The Washington herald., 1910-07-10

By GEN. J. p. FARLEY, U. s, A.
The more serious aspect of our military
schools should be considered, and here
Prof. e. 5. Holden tells US that there are
two schools based upon the methods of
nature; the one at West Point and the
other at Annapolis. We may not quote
himaliterally, but in words to this effect:
After thousands upon thousands OF ex-
periences, a child comes 10 recognize that
the forces OF nature are not, as at first
supposed. caprieieus and unjust-not ca
PRECIOUS. whatever else they may be. but
uniform. consistent, inexorable, and i'm
mediate.
Where. If not at tho United States NIL
itary Academy. the Professor inquiries.
shall we find a system in which the re-
wards and punishments are the certain
and immediate sequence OF the act?
Here, at this institution, are appointed
annually from every congressional dis
trict In the country candidates who are
entirely representative IN character, OF
good health, and familiar with the ordi-
nary studies of the grammer school;
youths between the ages of seventeen
and twenty-five. who represent every
class in society from rich 10 poor. Side
by side stand the lads who have had
che most delicate moral nurture, or none
at all: who are models Of truthfulness,
or already cOntrivers Of escape from
duty and obligations. Every inequality
OF society is represented in an entering
class Of cadets. II Is necessary to insist
upon this point in order 10 appreciate
the results of four years OF training.
Inequalities No Longer Exist.
In a few days after entrance. external
inequalities vanish as II by magic.
Duties. privileges, dress, rooms. food, all
are alike; no one is permitted 70 have
money, or at least to spend It. In week
every sign OF external inequality has
disappeared. Personal inequalities. OF
course, there are and necessarily must
be.
There is absolutely no favorftism by
the instructors. The very cornerstone
of the most effective education is the
marking system, the immediate conse-
Quence OF an academic performance,
wherein absolute and scomplete justice
is attained. The marks are posted, and
each cadet knows what his performance
Is worth Frequent recitations. due 10 a
larger proportion OF instructors to stu
dents than at any other institute, afford
an opportunity 20 thoroughly test each
cadet daily, and no failing can possibly
be hidden. The effect on the character
OF the student Is immediate and admir-
able.
Here there can be no sinking OF duty,
and every shortening IN the course OF
the day is sure 10 bring its correspond
ing penalty. There Is no moment when
the cadet does not fully understand that
his performance Of duty now will infiu-
ence his whole official career hereafter.
This is fully recognized, and its perfect
justice is admitted by all. The conse-
ouences following actions are certain.
Each student is trained in the heather
virtues of fortitude and Justice. II Is at
once his duty and advantage TO be pro-
hcient in his academic work.
Now for the system affecting the off,
eial character Of the cadet-how is his
official conduct nodded and tested
Again the marking system; the effect fol-
lowing the cause. certain and immediate,
Late at roll call" carries one demerit;
absent" ten: Slight untidines3 in
dress" one: "inattention. to duty or at
drill, five, and so on.
Final Result the Same.
There are eighteen thousand opportun-
tiles during four years, at each one OF
which the duty OF punctuality is empha-
sized-one demerit each. One hundred
dement's in six months insure dismissal.
Every one knows this. There rs no talk
ing; only simple laws are prescribed. and
each one Of them is just. The final
result Is Ike the result OF gravitation-
inevitable. memorable. just, and I'M
mediate.
The conditions stimulate official conduct
and there is a standard of personal honor