The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-12
% NEW OFFICERS OF THE ARMY
LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS IN
WEST POINTS HISTORY.
Gen. d. b. Henderson the Addresses to
the Graduates-Gen. Miles Welcomes
Them to the Ranks Of Army Omcers
Secretary Rect Presents Diplomas.

Gen. ID. b. Henderson the Addresses to
the Craduates-Gen. Miles Welcomes
Them to the Ranks Of Army Oh1cers
Secretary Rect Presents Diplomas.
WEST POINT, June IA class Of ninety
three graduates Is hish-water mark In the
history Of the United States Military Aca-
deny. That is the number which graduated
here to-day. The average number Of
graduates for the past ten years Is sixty
Ave. Until to-day 1895 was the banner
year, when seventy-three graduated.
The ceremonies to-day attract ed a very
large crowd. The exercises were held on
the grass plot in front Of the library build
ing, the speakers stand having a covering
OF canvas. The corps of cadets, under
command OF Lieut. Col. Treat, formed in
line in front OF their barracks at 1890
o'clock in the morning, and, headed by the
Military Academy band, marched to the
place OF ceremony, where the graduating
class was provided with seats in front Of the
platform. In the assembly Of visitors were
Gen. and Mrs. Arthur Macarthur, whose
son bears tho proud distinction OF grad
uating at the head OF his class; Gen. and
Mrs Fred D. Grant, whose son also was a
member OF the class, Gen. John M. Scho-
field and Gen. John r. Brooke. These
declined an invitation to occupy seats on
the platform and sat among the visitors.
Col Albert l.. Mills, superintendent Of
the Academy. presided over the ceremonies.
After q selection by the band. the Rev
Herbert shpman. Chaplain Of the post.
offered prayer. Then followed the address
to the graduates by Gen. David B. Hender-
son, president Of tho Board Of Visitors
The General u q fluent and eloquent
speaker. He said In part:
GENTLEMEN OF THE GRADUATING CLASS:
That your country u taking deep interest In
the proceedings enacted here to-day Is plainly
evidenced In the crowds Of. people who hsve
travelled hundreds Of miles TO witness
1.f sv g sss ssudsd
dtions Of West Point And regard It a. the
greatest military sehool, on earth .t There ,s,e
Sosf When .ss oser hands You
= your SSty e ds tG1
!e day 'G take. you 'f into Hsr arms pray
PC a sss y SS.s eEnS % ,. I
adSm % d. ls:sisSsiSn bSt \: tos.l abolish
country count y.' l', wish You you sHodspesd. " "
Gen. Nelson A.. Miles was next intro
duced. Among other things he said:
Young gentlemen. L welcome you to the
ranks OF commissioned offioers Of tho United
States Army. and i congratulate you upon
the splendid record you have made. ! have
been here before on many similar occasions,
bu, never had the pleasure Of Welcoming
% large class. Yours isa noble and honor
able profession. hope you will be able 10
all al the reduiremehts of your COUNTRY
homo honor: devotion and pstr'otisT There sf .h is
Consciousness that you died In battling for
your countLy.s honor Be true 70 yoursell
those nearest and dearest to you.
Before presenting the diplomas to the class
the Secretary Of War made q brief address
in which he said:
Custom and inelnat ton lead me to say
lew words which seem T. me to be appro-
pirate. now that you are entering upon your
course as officers OF the United States Army.
! need say nothing more than to urge my
earnest request that you adhere 70 the senti;
ments just expressed by this .disttn euished
soldier. Gen. Miles, who carries with him
the lesson Of courage and resolution. Our