The
ceremony took place in the open air under the shadow
of the maple trees, which form almost a grove in front
of the Academy building. Seats had been arranged here
for the spectators, so as to leave a hollow square,
on one side of which, behind a long table, sat the
various dignitaries who were to take part in the
proceedings. In front of them, seats were arranged
for the graduating class. The cadets formed line in
front of the barracks at 10.30, and, preceded by the
band playing a stirring air, marched to the front of
the Academy building. The first class came without
their arms; the other classes formed a sort of escort
of honor to them. The graduating class having taken
their seats, the other classes stacked arms and
remained standing in line around the square. The
proceedings were opened by an address from Professor
Thompson, of the School of Technology, Worcester Mass.,
who is the Chairman of the Board of Visitors."
And thus after four years of constant work amid many
difficulties did I obtain my reward.
"Lieutenant H. O. Flipper was the only cadet who
received the cheers of the assembled multitude at
West Point upon receiving his parchment. How the
fellows felt who couldn't associate with him we
do not know; but as the old Christian woman said,
they 'couldn't a been on the mountain top.'"
--Christian Recorder.
Victor Hugo says somewhere in his works that he who
drains a marsh must necessarily expect to hear the
frogs croak.
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