The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-02-15
KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT
And Obey Orders Is Taft's Advice to
West Point Graduates.

West Point, N. Y, Feb. 15.-With
plain words of advice as to their fu-
ture duties-the advantages and hard
ships of an army career. Secretary of
War Taft presented diplomas to the
10S members of the graduating class
of the United States Military acad-
envy. The secretary impressed upon
the young men who were commission
ed as second lieutenants in the va
rious branches in the army that the
military service must ever be sub
ordinate to the civil government and
that it was the soldiers duty to keep
his mouth shut and obey orders" In
time of national danger, he declared,
the soldier has his opportunity to
achieve great degree of fame, but in
the every day life of army routine
there is much that seems tedious and
irksome.
The affair was entirely informal
and as the young graduates in their
uniforms of gray stepped to the plat
form to receive their sheepskin scrolls
the secretary had q personal word
and hearty handshake for each.
Secretary Taft upon his arrival was
met by Colonel Hugh L. Scott. super
intendent of the academy. A troop Of
colored cavalry served as an escort
to Colonel SCOTS quarters where
luncheon was served. A salute of II
guns was fired in honor OF the Sec
rotary, who after the graduation ex-
ercises in Cullum Memorial hall,
made a thorough inspection of the
academy buildings and grounds. Sec
rotary Taft remained over night as
the guest of Colonel Scott. He leaves
today for Hartford, Conn, where he
will deliver two addresses General
]. Franklin Bell, chief of staff of the
army, also was distinguished visitor
and was rooaiund with military hon.
ors.
tsI would like to preach you boys a
sermon" declared Secretary Taft to
the graduates. "But I have not much
would be They also serve who only
stand and wait for that is what you
have got to do If you are not pre-
pared to follow out that text you will
not make good soldiers. There are
many advantages to the career you
permanent income by simply living
and acting decently. The man who be-
gins life with good education and a
good home training has an advantage
over every other man.
GAS a second advantage you are as
sured Of career in which your duty is
plain; ordinarily you must conduct
yourself in subordination to the civil
authorities. The plainest of your du-
ties is, to keep your mouth shut and
OBEY OTO6TS- AS d SOlOl0E you must
forego the privilege Of free speech. But
on the other hand you have what few
others enjoy-the esprit of being a
graduate of West Point. The traditions
of this old institution are immensely
valuable to you.
"In your army service you will meet
brother officers who have not had the
advantage Of your four years Of train
| ing at the Military academy. You
| should counsel, help and respect them
| that the esprit you enjoy may be
spread throughout the entire service
You will meet with injustices, some
| of you, and others will get all to which
| he seems entitled. There will arise al
| ways the suspicion of favoritism, of a
| pull with the war department or a
| pull with the president. Your wives
will have heartburnings; your children
| will have heartburnings and you will as
/ well. In spite of all that you must live
up to and do your duty earnestly and
devotedly. You may remain a second
| lieutenant for 20 years or you may rap
| idly be promoted.
Some of you may not get the promo
| ton you desire, but you must remem-
| Der that in the end Providence and the
| Lord are good and that compensation
I must come for duty done. There is
| much in life that is higher than the
/ happiness of mere promotion or the tin
sci of rank. Upon you the sturdiness
Of the government depends. You are
/ subordinant to the civil authorities
but when danger comes you have the
post of honor and the youthful oppor-
tunity that may bring you to the point
where you will have the gratitude Of
your country for years after you have