New-York tribune., 1908-02-15
TAFT GIVES DIPLOMAS.
HEST POINT GRADUATION.
Secretary Gi0es Cadets Plain AdUice
on Future Duties.

West Point. y. Y. Feb 14.-With plain words
a. advice as 10 their future duties. the edvan-
tages and ha-dships Of an army career, Secre-
-a-y William H Taft presented diplomas to the
los members Of the graduating class Of the
United States Military Academy to-day. The
Secretary impressed On the young men, who
were commissioned rs second neutenants in the
various branches OF the army. that the military
service must ever be subordinate TO the civil
government. and that il was the soldiers duty
10 keep his mouth shut and obey orders. In
tine Of national danger. he declared. the soldier
had MS opportunity to achieve a great degree
Of fame but in the everyday life OF army
routine there was much that seemed tedious
and irEsome. The address was entirely in
formal. and the young graduates in their
uniforms Of gray stepped TO the platform TO
receive the sheepskin scrolls the Secretary had
e personal word and E hearty handshake for
each
Secretary Taft arrived from Detroit shortly
after ! 2. n, and met at the station by
Colonel Hugh L Scott superintendent Of the
academy. troop Of negro cavalry, regularly
stationed here. was drawn up at the station and
se-ved as an escort to Colonel Scott's quarters,
where luncheon was served. A salute Of seven
teen guns was fred in honor Of the Secretary.
who. after the graduation exercises IN CulIum
Memorial Hall. made z thorough inspection Of
the academy buildings and grounds. Secretary
Taft remained overnight as the guest Of Colonel
Scott He viii leave here tomorrow for Hart
ford. Conn where he Will deliver two addresses
Major General J Franklin Bell chief OF the
staff Of the army. also was a distinguished
visitor to-day, and was received with military
honors.
SECRETARY TAFTS ADDRESS
Secretary Taft's address follows:
j haven't much facility sn the pulpit My text
II YOU would be- They also serve who only
stand and wait" for that is what you have got
10 CO i you are not prepared 10 follow out
that text you VIII not make good soldiers. You
should clearly understand the limitations and
cutles OF an army career. Above all, remember
that the government has given you educa-
ton. and taal ii expects and is entitled to your
services There sometimes are exceptions which
justify designations, but generally speaking you
Sre under an implied obligation 10 serve your
country officers in the army. There are many
advantages TO the career you have chosen You
are assured Of 4 permanent income by living
Simply and acting GeCentIy- Your salary as an
oHcer VIII not make you oPulenL 10 be sure,
bur Il VIII enable you 10 live in reasonable COM
Tort 70 marry, 10 raise family OF children and
70 educate them. II Will not enable you give
your children what would spoil them The man
WHO begins life with d good education and
good home training has al advantage over every
other man Nothing so induces to mediocrtty
and lack Of effort as TO be provided with the
means Of living at the age OF twenty-one-
career IN which your duty is plain Ordinarily
YOU must conduct yourself in subordination TO
tne civil authorities The plainest Of your duties
L 70 keep your mouth shut and obey orders As
soldier you must forego the privilege Of free
speech But on the other hand, you have what
lew others enjoy-the esprit Of being a grad
oaie CT West Point The traditions Of this old
institution are immensely valuable to you.
temptations will come confront you. but
mere always viii he the restraint OF being q
"est Point man and d determination TO die
IaIher than sacrifice the good opinion Of the
ieoTTs who graduate with you.
MILITARY EDUCATION SCARCELY BEGUN
! hope you don't think you have completed
.oIr military education II has scarcely begun.
-he United States army establishment, with its
many schools for officers and its postgraduate
epoEses, IS TO all intents and purposes great
university When officers have completed these
eocrses they well educated and well
osleso any in the world.
=, ne only trouble IS we haven't enough officers
:. we could only convince Congress Of the real
necessity of 70 have doubt that the number
would Be materially increased
N your army service you VIII meet brother
ol1oe-E who have not had the advantage of your
.otr years CO training at the Military Academy
.ou shoulc counsel, help and respect them that
- - esprit which you enjoy may be spread
~.o4shout the entire service.
1ou VIII meet with injustices, some Of yous
- 20 others Of your number viii get all TO which
Icy seem entitled There will arise always the
p-1plcion Of favorittsrn. OF pull" with the War
ssparsrnent pull" with the President Your
Hss viii have heartburnings, your children