The times., 1901-03-21
EXAMINATIONS AT ANNAPOLIS.
An Unprecedented Number of APPIi-
cnnfs for Cndefships.

The Navy Department has sent notif-
cations to 176 Representatives in Congress
informing them that they are each enti-
tied TO name a candidate for cadetship at
the United States Naval Academy. The
ex7minat tions for principals and alter
mates will be held at Annapolis May 10
Never before in the history of the insti-
tuition has the country been entitled to
such a representation in the junior class
of cadets. and each year hereafter the
number of vacancies will be materially
larger than in the past. on account of
law. adopted last June, making vacancies
at the end of the four-year instead of the
six-vear course. The result will be to in
crease the annual graduation and tend TO
diminish the larger number Of places IN
the grade of ensign. which otherwise
could not possibly be filled at the rate
cadets were formerly graduated There
is not State and several of the Terrific
ries not without a vacancy at Annapolis
this year. and if members and delegates
adopt the suggestions Of the Navy De
uartment they will make nominations
only after competitive examination OF
candidates The best material is believed
TO be secured through this process of Sc
lection. rather than by appointing a boy
without consideration to his qual1hca-
tions for meeting the academic require
ueuts or his general aptitude for a naval
life.
No candidates FOR the Academy can be
appointed under the law until after March
> each year. when members of Congress
are notified Of any vacancy in their re
snecrive districts. with requests that
nominations be made IN time for the can
didate to take the entrance examination
of he +
ment shows that many members have
failed to make appointments in time. and
until Mr.. Herbert entered office the Sec
retarv of the Navy was empowered 70 NIL
vacancies in districts by selecting boys
| from any section Of the country and as
signing them to districts unrepresented-
! The old law was changed. and now no
| bow. except the Presidents at-large Sc
| lections can enter Annapolis unless he is
an actuaI resident of the Congressional
| district To which he is accredited. If the
| usual percentage Of failures is maintained
| at the May examinations, number OF
| vacancies will still remain. which mem
| bers of Congress may fill for another ex-
/ animation in September. Two vacancies
/ for the President have been filled, and no
! others will exist for another year
| Cadets in the class graduating two
wears ago VIII receive InelI tpHiiutSSlttsS
as ensigns this year, dating from Janu-
| ary 2S last. instead of July ]. as usual,
it having been held that the two years
cruise ends with the day Of graduation
at Annapolis. There are two vacancies
or more for every one of these graduates,
| all of whom will be examined on the sta
| tions where they serve instead Of being
/ ordered back to the Academy. The needs
/ of the service demand that these young
men be retained at sea. and that their
| duties should not he Interrupted by de-
| tachinS them and having the examination
/ at home.
/ Ohio has the leading man this year In
| Herbert G. sparrow. who is pursuing an
| advanced course abroad for the Construc-
/ tion Corps. Kentucky has the second man
! in Guy a BisSet, and Minnesota brings
| up the rear with William McEntee Three
/ of the class will become constructors,
! one a marine officer, and the rest ap-
pointed enSigns
| There are fifty-two members IN the
! class.