Year: 1879

ANNUAL REPORT OF GENERAL scHoPIELD-THE
STANDARD OF EDUCATION AND CHOICE OF


CADETS.


WASHINGTON. Nov. S. 1879.


Major General Schoheld. superintendent and COM
mandant at West Point. in his annual report says
that the instruction in the several departments Of
the West Point Academy during the past year has
been fully up to the previous high standard of the
institution. aud the progress OF the several classes
satisfactory. The discipline is good. except that
hazing has not been wholly banished 1t is gradu-
ally yielding to the more enlightened and refined
sentiments which govern the relations between
young gentlemen OF the present day. He thinks
this reproach to the Military Academy will dis
appear forever The change introduced two years
ago. by the restoration of instruction in the Eng
lish language in the first years course. has proved
beneficial.


1t is requisite that young officers should be given
reasonable facilities and encouragement in all arms
Of the service and to continue their professional
studies in connection with the practical application
of military principles. Without such opportunities
little further progress is generally made after leaving
the Academy and much that has been learned is
lost. Such opportunities are now presented
for post graduate course OF stuales 20 shs young
Point. and to those who enjoy the benefits OF the
artillery school ut Fort Monroe


QUALIFICATIONS or CANDIDATES.


General Schofed says that as ths standard Of gen.
eral education throughout the country has gradually
advanced the qualifications of candidates for admis
sion to West Point have materially shown corre-
spending improvement. The rigid examination for
admission to the Academy has stimulated more
thorough method OF instruction in the public
schools The influence thus exerted is felt in all
parts OF the country and is generally beneficial By
making appointments year in advance OF
admission the candidate has sufficient time
to make the necessary preparation The present
high standard OF admission has been the growth
of time. and corresponds with the growth OF
general education. 1t cannot be arbitrarily forced
beyond that level. The apporionment OF cadetships
among the States and Territories he thinks. IL SO
just feature that it cannot Be sacrificed tor the
purpose CT securing higher standard Of admission,
yet there seems to be Why IL there are any
candidates who possess much higher qualifications
than tho standard requires. they may not be given
being admitted to higher class in the Academy.


THE CHOOSING CANDIDATES.


The General highly indorses the system of choos-
ing candidates by competitive examination. 1t is,
however, liable to one objection-that it takes no
notice of the moral character. He thinks young
should be required to possess good habits and
correct morals well as sound physique and bright
intellect He suggests for the consideration OF Con-
gress that the facilities offered by tho Military
Academy might, at slight additional cost, be made
available for the education of . considerable number
OF young men in excess Of the annual vacancies In
the army to be returned to their respective States for
service in the organized militia.


The material improvements ct the Academy are
rapidly progressing