On a fine bright morning about the middle of June, every year, the Corps of Cadets wakes up to find that Battle Monument and vicinity have been completely transformed. The Quartermaster’s men have canopied a portion of the monument’s platform with beautiful brand-new flags, and placed under them comfortable wicker chairs for the President, the Secretary of War, the various generals, and other dignitaries who usually honor West Point with their presence on this graduation day. On the front edge of the platform is a rostrum, flag bedecked, for the speaker of the occasion, and spread over the green lawn are rows and rows of seats that await the coming of the cadets. Promptly at ten o’clock, the Corps swings across the parade ground to take its place for the final ceremonies that mark the separation of another class from its midst.

This is the day of days in the life of each man of the graduation class. His four years are at last completed and he is about to be given the great prize for which he has so ardently striven—a commission in the Army. As he takes his seat in front of the platform, he is a little nervous in spite of the joy at having achieved his ambition. He realizes that he is about to sever the ties that have held him fast for the last four years and to bid farewell to a portion of his life that is finished. A little tug comes at his heart-strings but it quickly vanishes as he listens to the eloquent words of the chief speaker, oftentimes the President, unfolding to his receptive imagination the duties and honors that await him in his new life as an officer. And when the President reminds him of West Point, of her traditions, of the advantages that he has been lovingly given, and of what is expected of him in the Army, there comes to his eyes a moisture from pride and gratitude. Into his mind rapidly crowd a thousand and one recollections of his associations at the Academy. He knows now that he must leave the Corps behind, that he must renounce the delightful camaraderie of its members, and give up the beautiful surroundings wherein he has grown in body, mind, and soul.

It is true that he can no longer wear the “gray,” or take away with him his friends, or the buildings, but he does take away with him something that is finer than all of these. One can see it in his face and in his bearing. He goes forth, his heart armed with the triple brass of Duty, Honor, Country, and his soul filled with the Spirit of West Point. All of his nature has been elevated and benefited by this indefinable essence. It forever connects him with hundreds of other men in all parts of our country and identifies him with an institution whose very name, West Point, no matter where seen or heard, thrills him with pleasure. This name connotes the details of the most impressionable period of his life. Even the words themselves seem to have a distinction and personality that no other words possess. They are flavored with romance and make one think of something fresh and crisp and clean, something almost hallowed. They are themselves clothed with the spirit of the place under whose influence and power he will forever remain.

He leaves the Academy to join the great fraternity of West Pointers in the Service, animated by the same spirit. With them, he is this year (1917) called upon by the President to train for war a large army of his fellow citizens, and prepare them to meet an enemy schooled in the art of war by disciplined leaders. West Point sends him forth to this task, rich in knowledge. His Alma Mater is confident that he will train these men of the new Army in the fundamentals of their profession and that he will inspire them with his ideals of courage and of honor, and imbue them with the Spirit of West Point.

In the training of the National Army, he will have all sorts of men under his command, but the spirit of the Academy will make him patient and kind with the stupid, lend a hand to the weak, give a word of cheer to the down-hearted (there will be plenty of them), and instill into all the ideal of duty. The kind of discipline that he himself received at West Point will be theirs. He will teach them to bear uncomplainingly their burdens, to be loyal and obedient, to care for their health, and to march and to fight with a spirit that knows not weariness or depression. Then when these men shall be sufficiently trained, he will go with them to France, in the wake of the first division of Regulars led by a gallant West Pointer, Major-General John J. Pershing. Here he will appreciate as never before the value of a great moral force like the spirit of West Point. It will aid him in overcoming the obstacles in his path and in those of his men, especially when the heroics of war and the novelty of being abroad have ceased to interest them, and they find themselves in the trenches in No Man’s Land. They will be drenched by the rain and burnt by the sun; they will have to endure the vermin, the mud, and the dust. They will be driven nearly mad by the shrieking and bursting of the shells, they will see their comrades killed and wounded, and perhaps they too will suffer the same fate, but they will not flinch; because he who leads them will have given them something of his spirit—a part of himself that West Point made. He must be the prop upon which they may lean, if need be, and his spirit the reservoir upon which they may draw for refreshment. And should he be called upon to pay the supreme sacrifice, he will leave them the Spirit of West Point to carry them to victory, while he goes to join the ghostly assemblage of his fellow West Pointers, standing bareheaded to salute him, as he has stood many times in the presence of the living Corps.

APPENDIX
(From the Official Register of the United States Military
Academy—1916)
WAR DEPARTMENT
Information Relative to the Appointment and Admission
of Cadets to the United States
Military Academy
(1916 Edition. Revised Annually.)
[Communications relating to matters connected with the Military
Academy should be addressed to The Adjutant General
of the Army, Washington, D. C.]
THE CORPS OF CADETS

The Act of Congress approved May 4, 1916, provides as follows:

“That the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy shall hereafter consist of two for each Congressional district, two from each Territory, four from the District of Columbia, two from natives of Porto Rico, four from each State at large, and eighty from the United States at large, twenty of whom shall be selected from among the honor graduates of educational institutions having officers of the Regular Army detailed as professors of military science and tactics under existing law or any law hereafter enacted for the detail of officers of the Regular Army to such institutions, and which institutions are designated as ’honor schools’ upon the determination of their relative standing at the last preceding annual inspection regularly made by the War Department. They shall be appointed by the President and shall, with the exception of the eighty appointed from the United States at large, be actual residents of the Congressional or Territorial district, or of the District of Columbia, or of the island of Porto Rico, or of the States, respectively, from which they purport to be appointed: Provided, That so much of the Act of Congress approved March fourth, nineteen hundred and fifteen (Thirty-eighth Statutes at Large, page eleven hundred and twenty-eight), as provides for the admission of a successor to any cadet who shall have finished three years of his course at the academy be, and the same is hereby, repealed: Provided further: That the appointment of each member of the present Corps of Cadets is validated and confirmed.

“Sec. 2. That the President is hereby authorized to appoint cadets to the United States Military Academy from among enlisted men in number as nearly equal as practicable of the Regular Army and the National Guard between the ages of nineteen and twenty-two years who have served as enlisted men not less than one year, to be selected under such regulations as the President may prescribe: Provided, That the total number so selected shall not exceed one hundred and eighty at any one time.

“Sec. 3. That, under such regulations as the President shall prescribe, the increase in the number of cadets provided for by this Act shall be divided into four annual increments, which shall be as nearly equal as practicable and be equitably distributed among the sources from which appointments are authorized.”

Annual Increments.—States at large, 21; Congressional districts, 92; Alaska, District of Columbia, Hawaii and Porto Rico, combined, 1 each year to the source longest without an appointment, and, when the periods are equal, the choice to be by lot; Honor Schools, 5; Regular Army, 23 in 1916, 22 in 1917, 23 in 1918, and 22 in 1919; National Guard, 22 in 1916, 23 in 1917, 22 in 1918, and 23 in 1919.

APPOINTMENTS

How Made.—The appointments from a Congressional district are made upon the recommendation of the Representative in Congress from that district, and those from a State at large upon the recommendations of the Senators of the State. Similarly, the appointments from a Territory are made upon the recommendation of the Delegate in Congress. The appointments from the District of Columbia are made upon the recommendation of the Commissioners of the District. Each person appointed must be an actual resident of the State, District, or Territory from which the appointment is made.

The appointments from the United States at large are made by the President of the United States upon his own selection. The cadets from Porto Rico, who must be natives of that island, are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Resident Commissioner.

The appointments from among the honor graduates of educational institutions designated as “honor schools” will be made upon the recommendation of the heads of the respective schools.

The appointments from among the enlisted men of the National Guard will be made upon the recommendation of the Governors of the respective States and Territories.

The appointments from among the enlisted men of the regular army will be made upon the recommendation of the Commanding Generals of the Territorial Departments.

The Secretary of War is authorized to permit not exceeding four Filipinos, to be designated, one for each class, by the Governor General of the Philippine Islands, to receive instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point: Provided, That the Filipinos undergoing instruction, shall receive the same pay, allowances, and emoluments as are authorized by law for cadets at the Military Academy appointed from the United States, to be paid out of the same appropriations: And provided further, That said Filipinos undergoing instruction on graduation shall be eligible only to commissions in the Philippine Scouts. And the provisions of section 1321, Revised Statutes, are modified in the case of Filipinos undergoing instruction, so as to require them to engage to serve for eight years, unless sooner discharged, in the Philippine Scouts.

