New-York tribune., 1909-06-12
CADETS GET DIPLOMAS
Sun Smiles on Graduating Exercises
at Vest Point.
EBv Telegraph 70 The rrihuns. I

West Point N Y. June 1.-THE class of 'o9 Of
the United States Military Academy 1O3 sturdy
youngsters immaculate in gray coats and white
trousers received their diplomas to-day from the
hands Of Secretary Dickinson OF the War Depart
And while they blushed somewhat at his
praise and threw their chests and talked gayIy
among themselves about the joys Of getting away
from the academy. when train time came around a
few hours later it noticeable that some of the
shouted 'goodhys" and good lucks' were a trife
husky and choky. and the hand clasps were almost
immoderately tight.
II the grand wind-up of four years work
for the youths four years OF mighty hard work
too. they viii tell you. But then, too, it was the
end of four years of pleasant associations under
pleasant conditions furnished by a kindly govern
ment, years studded with close friendships. So not
even the treasured diploma, not the presence
of proud parents beamng sisters and adoring
younger brothers-not the presence of bevy
the pretty girls seem to grow especially for
army graduations and West Pont-Annapols foot
ball games. could quite blot a little feeling of
melancholy as the train pounding into the
station.
But the was shining brightly That was one
big consolation. The graduates almost
happy about It their feminine admirers
who discarded umbrellas in a twinking, and bios
soIned out in all the gauzy, fluffy, many Colored
summer dresses which they'd been pining 10
all the week The sun came Just Secretary
Dickinson started TO review the cadets and per
cepttble chunk of gloom dispeled like a fog
bank by that
The presentation of diplomas took place accord
ing 70 the general merit Of the graduates. Stuart
c. Godfrey. of Milford Mass headed the list. Sec
retary Dickinson, when cheering which followed
the calling of Cadet Godfrey's name had stopped,
grasped the young mans hand warmly and told
him he had incurred rigid obligations by reason of
having stood the head of his class during his
four years al the academy
You have made a notable record. and your coun-
try will expect great things Of you" said the Sec
retary.
APPLAUSE FOR EACH CADET.
Then. as his called each cadet stepped
10 the platform and took his diploma There
applause for ALL bueit noticeable that the foot
ball and baseball men got rousng cheers. Especial
ly was this true in the of PhiIoon captain of
the football team, and Greble. crack player Lee,
the cheer leader of the class also got fine out
burst But Wen and Chen two Chinese who took
the course at the academy under a special resolu-
tion Of Congress achieved the special emnence of
having flashlights fired at them Wen stood Il
= bravely, but Chen somewhat embarrassed. He
was at the foot OF the class. Secretary Dickinson,
instead Of shaking hands and presenting his dplo-
ma to him, as he had with the other cadets. made
little speech, declaring that II conditions were
reversed and the other students knew 5 much
Chinese as Chen knew English he probably would
stand at the head Of his class. Then came the
hashlight fire The tiny Celestial IN his haste 20
dodge II, jumped down the steps stumbled. and
nearly fell fat The audience cheered him.
Secretary Dickinson and his party came up this |
morning the New York Central. They were
met at the Garrisons station by Colonel Scott and
Captain Heron. adjutant Al tie West Point /
ferry house there drawn up the cavalry de /
tachment stationed the academy. colorcd troop
ers spick and span. Up the hiu they galloped /
while seventeen guns doomed 4 salute 10 the /
head Of the War Department The entire cadet /
corps waiting. drawn up in front OF the cadet /
barracks. Secretary Dickinson taken 10 Colo /
mel scotts headquarters, and few minutes later /
went with him to the parade grounds.
II was the Secretary's first visit West Point. |
As fhc Cd f0r -fl1sr and
OF Lieutenant Colonel Sihley. he showed his delight
at the splendid work. and later ia addressing the
graduating class. declared that any American who /
could splendid line without feeling quick
ened blood and a thrill of enthusiasm must be
strange compound OF Indifference and lack Of pa
triotism. At which all the fond parents and pretty
Subsequently, the pretty girls-sgnihcd their
hearty assent
20 Cullun Hall. where the graduation exercised
held, Old grads" with the red ribbon Of
the alumni association hanging from their coat
lap~ls. were everywhere, shaking hands with old
along with young women whose dresses weren't
in the least put shame by the hrlliance OF the
gold lace and military trappngs Relatives and
friends Of cadets surrounded you. The patter OF
talk all had a pleasant. intimate note, even IL
there here and there trace Of surprise and
the part If young thing that
twenty dances and he cheerful daliance Of a
graduation ball should be percepube the next day.
GRADUATING CLASS MARCHES IN.
At Cullum Hall the throng got settled finally.
though without a fringe OF standees and
throng of cadets a the entrance. And finally the
graduating class marched in. heads held high.
look of expectancy each face. There
ripple OF hsndclappng from the body Of the hall
and from the platform, where sat Secretary Dick
inson with Colonel Scott and his military STAFF,
and a group OF distinguished visitors, among whom
p ere General Horace Porter. West Point 90. who
made an address the graduates; General AIexan-
der s Webb General F A. Smith General a. L.
Mills whose among the graduates; Cen
eral Samuel ". Fountain. General Charles Norton
General l. Hale, Judge John F McGee OF Mime
apolis whose son also was in the graduating class;
General John ". Barlow. General Earl d Iponas
General f. Y. Sumner, Colonel f St J. Greble
Colonel D J. Rumbough. Colonel T. b Fuller and 5
John Bigelow.
After prayer by the chaplain and music by the
Military Academy Band, General Porter was pre-
sented by Colonel Scott, and made a brief speech
Out of his experience he gave a few words Of ad- {
vice ,o the graduates He declared that the army J
was the most powerful for the preservation
of peace.
batteries are less costly than battles" he said
But he urged the youths, if they had TO fight to c
follow General Grants maxim: When in doubt !
move to the front"
SECRETARY DICKINsON's ADDRESS q
Secretary Dickinson spoke next. telling of the I
splendid traditions of West Point and what II
meant TO the country and TO its graduates Said I
he:
To-day the eyes of all our people turned to
Won. with profound interest, hope and confidence, I
for they are investing you with sacred trust-that
greatlI Enriched the civil life Of the nation
mas always been chief bulwark in time Of war;
shnents may have existed. Yet exists, in the L
minds of some of citizens West Point is Sc ;
cure In the overwhelming general confluence OF our
neoDle and will have their continued support Tor I