If some are as good
as their speech, then, if I may be permitted to judge,
they have most devoutly observed that blessed
commandment, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that
thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy
God giveth thee," in that they have profited by their
teaching both mentally and morally.
On the other hand, we hear from many the very worst
possible language. Some make pardonable errors, while
others make blunders for which there can be no excuse
save ignorance. Judging their character by their
speech, what a sad condition must be theirs; and more,
what a need for missionary work!
This state of affairs gives way in the second, and
often in the first year, to instruction and discipline.
West Point's greatest glory arises from her unparalleled
success in polishing these rough specimens and sending
them forth "officers and gentlemen." No college in the
country has such a "heterogeneous conglomeration"--to
quote Dr. Johnson--of classes. The highest and lowest
are represented. The glory of free America, her
recognition of equality of all men, is not so apparent
anywhere else as at West Point. And were prejudice
entirely obliterated, then would America in truth be
that Utopia of which so many have but dreamed. It is
rapidly giving way to better reason, and the day is not
far distant when West Point will stand forth as the
proud exponent of absolute social equality.
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