Date of Appointments.—Appointments are required by law to be made one year in advance of the date of admission, except in cases where, by reason of death or other cause, a vacancy occurs which cannot be provided for by such appointment in advance. These vacancies are filled in time for the next examination.

Candidates.—For each vacancy from a State at large, or Congressional or Territorial district, three candidates should be nominated, one of the candidates to be named as principal, one as first alternate, and one as second alternate. The first alternate, if qualified, will be admitted in the event of failure of the principal; the second alternate, if qualified, will be admitted in the event of the failure of the principal and the first alternate.

For vacancies in the cadetships allotted to the honor graduates of the “honor schools,” one candidate may be nominated each year before September 1st from each school. In case the total number of candidates so nominated is not equal to three times the number of vacancies, the War Department will assign additional appointments among the schools to complete this total.

For vacancies in the cadetships allotted to the enlisted men of the National Guard, the candidates will be apportioned as near as practicable among the States, Districts, and Territories according to their enlisted strength. With the exception of the candidates from the District of Columbia, they will be selected by the Governors from successful competitors in a preliminary examination held between January 1st and January 15th of each year, such examination to be of a scope and nature similar to the regular examination for entrance to the United States Military Academy. The candidates from the National Guard of the District of Columbia will be similarly selected by the Commanding General of that organization.

The candidates nominated for the cadetships allotted to the enlisted men of the regular army shall not exceed three times the number of existing vacancies and shall be equitably distributed among the Territorial Departments by the War Department. If the number of applications in any Department exceed the share allotted to it by the War Department, the candidates in such Department will be chosen from the successful competitors in a preliminary examination held between January 1st and January 15th, such examination to be of a scope and nature similar to the regular examination for entrance to the United States Military Academy.6

Each candidate designated to take the regular examination for admission to the United States Military Academy will receive from the War Department a letter of appointment, and he must appear for examination at the time and place designated therein.7

Fitness for admission will be determined as prescribed in the Regulations, United States Military Academy.

REGULAR EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES

Examinations of candidates will be competitive in the following classes, and will be the regular examination for entrance to the United States Military Academy:

(1) Candidates from the United States at Large, other than honor graduates of honor schools.

(2) Candidates from the United States at Large, who are honor graduates of honor schools.

(3) Candidates from the enlisted men of the National Guard.

(4) Candidates from the enlisted men of the Regular Army.

The Filipino candidates selected for appointment, unless otherwise notified by the War Department, shall appear for mental and physical examination on the second Tuesday in January of each year before a board of Army officers to be convened at such place in the Philippine Islands as the commanding general of the Philippine Department may designate.

Admission by Examinations.—On the third Tuesday in March of each year candidates selected for appointment shall appear for mental and physical examination before boards of Army officers to be convened at such places as the War Department may designate.

Each candidate must show by examination that he is well versed in algebra, to include quadratic equations and progressions, and in plane geometry, English grammar, composition and literature, descriptive and physical geography, and general and United States history, as explained in the circular of notification.

Admission by Certificate.—The Academic Board will consider and may accept in lieu of the regular mental examination:

(1) A properly attested certificate (Form I) that the candidate is a regularly enrolled student in good standing without condition in a university, college, or technical school accredited by the United States Military Academy, provided that the entrance requirements of the course he is pursuing require proficiency in subjects amounting to not less than 14 units of the list given below.

If attendance at college extends over a semester, a full record of academic work at the college, giving subjects taken and grades attained in each, must accompany the certificate; if attendance at college extends over less than a semester and the candidate was admitted to college by certificate, a certificate (Form II) from the preparatory school giving a full record of studies taken and grades attained must accompany the college certificate. If a scrutiny of the certificate submitted shows low grades, the certificate will be rejected.

A certificate indicating enrollment in or admission to an institution at any other time than that specified in the college register for regular admission or enrollment will be not accepted.

(2) A properly attested certificate (Form II) that the candidate has graduated from a preparatory school or public high school accredited by the United States Military Academy, provided that he has in his school work shown proficiency in subjects amounting to not less than 14 units of the list given below.

If a scrutiny of the certificate submitted shows evidence of low grades or of graduation at an irregular date, the certificate will be rejected.

(3) A properly attested certificate (Form III) from the College Entrance Examination Board that the candidate has shown proficiency in the examinations set by the board in subjects amounting to 14 units from the list given below. If a scrutiny of the certificate submitted shows low grades, the certificate will be rejected.

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The list of subjects and the corresponding weights in units is as follows:

(a) REQUIRED.

Every certificate must show evidence of proficiency in the following subjects.

		Units.
Mathematics, A1		1
Mathematics, A2		½
Mathematics, C		1
English, A		2
English, B		1
History, A }	any two	2
History, B }
History, C }
History, D }
		7½

(b) OPTIONAL.

The remaining 6½ units may be supplied from among the following subjects, and no others.

		Units.
Mathematics, B		½
Mathematics, D		½
Mathematics, E		½
Mathematics, F		½
History, A }	Any not submitted among required subjects	1
History, B }		1
History, C }		1
History, D }		1
Latin, 1		1
Latin, 2		1
Latin, 3		2
Latin, 4		1
Latin, 5		1
Greek, A1		½
Greek, A2		½
Greek, B		1
Greek, C		1
Greek, F		1
French, A		2
French, B	Either one but not both	1
French, BC		2
German, A		2
German, B	Either one but not both	1
German, BC		2
Spanish		2
Physics		1
Chemistry		1
Biology		1
Botany		1
Physiology		1
Physical geography		1
Drawing		1
		35

The definition of unit and of the ground covered by the designated subjects is that of the College Entrance Examination Board. Credits must correspond to the unit values of the respective subjects. Greater credit than indicated will not be allowed; less credit will be understood as evidence that the entire subject has not been completed.

Certificates should be submitted not later than February 15th. A certificate received between February 15th and the examination will receive consideration, but in view of the short time left to the Academic Board to investigate its value, no assurance will be given that such certificate can be acted on in time to exempt the candidate from the mental examination.

Candidates who submit certificates on a date which does not allow the Academic Board sufficient time to investigate its value and notify them regarding the final action thereon prior to the day set for the examination, should proceed with the regular examination.

Candidates who are informed that their certificates have been accepted must present themselves at the regular time and place as herein prescribed, for physical examination.

A certificate which is accepted as satisfactory for one examination will be regarded as satisfactory for any other examination which may be set for entrance with the same class.

Any certificate accepted for one class, and presented for a succeeding class, should be accompanied with a full statement of the candidate’s educational work in the interim, and both certificate and statement will be subject to careful scrutiny by the Academic Board. (Par. 65, Regs., U. S. M. A.)

All necessary papers, including a set of blank certificate forms, are furnished to each duly nominated candidate by The Adjutant General of the Army.

Note.—Certificates will be accepted only from candidates appointed from States at large, Congressional districts, Territories, and the District of Columbia.

Certificates may be accepted for admission of candidates from the Regular Army and National Guard in the same manner as they are accepted for candidates nominated by Congressmen, except that acceptable certificates entitle the candidate to appointment only in case the authorized number of vacancies for that year are not filled by the regular examination.

Date of Admission.—Candidates who fully conform to the requirements set forth in the preceding paragraphs, and who report in person to the Superintendent before 10:30 A.M. the second day, Sunday excepted, following the date of regular graduation, shall be admitted as cadets of the United States Military Academy, and shall receive their warrants as soon as practicable.

Engagement to Serve.—Immediately after reporting to the Superintendent for admission and before receiving their warrants of appointment candidates are required to sign in the presence of the Superintendent, or of some officer deputed by him, engagements for service in the following form:

I, —— ——, of the State (or Territory) of ——, aged —— years, ——months, do hereby engage (with consent of my parent or guardian) that from the date of my admission as a cadet of the United States Military Academy I will serve in the Army of the United States for eight years unless sooner discharged by competent authority.

In the presence of —— ——.

In the case of the Filipino cadets the engagement shall be made to serve in the Philippine Scouts. (See Sec. 1321, R. S.)

Oath of Allegiance.—Each cadet shall, previous to his admission to the academy, take and subscribe an oath or affirmation in the following form:

I, —— ——, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and bear true allegiance to the National Government; that I will maintain and defend the sovereignty of the United States paramount to any and all allegiance, sovereignty, or fealty I may owe to any State, county, or country whatsoever, and that I will at all times obey the legal orders of my superior officers and the rules and articles governing the Armies of the United States. (Sec. 1320, R. S.)

