New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-13
From s,ar corr.soondent OF The Tribune

within the shadow of gray, notche1
enbattlements that have walled them
in for four years, 164 erect young men
babe farewell to-day to the most stern
and exacting of all Alma Matters. IL
has been said that 10 send a boy 20
West Point is to put him in prison, so
strict are the rigors OF military ols-
cipline. Perhaps its true. but one
would never think Of II when gazing at
the newest crop Of second lleutenahIS
in the United States Army: 80,
Graduation at West Point is Ike
other college commencements, except
that il is more brilliant, brief, and,
witball. more serious. No other instl-
tuition. with the possible exception OF
the sister academy at Annapolis, de
mands self-efacement from youth
that he may fit perfectly as cog IN
the machinery of national defence.
This is the note that rings out clear as
a bugle at an army commencement.
Amid all the color Of trim uniforms,
Tapping flags, pretty girls and June
sun. reflected from the parade ground S
greensward to old. historic buildings
and brand new barracks, that predoml-
nant West Point gray seems to stand
for the grim aspect of soldiers JOB.
II appears in the steely CLINT Of the
cadets ewes as he steps forward TO
grasp his diploma which enrolls him,
from that minute, as an officer IN the
army.
Serious Note in Exercises.
To-day's graduating class, the largest
ACnd-
envy. finished its training at a psyche
logical time in the present emphasis on
national preparation. Something Of
the tinge of the last few weeks events
was mixed with West Point gray.
Lindley VI. Garrison, Secretary OF
War, looked unusually serious when he
said 70 the newly -Aedced officers;
"You have undertaken a great re-
sponsibility. You may be called upon
IT any time to demonstrate your
worth, and upon your conduct may de-
pend issues Of vital moment 10 your
country. Your role is so difficult a one
that IT can only be played by those VIII 0
realize its significance and have ell
tered upon it with proper spirit
June weeks climax, the presentation
of diplomas 20 the graduates, was
staged as usual on Trophy Point, Il
canopy of bunting having been erected
for the Secretary Of War on the base
Of that tall column, "ln memory OF otf
GERS and men Of the Army of the
United States killed in battle during
the War Of the Rebellion A stiff
breeze from the Hudson made the dec
oraticns swell and creak as though
they were fighting for permanent posi-
ton on the deck Of a speeding dread
nought Comfortable under abundant
shade on ;ho Point. the guests could
see the river stretch away. deep blue
20 Newburgh, while right near on the
west shore Lodges OF gray rock broke
through the dark green slopes Of Gro
Nest, Beyond, Storm King topped of
the picture of West Point outlook.
Go Through Last Drill.
Promptly at 10 q. m. tugle calls
summoned members Of the retiring
first class for the last student ma
neuvre OIL the old parade ground. AL
though of only five minutes duration,
the commencement parade is = sight
that thrills both militari5t and pacfist.
Headed b. the Military Academy band,
the cadet battalion, compo ed Of the
second. third and fourth classes. es
cortc3 the members CT the f~st class to
heir sca.2 in front Of the canopy. The
cadets wore white trousers. gray coats.
high black hats with chin straps, AMI
carried guns. The graduates also wore
the gray and white combination. varied
ty a few cleaning scabbard ana gold
crevrouS On The s,Ceves OF corr Off
GERS. They sat bareheaded in the June
sunlight. An occasional gold star on
the gray collar signifed that a man had
To-
than 81 per cent.
- Secretary Garrison, fanked b. Major
General Hugh /. Scott and Colonel
Clarence ?. Townslov. supcrinter Ient
OF the Academy. walked down the car
rage drive 10 his a,t under the can
opy. The three were escorted BY mem
ber% OF the military and academic STATS
az west Point. Seats of honor were
also provided for returned alumni Of
classes from ls47 TO 1866.
Prayer by the Rev. DR.. II. Percy
Silver, chaplain of the Military Acad-
envy, opened the exercises After the
band had played a patriotic selection,
colonel Townsley introduced Secretary
Garrison, who emphasized in a brief
address the value Of tradition
Merit Men Cheered.
W. T.. X. CovelI. OF Washington, who
stood at the head of his class for a
four years average, was the first 10
receive diploma. As he hurried 20
the canopy and grasped Colonel Towns
ley by the hand his classmates and the
audience chcered and applauded Next
IN order on the class merit roll were +.
X. kimble, Of Texas; J. d. Arthur, of
South Carolina: f. +. Miller. Of Iowa;
). 5. Bragdon and 6. j. Richards, of
pennsylvania; A. p. Cronkhite. Of New
York: J. S. Smylie. OF Mississippi; L.
W. Miller, of New Hampshire, and D.
J., Weart. Of Illinois. Applause greeted
the announcement of each name on the
list of l64, but the graduates let out a
few notches on enthusiasm when ath-
letes like Merrillst, Prichard, Hodgson,
Hobbs, Van Fleet, Harmon and Bene-
dict stepped forward c. c. Herrick, of
Illinois, class goal and last man on the
list, also got an ovation. Secretary