"CAPTAIN HALL--'It is useful to engineers, for instance.
But that is not the question. In most educational
institutions of the grade of West Point, the standing
of a student in his studies is decided by a general
average of all studies in which he is examined. Here
each branch is considered separately, and if the cadet
fails in any one he cannot pass. I will assure you once
more that in my opinion Cadet Smith received as fair an
examination as was ever given to any student. If anything,
he was a little more favored.'
"REPORTER--'What was his conduct in the last year of his
stay at the Academy?'
"CAPTAIN HALL--'Good. He ranked twenty in a class of
forty in discipline. Discipline is decided by the number
of marks a cadet receives in the term. If he goes beyond
a certain number he is expelled.'
"REPORTER--'This record seems hardly consistent with
his previous turbulent career.'
"CAPTAIN HALL--'Oh! in the last years of his service
he learned to control his temper, but he never seemed
happy unless in some trouble.'
"REPORTER--'Have you any more colored cadets?'
"CAPTAIN HALL--'Only one--Henry O. Flipper, of Georgia.
He is a well-built lad, a mulatto, and is bright,
intelligent, and studious.'
"REPORTER--'Do the cadets dislike him as much as they
did Smith?'
"CAPTAIN HALL--'No, Sir, I am told that he is more
popular. I have heard of no doubt he will get through
all right.
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