New-York tribune., 1907-06-15
CADETS GET DIPLOMAS.
4 MOIST GRADUATION.
addresses by Colonel Lauvton and
General DuUaH.
by Telegraph to The Tribune. ]

IBy Telegraph to The TribuneI
West Point, N. " June 14.-Another brood OF
eaglets left the home nest among the hills at
the United States Military Academy to-day. There
Ill OF them, the graduating class, but only
1O9 received their diplomas and heard the speeches
before starting for New York. Two OF the Ill
might be classed black eaglets to say, for
their diplomas and their leave of absence are held
over until tomorrow by way of punishment.
The annual address made by Colonel A. r.
Lawton, of the board of visitors and the diplomas
given out by Brigadier General William p.
Duvau assistant to the chief of staff of the United
States Army General Duvall also made speech,
In which he said that Secretary Taft regretted his
inability TO he there. the ceremony was brief and
put forward with martial dispatch, for such is the
way of the Point
three days oe preparation. Every officers home
had been filled with guests, while the West Point
Hotel jammed to Its capacity, like Long
Island hosiery the night before the Vanderbilt
cup Pretty girls were everywhere and fohd
parents All had for the great affair. and all
at the hop last night
Despite all this they were up and about early
this morning in spite of the rain. "A wet gradua-
ton" was the sigh the throng clustered about
the reviewing stand just before the hour for the
exercises The rain stopped few minutes after
the cadets began form: in front Of their bar
racks.
With the band playing the corps marched down
TO q point behind the stand. and the first class
disbanded and came to their seats greeted by
round of applause. When the band had played the
Star Spanged Banner" Colonel H L" scott
superintendent of the academy expressed his pleas
ure at greeting the new officers. and introduced
Chaplain Edward s. Travers, who offered snort
prayer. Colonel Lawton who was introduced as
veteran OF the Spanish-AmeriCan War, said that
on behalf Of the board of visitors he wished to
express their pride and satisfaction with the
academy. They regretted that during the latter
part OF their stay the cadets had been away at
jamestown But he added they unite in and
cherish the opinion that in Colonel Scott they have
the best qualified for what is perhaps. the
most important office in the army. for in training
future officers he trains the future army. Happy
| indeed the cadets able TO receive their IN
struction from him."
He mentioned the names of Grant and Lee and
Meade and Hancock, and said: Their opportun-
ties in war were great. but yours may not occur
| IN war and cannot consistently say hope they
| may The opportunities OF peace greater"
| He told a story OF General Winfield Scott and
then turning toward Colonel Scott said: Il hope
ere long I may have occasion to refer TO another
| General Scott" This brought great salvo OF
| handclappng. while Colonel Scott grew red as a
{ ''plehe'' at his first hop.
Colonel Lawton said that the standard OF mo-
ralty has been constantly growing higher adding;
| That which allowed 20 pass unnoticed few
! years ago Is no longer immune. The life insur-
! ance and railroad scandals ha now been laid
! bare and vigorously prosecuted by the govern
| ment."
| General Duvall who in his big chapeau had been
the conspicuous figure the platform said
| In part
his great regret his unavoidable absence on this
gala h. 9 ysf N Is SSt shoHd BE-
| happier had not the SeCretaTys order prescribed
| dress 70 the graduating class In this task must
| rely on the habit OF obedience 20 orders TO carry
Gentlemen OF the Graduating Glass: The army
1 welcomes YOU warmly ndmringy. even affection
/ W confidence
! lis noble traditons-its established record. The
severity an ordeal through which true men cannot
pass without infinite gain Songratuats y9G 1p9n
as soldiers, and wish also to applaud your choice
yours. no iess~the te of the soldier is the only
life worth living would wSn yog bS, though ga tna5
serve her with nothing less than complete devotion
compelling m 2 force in % Witch he W inds his daily ncen,
,iye and his perennial happnesss He must guard
| blight. BE ever industrious IN your calling. for in
eveTy desired eni ana safeguard against all
evil. All unthinking men to-day are trying to
ness as a boon,-'idleness chief mistress OF vices
TO happiness.
| The audience cheered and then sat expectant for
General Duvall turned TO the table. which lay
pile Of printed PAPERS 70 gain WHICH CHI the cadets
! The frst went 70 James L. Steese appointed from
PSnnsyly2nia and the head OF his class ,, -,
| list. An interesting incident was when a. r. Calvo
| ). y
| Washington. called thirty-second in his
class His father the stand. and young
Calvo came up the steps General Duvall turned 20
the minister ana asked him 20 present the diploma
| This courtesy roundy cheered. AS young
! Cavo went back to his place he showed the Latin
! impulsveness by stopping and before the entire
audience kissing his mother. who sat we'll forward
| among the spectators
called. Colonel w H Wilder. who has Just returned
from duty in the Philippines. stepped forward and
/ I'm n few affectionate words delivered the diploma
| 10 his
| The Chnplains henediCtion cut down fifty
words, and then there was rush for quarters 4
! special train 10 New York had been engaged for
1870 o'clock, and the graduates and the second
! class men, who had Just finished their 'yearling'
| year, bound for the big city together.