Sworn to and subscribed at —— this — day of ——, nineteen hundred and —, before me.

Qualifications.—No candidate shall be admitted who is under 17 or over 22 years of age or less than 5 feet 4 inches in height at the age of 17, or 5 feet 5 inches in height at the age of 18 and upward, or who is deformed or afflicted with any disease or infirmity which would render him unfit for the military service or who has, at the time of presenting himself, any disorder of an infectious or immoral character. Candidates must be unmarried.

Each candidate must on reporting at West Point present a certificate showing successful vaccination within one year; or a certificate of two vaccinations made at least a month apart, within three months.

Note.—Candidates are eligible for admission from the day they are 17 until the day they become 22 years of age, on which latter day they are not eligible.

Each candidate designated as principal or alternate for appointment as cadet at the Military Academy should ascertain as soon as practicable whether or not he has any physical defect that would disqualify him for admission to the academy or any that should be corrected by treatment previous to presenting himself for examination. For this purpose he should immediately cause himself to be examined by his family physician, and, if he desires, also by an Army surgeon at the nearest military post. Such an examination should enable the candidate to decide whether to devote the time and possible expense which may be necessary for preparation for the entrance examination or to relinquish his appointment.

The presentation by a candidate of his letter of conditional appointment, or the presentation by a prospective candidate of a letter signed by a Member of Congress stating that the bearer is to be a candidate for cadet appointment and requesting that he be physically examined, will be sufficient authority for an Army surgeon at any military post to make the desired physical examination. Upon completion of this examination, the Army surgeon will inform the candidate of the result, and, in case a disability be found, whether such disability is believed to be permanent and disqualifying for military service or whether it is believed to be of a temporary or curable nature. The examination is to be regarded as preliminary only, and in no manner to affect the decision of the regular medical examining board.

CHARACTER OF EXAMINATIONS

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

The physical examination is conducted under the following instructions prepared by the Surgeon General of the Army: Candidates who, upon reporting, present evidence that they have been excused from the mental examination under the provisions of the certificate privilege, or as the result of having qualified mentally at a previous examination, are usually examined physically as soon as possible after reporting and are not required to wait until the schedule of mental examinations has been completed. The physical examination of all candidates taking the mental examination begins on the fourth day and is continued daily until completed.

Hearing must be normal in both ears.

Vision as determined by the official test types must not fall below 20/40 in either eye. If below 20/20, it must be correctable to 20/20 by proper glasses.

In the record of all examinations the acuity of vision without glasses, and also with glasses when the acuity is less than 20/20, will be given for each eye separately; in the latter case the correction will also be noted.

Hyperopia with vision less than 20/20 and myopia or astigmatism, either hyperopic or myopic, with vision less than 20/40, are causes for rejection.

Squint uncorrectable by glasses (not prisms) is a cause for rejection.

Color blindness, red, green, or violet, is cause for rejection.

The foregoing requirements apply to eyes from disease, either acute or chronic. All lesions of the fundus, except those due to simple myopia, lesions not progressive in character, whether old or of recent origin, are causes for rejection.

A certificate from a competent oculist may be accepted at the option of the examining board, as evidence of freedom from lesions of the fundus.

Teeth.—A candidate must have at least 12 of the 20 double teeth in serviceable condition, so placed that 6 of them are “opposed” by 6 others. Where not all of the third molars have erupted and there are none opposed, 8 serviceable double teeth must be present, so placed that 4 are opposed by 4 others. Where there are two opposed third molars, the requirements will be at least 6 double teeth opposed by 6 others. Well crowned teeth are considered as good teeth. Teeth containing large cavities or exposed nerves are considered as cause for rejection, but a candidate with unsound teeth may be accepted subject to the condition of having cavities filled and teeth put in satisfactory shape before the date set for his entrance to West Point.

The following are causes of disqualification if found to exist to such a degree as would immediately or at no very distant period impair the efficiency of the candidate:

1. Feeble constitution; unsound health from whatever cause; indications of former disease, glandular swellings, or other symptoms of scrofula.

2. Chronic cutaneous affections, especially of the scalp.

3. Severe injuries of the bones of the head; convulsions.

4. Impaired vision, from whatever cause; inflammatory affections of the eyelids; immobility or irregularity of the iris; fistula lachrymalis, etc.

5. Deafness; copious discharge from the ears.

6. Impediment of speech.

7. Want of due capacity of the chest, and any other indication of a liability to a pulmonic disease.

8. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or both of the superior extremities on account of fractures, especially of the clavicle, contraction of a joint, deformity, etc.

9. An unusual excurvature or incurvature of the spine.

10. Hernia.

11. A varicose state of the veins of the scrotum or spermatic cord (when large), hydrocele, hemorrhoids, fistulas.

12. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or both of the inferior extremities on account of varicose veins, fractures, malformation (flat feet, etc.), lameness, contraction, unequal length, bunions, overlying or supernumerary toes, etc.

13. Ulcers or unsound cicatrices of ulcers likely to break out afresh.

The requirements of the following tables of physical proportions are minimum for growing youths and are for the guidance of medical officers in connection with the other data of the examination, a consideration of all of which should determine the candidate’s physical eligibility. Mere fulfilment of the requirements of the standard tables does not determine eligibility, while on the other hand no departure below the standard should be allowed unless upon the unanimous recommendation of the medical examining board for excellent reasons clearly stated in each case.

The physical requirements should be those of the age at the birthday nearest the time of the examination. Fractions greater than one-half inch will be considered as an additional inch of height, but candidates 17 years old must be at least 64 inches, and those 18 years and upward at least 65 inches in height.

The following is a list of the Army posts at which the examination is usually held:

Fort Banks, Mass.
Fort Slocum, N. Y.
Washington Barracks, D. C.
Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, La.
Fort Shafter, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Columbus Barracks, Ohio.
Fort Williams, Maine.
Fort St. Michaels, Alaska.
Fort Sill, Okla.
Fort Leavenworth, Kans.
Jefferson Barracks, Mo.
Fort Ethan Allen, Vt.
Fort Dade, Fla.
Fort Logan H. Roots, Ark.
Fort Logan, Colo.
Fort Sam Houston, Tex.
Presidio of San Francisco, Cal.
Corozal, Canal Zone.
Fort McPherson, Ga.
Fort Snelling, Minn.
Fort Sheridan, Ill.
Vancouver Barracks, Wash.
Fort Bliss, Texas.
Fort Wm. H. Seward, Alaska.
Fort Rosecrans, Cal.

MENTAL EXAMINATION

The examination takes place as follows, viz.:

1st Day.—	Blank for personal and school history to be filled out by all who report for examination, 11 a.m. to 12, noon, 1 hour.
	History, 1 to 5 p.m., 4 hours.
2d Day.—	Algebra, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4 hours.
	Geography, 2 to 5 p.m., 3 hours.
3d Day.—	Geometry, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4 hours.
	English Grammar, Composition, and Literature, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., 4 hours.

Every candidate who reports is required to fill out, in the most careful manner, the personal and school history sheet and the autograph and official notification address blanks. The fact that a candidate may be reporting for the physical examination only, does not by any means exempt him from accomplishing these blanks, as the information they contain is vitally necessary for the permanent and statistical records of the Military Academy.

The candidate is given all assistance needed to insure the proper filling out of these papers.

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Algebra.—Candidates will be required to pass a satisfactory examination in that portion of algebra which includes the following range of subjects: Definitions and notation; the fundamental laws; the fundamental operations, viz.: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; factoring; highest common factor; lowest common multiple; fractions, simple and complex; simple or linear equations with one unknown quantity; simultaneous simple or linear equations with two or more unknown quantities; graphical representation and solution of linear equations with two unknowns; involution, including the formation of the squares and cubes of polynomials; binomial theorem with positive integral exponents; evolution, including the extraction of the square and cube roots of polynomials and of numbers; theory of exponents, radicals, including reduction and fundamental operations, rationalization, equations involving radicals; operations with imaginary numbers; quadratic equations; equations of quadratic form; simultaneous quadratic equations; ratio and proportion; arithmetical and geometrical progressions. Candidates will be required to solve problems involving any of the principles or methods contained in the foregoing subjects.

