1. the success of military affairs in time of war depends, in great measure, on a thorough knowledge of the science of war, and especially of engineering, so often requiring to be applied with haste and accuracy to the construction or destruction of military defenses. it requires a complete knowledge of certain branches of mathematics, and an understanding of their application to warlike purposes. various other special[296] studies are required to prepare men for prompt and able action in military operations. for the purpose of keeping a corps of officers, well fitted to meet these requirements, ready for possible occasions

a military academy

was established. it is located on the west bank of the hudson river, at west point, in the state of new york, and about 50 miles from the city of new york, and is one of the government institutions. it had its origin in an act of congress passed as early as 1802. under this act this far-famed military school was commenced, but on a scale, in every respect, very much inferior to what it has since become.

2. its name explains its character and objects. it was established and has been continued at a great expense, for the purpose of teaching and training up young men in the science and art of war, that in any emergency the country might have a sufficient number of men, educated and skilled in all such arts and sciences as appertain to war. hence, mathematics, engineering, gunnery, drawing, natural and experimental philosophy and military tactics, are among the principal branches taught. in all of these, able professors give instruction to the cadets, as the pupils are called. chemistry, geology, and the french language are also taught at this institution. the instruction is thorough, the discipline excellent, and some of the graduates of this celebrated school rank high among the scientific men of the country.

3. congress controls and regulates this establishment, as it does all other departments, institutions, and works belonging to the government. it enacts all laws relating to its officers, professors, and cadets, and to the management of the institution.

4. by a law passed in 1843, the number of cadets to be admitted was made to correspond with the number of senators and representatives from each state. every state and territory is entitled to send as many cadets as it has senators[297] and representatives in congress. this gives each territory, however, but one; as a territory has no senators, and but one representative. by the same law the district of columbia is allowed one. to give every part of the country an equal chance, it was enacted that each congressional district in each state and territory should be allowed to send one cadet, to be educated at west point. these are generally nominated for appointment by the congressmen from their respective districts, and the president appoints. the cadet must be an actual resident of the district for which he is appointed.

5. in addition to these, it is provided by the same act, that ten more cadets may be appointed at large; i. e., without regard to congressional districts. in order to be admitted as a cadet, the candidate must be well versed in reading, writing, and arithmetic; must not be under 14 nor over 21 years of age; and must sign articles, agreeing to serve the united states eight years. after he has finished his studies and has graduated, he is considered as a candidate for a commission in the army, according to the duties he may be competent to perform.

6. the military academy may be considered a branch of the war department. men who have been educated there have rendered the country signal service in times of war, have made able commanders, and have proved themselves thoroughly skilled in military science. not only in the military service has it been a benefit to the country, but in the civil walks of life. many of its graduates have distinguished themselves as engineers, astronomers, and in other scientific professions and useful employments.

7. there is an annual examination of the cadets, and of the general affairs of the institution, by a committee appointed by the president, for that purpose.

it is composed of congressmen and military officers. it is the duty of these examiners to attend the examination, inspect its discipline, and course of instruction, look after its fiscal affairs, and all other matters relating to the academy, and report the same to the secretary of war, for the use of congress.