St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1916-09-27
For a Bigger Norwich.

There is a possibility that Norwich
University, already famous as a mill
tary school, will soon be launched on
a career of increased size and use
fulness. Some steps have already
been taken to make it the leading
cavalry school of the country. The
war department has agreed to fur
nish horses for the use of students IN
drilling and a well known Vermonter
is trying to raise by popular sub
scription in Vermont the sum OF $780,
600 for the construction of a stable
and cavalry drill hall. st. Johnsbury
men have already signed literally for
this undertaking, and it is evident
this village will do it's share to help
this deserving institution.
This is only a part of plan to in
vest 100000 in the equipment OF
this Institution and make it the great
est cavalry school in the country.
Prominent men in the army are in
terested in this project. Their sup
port has been secured after they have
inspected the work the institution has
done and of the men it is now train
ing, and Of the advantageous location
it has. Congressman Dale has been
appealed to to ask from congress aid
in this great work of making Nor
wich University national institution.
The following letter by Maj.-Gen.
Wood shows something of the back
ing the project has His letter fol-
lowsy
Governors Island, New York City.
May 10, 1915
MY dear Mr.. Cosby:
/ have the honor to acknowledge
receipt of your letter Of May 10th
and to state that 1 thoroughly ap-
prove of the policy adopted by the
representatives of the Regiment, the
First u. S. Volunteer Cavalry (Rough
Riders), in appointing a committee
with power to act, with a view to
taking up actively the raising of q
fund of $15O,OOO to build and endoW
a Commons Hail. Ito include 9
gymnasium, dining hall. and quarter:
for bachelor members of the faculty
and the cadet officers); and Rid
ing Hail." at Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont; this to be the
work of the Eastern Branch.
I understand also that there is Il
be a Western Branch and a Southern
Branch to take up similar work il
those sections. This line of effor
impresses me as being an especial!
useful and fitting way to commemor
ate the memory of our regiment anC
to continue its usefulness for the ma
ton.
/ am familiar with the work, his
tory, condition and present needs, a
we'll as the possibilities of Norwich
University, having inspected its worl
carefully and thoroughly in June o
last year when 1 went to Mortified
Vermont. and attended the com
mencement exercises of the Univer
sity and saw the work done there.
Norwich University is the oldes
military college in America excep
West Point and has done splendid
work for almost one hundred years
1t is the only strictly cavalry schoo
in America, and that leads me to sug
gest that IL Is peculiarly approprfat
that the Rough Riders take an inter
est in a practical fashion in Norwicl
University. 1t rendered most valu
able national service in the provisio
of officers for the Civil War and i
giving men sound civil and militar
training during the years since tn
war. 1t is urgently in need of build
ings such as those mentioned, and tn
organization will be doing real wor
towards preparedness in helping t
build up this fine old military col
lege.
shall be glad to do all / can
help this worthy cause and hope 20
will succeed in obtaining the nece:
sary funds.
Very sincerely yours,
LEONARD WOOD,
Major General u. S. 4
Mr. Arthur F. Cosby. Secy. Roug
Dfdars T0ranoradpaSS Caster