The following questions were used at a recent examination:

1. (a) Simplify [(x - y)² + 6xy] - [(x² + 2xy) - {x² - [2xy - (4xy - y²)]} - (-x² - 2xy)].

(b) Factor (1) a⁹b⁹ + 64c⁶ (2) x² - y² - 2y - 1 (3) x³ - 3x² + 4.

2. Solve v((4/x²) + 5) - v((4/x²) - 5) = 2. Prove that your answers are correct.

3. How many terms will there be in the expansion of (a^? + b^?×15) by the binomial formula?
Write the 6th term in the simplest form.
What other term will have the same coefficient?
Write down this term and simplify it.

4. A number of workmen, who receive the same wages, earn together a certain sum. Had there been 7 more workmen, and had each one received 25 cents more, their joint earnings would have increased by $18.65. Had there been 4 fewer workmen, and had each one received 15 cents less, their joint earnings would have decreased by $9.20. How many workmen are there, and how much does each one receive?

5. (a) Find the value of 5x³ + 2x² - 3x - 1 when x = 1 - v(-4)

(b) Simplify (5×v(x^4/3)^-3/2

6. Two trains run toward each other from A and B, respectively, and meet at a point which is 15 miles farther from A than it is from B. After the trains meet, it takes the first train 2? hours to run to B, and the second 3? hours to run to A. How far is it from A to B?

7. Solve	{ (1/a + 1/b)x + (1/a - 1/b)y = 4
	{
	{ x/(a + b) + y/(a - b) = 2

8. (a) Deduce a test for finding when the roots of the equation ax² + bx + c = 0 are: 1º real and unequal; 2º real and equal; 3º imaginary; 4º numerically equal with contrary signs.

(b) Apply the tests to find the nature of the roots of the equations

1º 3x2 + 4x - 10 = 0

2º 5x2 + 6 = 0

9. Given a square whose side is 2. The middle points of its adjacent sides are joined by straight lines forming a second square inscribed in the first. In the same manner, a third square is inscribed in the second, a fourth in the third, and so on indefinitely. Find the sum of the perimeters of all the squares.

Substitute for any of the above.—A person has $6,500, which he divides into two portions and lends at different rates of interest, so that the two portions produce equal returns. If the first portion had been lent at the second rate of interest, it would have produced $180; and if the second portion had been lent at the first rate of interest, it would have produced $245. Find the rates of interest.

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Plane Geometry.—Candidates will be required to give accurate definitions of the terms used in plane geometry, to demonstrate any proposition of plane geometry as given in the ordinary text-books and to solve simple geometrical problems either by a construction or by an application of algebra.

The following questions were used at a recent examination:

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English Grammar.—Candidates must have a good knowledge of English grammar; they must be able to define the terms used therein; to define the parts of speech; to give inflections, including declension, conjugation, and comparison; to give the corresponding masculine and feminine gender nouns; to give and apply the ordinary rules of syntax.

They must be able to parse correctly any ordinary sentence; giving the subject of each verb, the governing of each objective case, the word for which each pronoun stands or to which it refers, the words between which each preposition shows the relation, precisely what each conjunction and each relative pronoun connects, what each adjective and adverb qualifies or limits, the construction of each infinitive, and generally to show a good knowledge of the function of each word in the sentence.

They must be able to correct in sentences or extracts any ordinary grammatical errors.

It is not required that any particular textbook shall be followed; but the definitions, parsing, and corrections must be in accordance with good usage and common sense.

The following questions indicate the character of the examination:

---

English Composition and English Literature.—Candidate will be required:

1. By the writing of short themes on subjects chosen by themselves within limits set by the examination paper, to prove (a) their ability to spell, capitalize, and punctuate, and (b) their mastery of the elementary principles of composition, including paragraphing and sentence structure.

2. To give evidence of intelligent acquaintance with three plays of Shakespeare—one comedy, one history, and one tragedy—The Merchant of Venice, Henry V, and Macbeth being especially recommended.

3. To exhibit a fair knowledge of the history of English literature and of the names of the most prominent authors, and of the names of their principal works.

The general character and scope of the examination are indicated by the following:

---

Geography.—Candidates will be required to pass a satisfactory examination in descriptive geography and the elements of physical geography. A preponderance of weight is attached to a knowledge of the geography of the United States.

In descriptive geography of the United States, candidates should be thoroughly informed as to its general features and boundaries; adjacent oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, sounds, straits, and islands; lakes, the location and extent of mountain ranges; the sources, directions, and terminations of the important rivers, the names of their principal tributaries, and at what points, if any, these rivers break through highlands on their way to the ocean; the water routes of communication from one part of the country to another; the location and termination of important railroad lines; the boundaries of the several States and Territories and their order along the coasts, frontiers, and principal rivers; the location and boundaries of the island possessions; and the names and locations of the capitals and other important cities of the several States, Territories, and island possessions.

In short, the knowledge should be so complete that a clear mental picture of the whole of the United States is impressed on the mind of the candidate.

In descriptive geography of other countries, candidates should be familiar with the continental areas and grand divisions of water; the earth’s surface; the large bodies of water which in part or wholly surround the grand divisions of the land; the capes, from what part they project and into what waters; the principal peninsulas, location, and by what waters embraced; the parts connected by an isthmus; the principal islands, locations, and surrounding waters; the seas, gulfs, and bays, the coasts they indent, and the waters to which they are subordinate; the straits, the lands they separate, and the waters they connect; the locations of the principal lakes, the locations, boundaries, capitals and principal cities of the political divisions of the world.

In physical geography, candidates should be familiar with the relief of the earth’s surface; the principal mountain systems, the river systems and watersheds; the coastal and lake plains; and the influence of climate, soil, mineral deposits, and other physical features on the resources, industries, commercial relations, and development of a country and its people, especially of the United States.

The following questions indicate the character of the examination:

---

History.—Candidates must be thoroughly familiar with such material as is contained in good high school textbooks on the subject (a) of the History of the United States, and (b) of the History of Europe from the Fall of Constantinople (1453) to the outbreak of the French Revolution (1789).

In history of the United States, the examination will include questions concerning early discoveries and settlements; the forms of government in the Colonies; the causes, leading events, and results of wars; important events in the political and economic history of the Nation since its foundation.

In history of Europe from 1453 to 1789, special emphasis will be laid upon the political and social development in France, Prussia, and England.

The following questions indicate the character of the examination:

European History (1453-1789).

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PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

All cadets are examined physically in May of each year, and those found physically disqualified to continue with the course, or, in case of the first class, for commission in the Army, are discharged.

VACATIONS AND LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Academic duties are suspended from the completion of the June examinations until the end of August. During this period cadets live in camp and are engaged in military duties and exercises and in receiving practical instruction in military and other subjects. Academic duties are also suspended from December 24th until January 2d, except for those undergoing examination. All duties and exercises, as far as practicable, are suspended on New Year’s Day, February 22d, May 30th, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Cadets of the first, second, and third classes not undergoing examination are allowed short leaves at Christmas, if their conduct during the preceding year has been satisfactory. Excepting these short leaves for good conduct, cadets are allowed but one leave of absence during the four years’ course. This leave is granted to those cadets who have successfully completed the third-class course of study, and extends from the middle of June to the 28th of August.

PAY OF CADETS

The pay of a cadet is $600 per year and one ration per day, or commutation therefor at 30 cents per day. The total is $746.00 to commence with his admission to the academy. The actual and necessary traveling expenses of candidates from their homes to the Military Academy are credited to their accounts after their admission as cadets.

No cadet is permitted to receive money, or any other supplies, from his parents, or from any person whomsoever, without the sanction of the Superintendent. A most rigid observance of this regulation is urged upon all parents and guardians, as its violation would make distinctions between cadets which it is the especial desire to avoid; the pay of a cadet is sufficient for his support.

Candidates are authorized to bring with them the following articles: Hairbrush, nailbrush, toothbrush, shoebrush, comb, 8 drawers (summer), 12 handkerchiefs (white), 4 nightshirts or pajamas, 8 socks (black cotton), 6 bath towels, 6 face towels, 1 trunk, 8 undershirts (summer), whisk broom, shaving mug, winter underwear, and athletic uniforms, shoes, and goods.

Cadets are required to wear the prescribed uniform. All articles of their uniform are of a designated pattern, and are sold to cadets at West Point at regulated prices.

