circles. 1t
marks the date of the graduation of the
class of 1901 The date is four months in
advance Of the time when the event US
TALLY takes place. The premature gradu-
alton is due to the existing vacancies oc-
casioned by the passing by Congress re-
Gently of the Army Reorganization bill
The exercises were held in Memorial
Hall at IL o'clock and there was large
number of spectators In attendance, most
ly friends of the cadets.
The Academic Board. Superintendent
Mills, Adjutant Rivers. Colonel Helm, ana
distinguished army officers occupied seats
on the stage. Lieutenant Commander Hob-
son of the navy was also on the
stage The exercises opened wild
music by the Academy band, after which
there was an invocation by Chaplain Ship
man.
After more music Colonel Mills briefly
addressed the class and then introduced
Gen. John r. Brooke, commanding the De-
partment of the East who had been as
signed by Secretary Root to deliver the
diplomas to the graduates. Until recently
the class numbered seventy-four members.
of the number Albert H. Mueller, OF llli-
nois, was found guilty of misdemeanor
by a general court-martial and has been
sentenced to be confined to barracks until
June next. At the end of that time, II
his conduct justifes 1t, he will receive his
diploma.
Louis Soleliac, jr,, of Allentown, Pa,
has been found physically disqualified ny
the Academic Board and further action
awaits his case until decision is reached
by the War Department. While General
Brooke was delivering his address the
graduates arose to their feet and remain
ed standing until its completion. General
Brooke's remarks were brief. In closing
he paid an eloquent tribute to the late
Colonel Niche. who since 1871, had been
member of the Academic Board. He
said:
"A cloud of sorrow has suddenly spread
over this institution. One who has de-
voted his life to the cause Of the army
has passed away. Therefore, would en-
join on each and every one of you to place
your standard by the side OF his. SO that
in years to come you names may be hon
ored and revered as is today that OF our
lamented co-worker and friend.
At the close of his address, General
Brooke delivered the commissions as sec
ond lleutenants to the respective members
the newly made lieutenants fastened to
don civilian clothes and prepare for their
departure to New York They Will have
furlough until March 10. and then Will
be assigned to their respective commands.
The first ten will have their option OF
entering the engineer branch OF the ser
vice The first five has been the limit
heretofore.
Five new captains to officer the cadets
were appointed from the second class, as
follows: Cadets Longley, Hinrichs, Han
mum. Carpenter, and Casad, to Companies
A, B. c, D. and q, respectively.
A pleasant incident occurred at the end
of the exercises Lieut.. Edmund X. Ster-
| ling, of Michigan, was called to the front
and Colonel Mills presented him with the
sword which the newly made ofhcers IA
Their had carried with him through the
civil war The incident was complete
surprise to young Sterling and one which
he highly appreciated