West Point

West Point, site of the United States Military Academy, and of a ruined fortress dating from the war of independence, on the right bank of the Hudson River, 48 miles by rail N. of New York. The Military Academy is on a plateau 188 feet above the river, surrounded by the bold scenery of one of the finest river-passes in the world. The forts and a river chain were taken by the British in 1777, but abandoned after Burgoyne's surrender, and stronger forts were built, which General Arnold bargained to betray—a plot foiled by the arrest of Major André. The academy was established in 1802. Education there is gratuitous, the government allowing the cadets $540 per annum. One cadet may be appointed by the representative of each congressional district, two by the senators of each state, and thirty by the president. The cadets are organised for military purposes into a battalion of four companies, officered from among themselves. The discipline is exceedingly strict, no less than three hundred offences being scheduled, with their corresponding punishments. Only one furlough of two and a half months is allowed during the four years' course. In summer all but the new sophomore class are encamped for training. The standard of education is very high. The entrance examination, though confined to the common English branches, is so severe that many candidates each year are rejected; and of those that enter less than half ever graduate. Besides seven professors, the staff includes thirty assistants, officers selected from the army. It may be added that post-graduate schools have been established—for artillery at Fortress Monroe, for infantry and cavalry at Fort Leavenworth, and for the engineers (which the first five of each graduating class have the privilege of entering) at Willet's Point.