DEPOSIT PRIOR TO ADMISSION

Immediately after admission candidates must be provided with an outfit of uniform, etc., the cost of which is about $160. This sum, or at least $100 thereof, must be deposited with the treasurer of the academy before the candidate is admitted. It is best for the candidate to take with him no more money than he needs for traveling expenses and for his parents to send the required deposit by draft, payable to the Treasurer, United States Military Academy. The deposit is credited at once to the cadet’s account. Upon graduation a cadet who has exercised proper economy will have sufficient money to his credit with the treasurer of the academy to purchase his uniform and equipment as an officer.

PROMOTION AFTER GRADUATION

The attention of applicants and candidates is called to the following provisions of an Act of Congress approved May 17, 1886, to regulate the promotion of graduates of the United States Military Academy:

That when any cadet of the United States Military Academy has gone through all its classes and received a regular diploma from the academic staff, he may be promoted and commissioned as a second lieutenant in any arm or corps of the Army in which there may be a vacancy and the duties of which he may have been judged competent to perform; and in case there shall not at the time be a vacancy in such arm or corps he may, at the discretion of the President, be promoted and commissioned in it as an additional second lieutenant, with the usual pay and allowances of a second lieutenant, until a vacancy shall happen.

ACADEMIC DUTIES

There axe two terms of academic instruction: September 1-December 23, and January 2-June 4. A semiannual examination is held December 26-31, and an annual examination June 5-12. At the December examination cadets, who are found to be proficient in subjects they have completed during the preceding term are arranged according to merit in each subject. At the June examination they are similarly arranged and they are also assigned general standing in the class as determined by their standings in the various subjects. When a subject of study is completed during a term an examination concluding the work in that subject is sometimes held. Cadets deficient in studies at any examination are discharged from the academy unless for special reasons the academic board recommends otherwise. Cadets exceeding at any time the maximum number of demerits allowed for six months are reported to the academic board as deficient in conduct.

THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR

First term, September 1-December 23.
Second term, January 2-June 4.
Semiannual examination, December 26-31.
Annual examination, June 5-12.

DEPARTMENT OF TACTICS

ALL CLASSES

New cadets, upon reporting for duty, are given infantry recruit instruction, with gymnastic and calisthenic exercises, until they join the battalion.

Practical instruction is given during the summer encampment, and from September 1st to November 1st, and from March 15th to June 1st, in infantry, artillery and cavalry drill regulations, in target practice with the rifle, revolver, mountain gun and field gun, and in military engineering.

During the summer encampment, cadets of the third and fourth classes are also taught swimming and dancing, and those of the first class, the service of seacoast artillery and submarine defense at fortifications. The first, third, and fourth classes participate in exercises in minor tactics, practice marches, problems and practical field work, in which the employment of all arms is exemplified.

Practical instruction in fencing and gymnastic exercises and in boxing and wrestling is given to the fourth class from October 1st to June 1st, and to the other classes from November 1st to March 15th.

Instruction in riding is given to the first class during the encampment and from September 1st to June 1st, excepting the month of February; to the second and third classes, from November 1st to March 15th and also to the third class during the summer encampment. Instruction with English pad saddles is given to the first class, and in polo to the first and second classes.

During the academic season recitations in hippology are held for the first class and in drill regulations for the second, third, and fourth classes. Instruction is also given in writing orders and in solving problems involving the disposition of small forces.

Previous to graduation, lectures are given the first class upon uniforms and equipments, and upon etiquette and customs of the service.

TEXTBOOKS

Infantry Drill Regulations, U. S. Army.
Field Artillery Regulations, U. S. Army.
Mountain Artillery Drill Regulations, U. S. Army.
Cavalry Drill Regulations, U. S. Army.
Elements of Hippology. Marshall.
Coast Artillery Drill Regulations, U. S. Army.

BOOKS OF REFERENCE

U. S. Army Regulations.
Field Service Regulations, U. S. Army.
Small Arms Firing Manual, U. S. Army.
Drill Regulations for Machine Gun, Infantry.
Drill Regulations for Machine Gun, Cavalry.
Manual of Interior Guard Duty, U. S. Army.
Manual of Physical Training, U. S. Army.
Regulations for Field Maneuvers, U. S. Army.
Manual of Instruction for Pack Transportation.
Regulations, U. S. M. A.

ISSUED TO FIRST CLASS BEFORE GRADUATION

U. S. Army Regulations.
Regulations for the Uniform of the U. S. Army.
Manual of Courts-Martial, U. S. A.
Army Register, U. S.
Engineer Field Manual.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND MILITARY ENGINEERING

FIRST CLASS

The course in civil and military engineering and the art of war is confined to the first-class year.

The course in civil engineering begins September 1st and is completed during the first term, which closes with the Christmas holidays. It comprises brief treatises on the mechanics of civil engineering, framed and masonry structures, the materials of engineering, water supply, and sewerage.

The course in military engineering and the art of war begins on January 2nd and closes on the 3rd of June. Military engineering embraces the study of field and permanent fortifications and siege works. The art of war embraces the study of the organization of armies, employment of the different arms in combination, logistics, and strategy. To familiarize the students with its principles, lectures are delivered on military subjects and the principal operations of about twenty selected campaigns are studied. During this course the students are taken to the battlefield of Gettysburg to familiarize them with the effects of topography on the employment of troops in the field.

TEXTBOOKS

Civil Engineering. Fiebeger.
Field Fortifications. Fiebeger.
Permanent Fortifications. Fiebeger.
Elements of Strategy. Fiebeger.
Army Organization. Fiebeger.
Siege Works. Mercur.
Field Service Regulations, U. S.
Campaign of Gettysburg. Fiebeger.

BOOKS OF REFERENCE

Campaigns and Battles. Department.
Story of the Civil War. Ropes. Cambria Steel.

The department has a well selected reference library on civil engineering, military engineering, and the art of war.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY

SECOND CLASS

The course in natural and experimental philosophy begins with and continues throughout the third academic year. Mechanics is studied during the first term. The text used is Gordon’s Mechanics. Many of the principles are illustrated by apparatus in the lecture and section rooms, and the students are required to repeat and explain these experiments. The course aims to be as complete as possible with the limitation that it can be properly covered in a term of about 90 to 100 days by students having a proficient knowledge of the calculus; the treatment is sufficiently mathematical to furnish a confident basis for advanced work in the technical staff after graduation.

During the second term about 120 lessons are allotted to this department. The first half of this time is devoted to the subjects of sound and light. The authorized textbook is Gordon’s Sound and Light.

Astronomy is studied in the remainder of the second term. The text used are Young’s General Astronomy and Michie and Harlow’s Practical Astronomy. The principal aim of this course, in addition to its important value in educational development, is to furnish an ample basis for the establishment of stations in explorations and surveys.

The class attends daily throughout the year, except eight days, during which half the class attends daily.

TEXTBOOKS

Sound and Light. Gordon.
Mechanics. Gordon.
General Astronomy. Young.
Practical Astronomy. Michie and Harlow.

Numerous standard works on the general subjects covered by the course are available for reference.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

THIRD AND FOURTH CLASSES

The course in mathematics begins with the fourth-class year and continues through the third-class year.

In the fourth-class year, algebra is completed in alternation; first with geometry, then with trigonometry. Plane analytical geometry is begun.

In the third-class year, plane and solid analytical geometry and descriptive geometry are completed in alternation. The calculus and least squares finish the course.

The course in algebra covers the entire subject as generally taught in colleges, but the student is expected to have already mastered elementary algebra to include the progressions and the solution of the quadratic equation. The course in elementary geometry includes the books that relate to the plane and those that relate to space, but the student is expected to have mastered the former. Plane and spherical trigonometry includes the complete solution of the plane and spherical triangles. The course in analytical geometry includes the discussion of the general equation of the second degree in the plane and the particular forms of the equation of the second degree in space.

Descriptive geometry includes the orthographic projections of the right line, the plane, ruled surfaces and surfaces of revolution, tangent planes and intersections of surfaces. It also takes the subjects of shades and shadows, perspective, isometric projections and spherical projections.

The course in differential and integral calculus covers the ground of the usual college textbook, including briefly the subject of ordinary differential equations.

