Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1907-02-11
FIFTY RECEIVE THEIR
DIPLOMAS TODAY.
Their Honors Fairly Won--Highly Complimented
By Rear Admiral James H. Sands, ,Superin-
tendent of the Naval Academy.
ADDRESS OF SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
He Gives These Young Heroes Some Good Ad-
vice and Bids Them Godspeed in Their New
Field of Duty. "A Full List of the
Graduates.

Tha fifty midshipmen who compose
the second section of the class of 1907
of the Naval Academy, the midship-
men who occupy medium ground
in scholastic accomplishments, but
the equal in discipline, efficiency and
,oldierly qualities OF any who have
ever left the institution, as told them
toIav bv Admiral Sands, supeTinten-
dent Of the Naval Academy. received
their diplomas this morning from
the hand of Secretary Of the Navy
Victor Ill. Metcalf.
The ceremonies took place in the
arnory and we're simple but impress
sive. Mr.. Metealf spoke TO the grad
yates. the first address that he has
delivered in Annapolis. Secretary
NIetcalf was received with appropri-
ate honors when he entered the Aead-
envy this morning, n salute being
fred and company of marines
drawn mp at the gate presenting arms
as ne drove past. Promptly at III a.
an. ne entered the armory, accom-
panied bv Admiral Sands and stan,
,aptain George Z. Colvocoresses,c COM
nandant of midshipmen, and the head
of the Academic Department. Fol-
lowing the official party was a color
guard of midshipmen with the nation-
al colors and union jack.
The brigade of midshipmen, unde
Commnder j. 4. Hoogewerf, were
drawn up with the battalions facing
oaeh other, their backs resting on
either side of the armory. The bIi-
gade presented arms as the party az
nroaehed. walked down the corridor,
formed by the two battalions and o.
cttpied their places on the stand ut
the south end of the building, the az
dience meanwhile standing.
The services were opened witi
prayer by Chaplain III. III. Clar@-
Admiral James III. Sands, superinteu-
dent of the Naval Academy, spoke
briefly before introducing the Seer
tarv of tne Navy. He spoke on the -
markable scholastic record of tht
class. .'Of the eighty-siN membo -
of the section, which graduated ~
September,' he said. thirteen gra 1
uated with star grade for the whole
course, and twenty-eight with dis
tinction" In the matter of discipline
The Superintendent called attention 10
the choice which the members of the
class had made last year in discontia-
uing the boyish practice of hazing
and taking a manly stand or the main
tenanee of discipline. The highf 81
praise | can offer this section of In
class" " he said, lis that it has be,
not an iota behind the first section a.
devotion to duty and subordination.
Admiral Sands referred To the fa
that the status of the graduates was
not changed in that heretofore in carry
ing out the regulations they were all
lowed no discretion but were required
to report all infraetions, leaving ia
discretion with their superiors n
rank. In your intercourse with ea-
listed men, he said, ''you Will find
the situation changed. You VIII not
he required TO report every petty
otfense, but will observe discipline by
admonition and example. The enlist
ed man responds to sympathy and
must bs led and not driven. Nagging
is unnecessary and strong characters
can get along without it.
ADDRESS or SECRETARY METcALF
Secretary NIetcalf said, in part:
Il devoutly hope that the day is
not far distant when there will be an
end of war and when disagreements
between nations will be settled by ar
bitration or the International court.
believe that disputes between nations
should be settled as are disputes be-
tween individuals are settled, by ju-
dicial decision and not the arbitra-
ment of war. but until such a time ar
rives. it is our clear duty TO maintaiD
ourselves in state of preparedness.
To maintain our navy at standard
which would enable us to repel the
attack of any hostile power, if need be,
is clearly the part of wisdom. Moth
ing is more likely to insure peace
than a strong and well-equipped navy.
The main reliance of the future in
naval warfare must be placed upon
the battleship. The torpedo boat and