West Point

a military post on the west bank of the Hudson fifty miles above New York. It occupies a bold position commanding an extensive view of the river. It was fortified during the Revolutionary War, and was for a time Washington's headquarters. Benedict Arnold sought to betray the post to the British, but was foiled by the capture of Major Andre.

West Point is noted as the seat of the United States Military Academy. Agitation for the establishment of such an institution began in the Continental Congress as early as 1776. A West Point garrison of invalid veterans gave instruction to young officers as early as 1781. A governmental school for cadets was established in 1794. The school was reorganized much on its present basis in 1801. There were five instructors. The academy is situated on a military reservation of 2,330 acres. Instruction began in abandoned military barracks. An appropriation of $20,000 was made for buildings in 1815. Other appropriations followed. In 1903 Congress set aside $5,500,000 for buildings and improvements.

By recent acts of Congress, all cadets are appointed by the president. He is to appoint a cadet from each congressional district, one from each territory, two from each state at large, one from Porto Rico, one from the District of Columbia, and forty from the United States at large. A full corps is 526 cadets. As in the appointment of postmasters, the president leaves the actual choice largely to congressmen. The appointments at large are designed for the benefit of sons of soldiers who have no permanent residence.

Cadets must pass a strict entrance examination in the common branches and in high school mathematics and history. They must be between seventeen and twenty-two years of age, and be free from physical defects likely to impair efficiency of service. The course lasts four years. All students are required to pursue the same course. It includes mathematics, modern languages, sciences, history, and instruction in military affairs. Poor health, failure to carry studies, or failure to be prompt and failure to observe rules are sufficient cause for dismissal. Summer vacations are spent in marching and in camp. But one leave of absence is granted during the four years. Each cadet receives an annual government allowance of $50 per month, quite sufficient for expenses. At graduation he is entitled to an appointment as a second lieutenant in the regular army. The number of graduates from 1802 to 1909, inclusive, was 4,852.