TEXTBOOKS

Elements of Geometry. Phillips and Fisher.
Advanced Course in Algebra. Wells.
Quadratics and Beyond. Fisher and Schwatt.
Elements of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry. Crockett.
Logarithmic Tables. Newcomb.
Conic Sections, CoÖrdinate Geometry. C. Smith.
CoÖrdinate Geometry. Fine and Thompson.
Elements of Analytical Geometry (Solid). Smith and Gale.
Descriptive Geometry. Church.
Linear Perspective. Pillsbury.
Differential and Integral Calculus. Granville.
Integral Calculus. D. A. Murray.
Differential Equations. D. A. Murray.
Method of Least Squares. Johnson.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY

SECOND CLASS

This department embraces two branches of physics not included in its title, namely heat and electricity.

The course begins September 1st of the third academic year and extends throughout this year; exercises, recitations, laboratory work or lectures take place on all week days.

Commencing September 1st, general chemistry, alternating with lessons in heat, occupy the time until the close of the term in December, recitations or other exercises being had daily.

During this term all members of the class whose progress, as shown by their recitations, warrants it, are given laboratory practice in chemistry. This practice begins with chemical manipulations and proceeds in the usual general order of elementary laboratory work. The laboratory exercises are one hour and fifty minutes long. It is generally possible to give all parts of the class some laboratory experience; the amount of this work, however, varies with the aptitude of the student from a few hours to forty-five or fifty hours.

This term closes with an examination upon the essential parts of the entire course, which all cadets who have not shown a required proficiency in daily work must take.

In chemistry the course is a descriptive general one, based upon a concise statement of the more essential principles of chemistry, and includes that class of information deemed most important to non-specialists, together with an accurate and logical treatment of many useful applications of chemistry.

The course in heat is short, but it is a comprehensive elementary course intended to embrace what is most applicable to subsequent work at the academy and what is most useful in general education.

Beginning January 2d the daily exercises alternate between geology, mineralogy, and electricity. This term also closes with an examination, covering the essential parts of the subjects studied during the term, which all cadets who have not shown a required proficiency in daily work must take.

The course in geology is a brief but scientific presentation of the essential elements of this branch of science.

The mineralogy is an eminently practical course consisting of the descriptive study and the practical determination of the important minerals. The lithological and palÆontological part of geology is accompanied in study by the continued practical examination of the objects described.

The course in electricity is a brief exposition of the leading electrical phenomena and their relations to each other. It includes a study of the general principles of the subject and of the typical machines, generators, motors and transformers, together with the more important uses of electricity. The laboratory exercises give experience with a number of the machines and in the use of a great variety of apparatus employed in the numerous forms of electric measurements. In this term the laboratory work is a part of the electrical course and all cadets enter the laboratory. All laboratory work is performed under the immediate supervision of an instructor.

TEXTBOOKS

Elementary Lessons in Heat. Tillman.
Descriptive General Chemistry. Tillman.
Practical Chemistry. (Laboratory Guide.) Clowes.
Elements of Geology. Le Conte.
Important Minerals and Rocks. Tillman.
Elements of Electricity. Robinson.

During all terms standard works on the respective subjects are available for reference both to cadets and instructors.

DEPARTMENT OF DRAWING

THIRD AND SECOND CLASSES

The course in drawing extends through the third- and second-class years, attendance on alternate afternoons for a period of two hours during the full academic year.

The order of instruction is as follows:

Third Class Year		Second Class Year
1.	Use of drawing instruments.	1.	Elementary problems in third angle projection.
2.	Problems in plane geometry.	2.	Machine drawing, third angle projection.
3.	Problems in descriptive geometry.	3.	Assembly and working drawings from models.
4.	Lettering. Exercises in this subject continue throughout the course.	4.	Topographical sketching and drawing.
5.	Building construction drawing.
6.	Isometric and oblique projection.

Instruction is mainly through a loose-leaf system of printed instruction sheets covering the various drawings and phases of the work. These are supplemented by short section-room lectures and blackboard illustrations when necessary. Personal instruction is given when needed.

DEPARTMENT OF MODERN LANGUAGES

THIRD, SECOND, AND FIRST CLASSES

The course in modern languages comprises instruction in French and in Spanish.

FRENCH

THIRD CLASS

Instruction is given in reading, in composition, and in conversation. The course opens September 1st, and continues until June 4th, some 219 lessons in all.

SPANISH

SECOND AND FIRST CLASSES

Instruction is given in reading, in composition, and in conversation, to which special attention is paid.

The course opens October 4th, of the second-class year and closes June 4th of the first-class year, 176 lessons all told.

The present textbooks are:

THIRD CLASS

French:—	Martin’s French Verbs.
	Grammar. Essentials of French, FranÇois.
	Elements of French Pronunciation, Jacobs. Bercy’s La Langue FranÇaise.
	Introductory French Prose Composition, FranÇois. MÉrimÉe’s Colomba.
	About’s Roi des Montagnes.
	Marchand’s French Idioms. L’Illustration. Lecture pour Tous.
	Labiche and Martin’s Voyage de M. Perrichon.
	Daudet’s Lettres de Mon Moulin.
	Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac.
	Pattou’s Causeries en France.
	French Conversation Exercises. Military Reading.
	Dupont’s En Campagne.
SECOND AND FIRST CLASS
Spanish:—	Spanish Grammar, Olmsted and Gordon. A Spanish Reader, Bramby.
	Crawford’s Spanish Composition.
	A Trip to South America—Waxman.
	Por Esos Mundos, monthly, published in Madrid.
	“A B C,” Spanish Daily Newspaper.
	Spanish Conversation and Idioms, Department of Modern Languages, U. S. M. A.
	Scientific and Technical Spanish Reader, Willcox.
	Lecturas Modernas—Charles Alfred Downer.
BOOKS OF REFERENCE
French:—	Cassell’s French Dictionary.
	Military Technical Dictionary. Willcox.
Spanish:—	New Spanish-English and English-Spanish Dictionary, by CuyÁs. Appleton.

DEPARTMENT OF LAW

FIRST CLASS

The course in law, which is carried throughout the entire first-class year, embraces the following subjects:

1. Elementary Law.
2. Constitutional Law.
3. International Law.
4. Military Law.
5. The Law of War.

The quiz method of instruction is employed in the section room. The authorized textbooks are supplemented from time to time by means of lectures, and important principles are emphasized by requiring an examination and analysis of a considerable number of leading cases. Some time is also devoted to library work, with a view to familiarizing students with the use of a law library in the solution of practical questions. The purpose in view in the course is to give the student an elementary knowledge of the fundamental principles of law, with special emphasis upon those subjects a knowledge of which is essential to the proper understanding of his obligations and duties as a citizen and as an officer of the Army.

TEXTBOOKS

Elements of Law. Davis, G. B.
International Law. Davis, G. B.
Constitutional Law. Davis, E. G.
Military Law. Dudley.

BOOKS OF REFERENCE

The department has a law library of about 2,500 volumes, accessible to cadets.

DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL MILITARY ENGINEERING, MILITARY SIGNALING AND TELEGRAPHY

FOURTH, THIRD, AND FIRST CLASSES

Fourth Class.—This class is given an elementary course in the theory and practice of surveying, instruction in this subject alternating with mathematics during the last 66 recitation days of the academic year. From May 1st to June 4th the entire morning is devoted to practical instruction in the methods of surveying and in the use and adjustment of instruments. During this period cadets apply in the field the principles and methods taught them in their theoretical study of the subject. The course includes instruction in the use of chains and tapes, in profile and differential leveling and in earthwork computations, in the use of compass, plane table, transit and stadia with special reference to the employment of these instruments in military topographic surveying. The slide rule used to facilitate the work of computation, and the principles upon which it is based are discussed during the theoretical course.

Third Class.—During the period of the summer encampment the cadets of this class receive practical instruction in military field engineering and military signaling. The course in field engineering comprises knots and lashings, rowing, construction of floating bridges with wooden pontoons, canvas pontoons and rafts, and instruction in military camp expedients. The course in signaling is limited to visual means only, including the flag, the heliograph, and the acetylene lantern. The International Morse Code is applied in the transmission of short messages both plain and cypher.

Simple exercises in topographic and hydrographic surveying are also given.

First Class.—During the summer months cadets of the first class are instructed in military reconnaissance and map making. This work follows close upon the fundamental instruction in the same subject given in the Department of Drawing, extends the instruction in sketching to include road and position sketching, mounted and on foot, individual and combined. Demonstrations and limited instruction are given in the various processes of map reproduction.

