It will be observed that they all of them are
of a military nature and of the greatest importance.
The instruction is thorough accordingly.
I have sufficiently described, I think, a cadet's
first-class camp. I shall, therefore, close the
chapter here.
CHAPTER IX.
OUR FUTURE HEROES.
THE WEST POINT CADETS' VACATION.
Ten Days of Centennial Sport for Prospective Warriors
--The Miseries of three hundred Young Gentlemen who
are limited to Ten Pairs of White Trousers each.
"ALMOST at the foot of George's Hill, and not far
to the westward of Machinery Hall, is the camp of
the West Point cadets. From morning till night the
domestic economy of the three hundred young gentlemen
who compose the corps is closely watched, and their
guard mountings and dress parades attract throngs of
spectators. It would be hard to find anywhere a body
of young men so manly in appearance, so perfect in
discipline, and so soldier-like and intelligent. The
system of competitive examination for admission, so
largely adopted within the past few years in many of
our large cities, has resulted in recruiting the corps
with lads of bright intellect and more than ordinary
attainments, while the strict physical examination has
rigorously excluded all but those of good form and
perfect health. The competitive system has also given
to the Academy students who want to learn, instead of
lads who are content to scramble through the prescribed
course as best they can, escaping the disgrace of being
"found" (a cadet term equivalent to the old college word
"plucked") by nearly a hair's-breadth.
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