, and as I feel somewhat
interested in the statements therein contained, I
desire to say a few words in reference to them. The
article referred to reads as follows:
"'The recent attack of the colored, ex-Cadet Smith
upon the Board of Visitors at West Point has attracted
the attention of the officers of the War Department.
They say that the Secretary of War was extremely liberal
in his interpretation of the regulations on behalf of
Cadet Smith, and that he did for him what had never been
done for a white boy in like circumstances. The officers
also say that Smith was manifestly incompetent, that he
had a fair examination, and that the Congressional Board
of Visitors unanimously testified to his incompetency.'
"Now, sir, I am at a loss to know what are 'the recent
attacks of the colored ex-Cadet Smith upon the Board of
Visitors,' for I am not aware that I have said any thing,
either directly or indirectly, concerning the Board of
Visitors. My remarks thus far have been confined to the
Academic Board and Secretary of War.
"As the members of the Board of Visitors were simply
spectators, and as they were not present when I was
examined, I had no reason to make any 'attack' upon
them, and, therefore, as I said before, confined my
remarks (or 'attacks,' if that word is more acceptable
to the Chronicle) to those who acted so unjustly toward
me.
"As to the extreme liberality of the Secretary of War,
in his interpretation of the regulations on behalf of
Cadet Smith, and that he did for him what he had never
'done for a white boy in like circumstances,' I hardly
know what to say; for such absurd cant seems intended
to excite the laughter of all who know the circumstances
of the case.
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