In the fall instruction is given in all classes of improvised bridges and stream crossing, the use of cordage and tackle, erection of derricks, flagpoles, etc., and the use of explosives in military demolitions.

The spring course is on field fortification work including the principles of locating, tracing, and profiling field works, the construction of trenches, revetments, obstacles, head cover, splinter and bomb proofs. This instruction is arranged in a progressive series of exercises, resulting finally in the construction of a section of a simple infantry redoubt.

Military signaling is taught this class in both the fall and spring periods; the work covers the construction and operation of field-wire and buzzer lines and the radio-communication equipment.

TEXTBOOKS

Theory and Practice of Surveying (17th Edition).—Johnson—Smith.

BOOKS OF REFERENCE

Plane Surveying. Tracy.

The Engineer Field Manual. Office of the Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.

Signal Book, U. S. Army. Office of Chief Signal Officer, U. S. A.

The Slide Rule. Alexander. The Slide Rule. Clark.

DEPARTMENT OF ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY

FIRST CLASS

The subject of ordnance and gunnery is studied by the cadets of the first class throughout the academic year.

The course of instruction covers the principles involved in the construction and use of war material. It is broadly divided into three parts: the theoretical, the descriptive, and the practical. The theoretical part includes the study of the action of explosives, the study of interior and exterior ballistics, the theories of gun and carriage construction, and the principles of gunnery. The theoretical part of the course is not the same for all cadets, those showing the necessary proficiency taking a special course in the time devoted by the remainder of the class to review work.

The descriptive part of the course covers the processes of manufacture of powders, guns, projectiles, and armor; and describes the small arms, cannon, machine and rapid-fire guns in use in the United States service, with the carriages, ammunition and accessory appliances required for their service. The department is well supplied with models, which are used in conjunction with the text.

The practical part of the course covers the operation of machines and appliances used in the fabrication of modern ordnance, the latter work being in effect a short but valuable course in manual training.

In connection with the course, visits are made to Watervliet Arsenal, where the process of gun construction is observed, and to the Ordnance Proving Ground at Sandy Hook, where actual firings from the several classes of guns are observed, including usually one or more shots against armor, and where the latest developments in war material are seen.

TEXTBOOKS

Ordnance and Gunnery. Lissak.

Exterior Ballistics. O’Hern.

Stresses in Wire-Wrapped Guns and in Gun Carriages. Ruggles.

BOOKS OF REFERENCE

Ballistic Tables. Ingalls.
Mathematical Tables. Newcomb.
Publications of Ordnance Department. U. S. Army.

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY HYGIENE

THIRD CLASS

The course in military hygiene begins with the second academic year and consists of 13 recitations and 6 demonstrations.

The textbook used is Keefer’s Military Hygiene; the instruction covers the essentials in the care of troops from the point of view of the line officer, particular attention being given to personal hygiene, transmissible diseases, post and camp sanitation, clothing, and the effects of alcohol and other narcotics.

Practical demonstration in the field is given of the methods of construction and operation of the various camp sanitary appliances such as latrines, water sterilizers, incinerators, etc.

Instruction in first-aid is given to cadets in small groups by practical demonstrations in the treatment of wounds, hemorrhage, fractures, drowning, poisoning, and other emergencies.

During the summer practice march, practical instruction is given in camp sanitation.

TEXTBOOKS

A Textbook of Military Hygiene and Sanitation. Keefer.

REFERENCE BOOKS

Military Hygiene. Havard.

Elements of Military Hygiene. Ashburn.

Practical Hygiene. Harrington.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND HISTORY

FOURTH CLASS

The course in English and History begins with the fourth class in September and continues throughout the academic year, the whole class attending daily except Saturday. The class is divided into two parts, which alternate in reciting English and History.

In English, the course of instruction is planned to inculcate the essential principles of rhetoric, both by study of the textbook and by frequent practice in the various forms of composition (including practice in personal and official correspondence), to create an intelligent appreciation of the best in English Literature by the study of selected literary masterpieces, and to impart a knowledge of the important facts in the history of English literature and language by the study of a textbook and by lectures.

In History, the course of instruction is planned to acquaint the student with the political, social, and economic history of Europe from the beginning of the French Revolution to the present day, to make him familiar with the fundamental principles of civil government, with special reference to the United States, and to give him knowledge of various typical forms of modern national and municipal governments.

TEXTBOOKS—ENGLISH

English Composition in Theory and Practice (new and revised edition). Henry S. Canby and others.

Leading English Poets, Ed. by Holt.

Shakespeare’s Works.

History of English Literature, by W. J. Long.

The Major Dramas of Sheridan.

Selections from Addison.

Selections from the Prose of Macaulay.

Selections from Stevenson.

TEXTBOOKS—HISTORY

The Development of Modern Europe, Vol. I. By J. H. Robinson and C. A. Beard.

Europe since 1815. C. D. Hazen.

Introduction to the Study of Government. Holt.

Cadets and officers have free access to the library, which comprises over 95,000 books, maps, and manuscripts. The collection contains substantially all standard books on the subjects taught in the Academy and is especially complete in military subjects. Its card catalogues (about 338,000 cards) are arranged with the special object of saving the time of cadets. The library is open on week-days from 8 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.; Saturdays from 8 A.M. to 9:30 P.M.; on Sundays and Holidays from 2 to 6 P.M.

(A. O., M. A., July, ’16.)

SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

NO.	Name.	Army Rank when Appointed.	Term of Service		Remarks.
			FROM	TO
1	Jonathan Williams	Major, Corps of Engineers	April 15, 1802	June 20, 1803	Resigned.
2	Jonathan Williams	Lieut. Colonel, Corps of Engineers	8April 19, 1805	July 31, 1812	Resigned.
3	Joseph G. Swift	Colonel, Corps of Engineers	July 31, 1812	Mar. 24, 1814	Relieved.
4	Alden Partridge	Captain, Corps of Engineers	Jan’y 3, 1815	July 28, 1817	Relieved.
5	Sylvanus Thayer	Captain, Corps of Engineers	July 28, 1817	July 1, 1833	Relieved.
6	RenÉ W. DeRussy	Major, Corps of Engineers	July 1, 1833	Sept. 1, 1838	Relieved.
7	Richard Delafield	Major, Corps of Engineers	Sept. 1, 1838	Aug. 15, 1845	Relieved.
8	Henry Brewerton	Captain, Corps of Engineers	Aug. 15, 1845	Sept. 1, 1852	Relieved.
9	Robert E. Lee	Captain, Corps of Engineers	Sept. 1, 1852	Mar. 31, 1855	Relieved.
10	John G. Barnard	Captain, Corps of Engineers	Mar. 31, 1855	Sept. 8, 1856	Relieved.
11	Richard Delafield	Major, Corps of Engineers	Sept. 8, 1856	9Jan’y 23, 1861	Relieved.
12	Peter G. T. Beauregard	Captain, Corps of Engineers	9Jan’y 23, 1861	Jan’y 28, 1861	Relieved.
13	Richard Delafield	Major, Corps of Engineers	Jan’y 28, 1861	Mar. 1, 1861	Relieved.
14	Alexander H. Bowman	Major, Corps of Engineers	Mar. 1, 1861	July 8, 1864	Relieved.
15	Zealous B. Tower	Major, Corps of Engineers	July 8, 1864	Sept. 8, 1864	Relieved.
16	George W. Cullum	Lieut. Colonel, Corps of Engineers	Sept, 8, 1864	Aug. 28, 1866	Relieved.
17	Thomas G. Pitcher	Colonel 44th Infantry	Aug. 28, 1866	Sept. 1, 1871	Relieved.
18	Thomas H. Ruger	Colonel 18th Infantry	Sept. 1, 1871	Sept. 1, 1876	Relieved.
19	John M. Schofield	Major General, U. S. Army	Sept. 1, 1876	Jan’y 21, 1881	Relieved.
20	Oliver O. Howard	Brigadier General, U. S. Army	Jan’y 21, 1881	Sept. 1, 1882	Relieved.
21	Wesley Merritt	Colonel 5th Cavalry	Sept. 1, 1882	July 1, 1887	Relieved.
22	John G. Parke	Colonel, Corps of Engineers	Aug. 28, 1887	June 24, 1889	Relieved.
23	John M. Wilson	Lieut. Colonel, Corps of Engineers	Aug. 26, 1889	Mar. 31, 1893	Relieved.
24	Oswald Ernest	Major, Corps of Engineers	Mar. 31, 1893	Aug. 21, 1898	Relieved.
25	Albert L. Mills	1st Lieutenant, 1st Cavalry	Aug. 22, 1898	Aug. 31, 1906	Relieved.
26	Hugh L. Scott	Major, 14th Cavalry	Aug. 31, 1906	Aug. 31, 1910	Relieved.
27	Thomas H. Barry	Major General, U. S. Army	Aug. 31, 1910	Aug. 31, 1912	Relieved.
28	Clarence P. Townsley	Colonel, Coast Artillery Corps	Aug. 31, 1912	June 30, 1916	Relieved.
29	John Biddle	Colonel, Corps of Engineers	July 1, 1916

Note.—The selection of the Superintendents of the Military Academy was confined to the Corps of Engineers from the establishment of the Institution, March 16, 1802, till the passage of the law of July 13, 1866, which opened it to the entire Army. By the Act of June 12, 1858, the local rank of Colonel was conferred upon the Superintendent.

A DICTIONARY OF CADET SLANG

• A. B., n. Area Bird, term used to designate one who regularly walks the area.
• B. A., n. Busted aristocrat. Title given to a cadet officer who has been deprived of his chevrons.
• B-ache, n. An official explanation of a report.
• B-ache, v. To submit an explanation, to talk.
• Beast, n. Name given to new cadets during their first few weeks at M. A.
• Beast Barracks, n. Designation for the period of time a man is a beast: the first three weeks when he is quartered in barracks.
• Bird, n. See A. B.
• B. J., a. Literally means “bold before June”; as applied to a fourth classman who is impertinent and fresh.
• Black Book, n. Regulations, U. S. M. A.
• BlasÉ, a. Indifferent. Syn. B. J.
• Bone, v. To study.
• —— check book. To be economical.
• —— dis. To try to avoid getting demerits.
• —— efficiency. To be military for no apparent reason.
• —— files. To strive for class standing.
• —— make. To strive for chevrons.
• —— muck. To endeavor to increase in brawn.
• —— tenths. To study hard for a better mark.
• Boodle, n. General term used to designate all eatables, contraband.
• Boodler’s, n. The confectioner’s.
• Bootlick, v. To curry favor obsequiously, to praise.
• Bootlick, n. A “stand in.”
• Bootlick Alley, n. A street passing in front of the officers’ tents in camp (off limits to plebes).
• Brace, n. Term applied to muscular efforts of fourth classmen to look military.
• Brace, v. To assume an excessive military position. Obsolete.
• B. S., n. Loquaciousness; superfluity of talk.
• B. S., v. To be loquacious.
• Buck, n. Cadet in ranks; one who has no chevrons.
• Bugle, v. To stand at the board all the period to escape reciting. (Not applicable to first-class year).
• Bump, v. To deprive cadet officer of chevrons.
• Butt, n. The remainder of anything, as the butt of a skag; of a month.
• Cit., n. A Civilian.
• Cits., n. Civilian clothing.
• Clean Sleeve, n. A cadet who has never worn chevrons.
• Com., n. Commandant of Cadets.
• Con., n. Confinement.
• Corp., n. Corporal.
• Crawl, v. To correct or rebuke someone (especially fourth classmen) in a severe manner.
• Crawling, n. A rebuke.
• Deadbeat, n. An easy job; one who deadbeats.
• Deadbeat, v. To avoid some distasteful duty.
• Dis., n. Discipline.
• Dissy, a. Lacking in demerits.
• Div., n. A division of barracks.
• Doughboys, n. The infantry.
• Drag, v. To escort a lady; to pull a man out of bed; to pull off a pair of white trousers.
• Drag, n. A puff of skag.
• Femme, n. A member of the fair sex.
• Fess, v. To fail.
• Fess, n. A failure.
• File, n. A member of the male sex; one of the successive grades in military rank.
• Find, v. To find deficient and discharge.
• Flirtation, n. Flirtation Walk.
• Formation, n. Any military function or military gathering.
• Fried Egg, n. The crest of the U. S. M. A. used on the cap and full dress hat.
• Gig, v. To report for a delinquency.
• Gig List, n. The delinquency list.
• Goat, n. A low ranking man in any subject.
• Grind, n. A joke.
• West Point Grind, n. A practical joke of the kind in which the victim sees no humor.
• Gross, a. Lacking in intelligence.
• Growley, n. Tomato catsup.
• Growley, v. To blush.
• Gum, v. To make a mistake.
• Gumstick, n. One who is in the habit of gumming it.
• Hell Cats, n. The U. S. M. A. detachment of field music.
• Hell Dodgers, n. Active members of the Y. M. C. A.
• Hive, v. To understand; to discover.
• Hivey, a. Smart, brainy, able to understand things.
• Ignorance and Gummery, n. Ordnance and Gunnery.
• Juliet, n. A cadet who enters in July.
• Laundry Spike, n. An especially long pin used by the laundry; a girl who works in the laundry.
• Limits, n. The boundary beyond which a cadet may not go.
• L. P., n. A person who is undesirable.
• L. P., v. To give an undesirable task to anyone.
• Make, n. A cadet officer.
• Max, n. A perfect mark.
• Max, v. To finish a job in a perfect manner.
• Missouri National, n. A tune supposed to bring rain.
• Muck, n. Muscle.
• O. C., n. The Officer in Charge.
• O. D., n. The Officer of the Day.
• O. G., n. The Officer of the Guard.
• —oid. A suffix added to a noun or a verb to denote the agent by which the action in the noun or verb is accomplished, i. e. Ridoid—one who rides; Hopoid—one who attends hops.
• P., n. A Professor.
• P. C. S., n. Previous condition of servitude. Occupation before entering.
• P. D., n. Pennsylvania Dutchman.
• Pipe, v. To look forward to anything; to build castles in the air.
• Plebe, n. A fourth classman.
• Plebeskin, n. A flannel blouse issued to new cadets. Very badly fitting.
• Plebeskin, n. A report for hazing.
• P. M. E., n. Practical Military Engineering.
• Podunk, n. A cadet’s home town. A name applied to any small town to denote its insignificance; a local newspaper.
• Police, v. To discard; to relegate to the scrap pile; to throw from a horse’s back; to clean up, as to police a room.
• Poop, v. To memorize verbatim.
• Poop, n. One who memorizes by heart.
• Poop Deck, n. The balcony of the south cadet guard house, used by the officer in charge.
• Pred., n. Predecessor; a cadet’s forerunner in office.
• P. S., v. To spoon on the post.
• Quill, n. A person addicted to reporting cadets on every opportunity; subject matter for a report.
• Recognize, v. To admit a fourth classman to the upperclass status.
• Reverse, n. A position of disfavor, as to get a reverse on the tac.
• Run-it-on, v. To take advantage of.
• Scavenge, v. To acquire something that someone else no longer wants or has thrown away.
• Skag, n. A cigarette.
• Skin, n. A report for delinquency.
• Skin, v. To report a delinquent.
• Skin list, n. The delinquency list.
• Slug, n. A disagreeable duty; an award of special punishment for some major offense.
• SoirÉe, n. An unpleasant task or duty.
• SoirÉe, v. To cause inconvenience or annoyance.
• Speck, v. To commit to memory.
• Speck, n. One who commits to memory.
• Slum, n. Mess Hall stew (unknown ingredients).
• Soundoff, n. A voice capable of being heard at long range.
• Sound off, v. To bellow; to use the voice to the limit of its capacity.
• Spoon, v. To court, amuse, entertain, or converse with a femme.
• Spoony Up, v. To make neat or attractive.
• Step Out, v. To hurry.
• Sub-div., n. A subdivision of barracks: a cadet officer in charge of a subdivision.
• Supe, n. The Superintendent.
• Tac, n. A Tactical Officer.
• T. D., n. The Department of Tactics.
• Tarbucket, n. The full dress hat.
• Tenth, n. The smallest division of the West Point system of marking.
• Tie Up, v. To get a thing gloriously mixed up.
• Turnback, n. A cadet who has been turned back to join the next succeeding class.
• Walri, n. One who cannot swim.
• Writ, n. A written review recitation.
• Yearling, n. A third classman.