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Editorial
July 24, 1834
Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
Editorial from July 24, 1834, praises Board of Visitors' report on West Point cadets' proficiency but criticizes favoritism in appointments and exclusive promotions. Notes increasing opposition to the academy and calls for reforms to address abuses without abolition.
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ALEXANDRIA:
THURSDAY MORNING, JULY 24, 1834.
WEST POINT ACADEMY.
The Board of Visitors lately appointed to examine the Military Academy at West Point has reported generally in favor of the proficiency of the Cadets, and the state of discipline there kept up. Some of the Board have, however, made a sub report, expressing their views as to abuses which exist in relation to the appointment of Cadets, and their exclusive title to promotion in the Army.
We are pleased to see this. With regard to both these subjects, we have heretofore taken occasion to express our views. There is no doubt but that great favoritism does exist in the appointment of Cadets, and it is also certain that injustice is done in closing the avenues of promotion, in the military service, to all but the pupils of the Academy.
The feeling that prevails hostile to the West Point Academy, is, we perceive, increasing. Many look upon it as an institution not exactly in accordance with the proper policy of our government. There are many things correct in the reasoning of those who propose to abolish it, and the course which has been pursued has not contributed to make it either more valuable or more popular. In this, as in all the other branches of the government, abuses are liable to creep in and contaminate the whole. These can, we trust, be weeded out, without destroying what may be brought under the searching operation.
THURSDAY MORNING, JULY 24, 1834.
WEST POINT ACADEMY.
The Board of Visitors lately appointed to examine the Military Academy at West Point has reported generally in favor of the proficiency of the Cadets, and the state of discipline there kept up. Some of the Board have, however, made a sub report, expressing their views as to abuses which exist in relation to the appointment of Cadets, and their exclusive title to promotion in the Army.
We are pleased to see this. With regard to both these subjects, we have heretofore taken occasion to express our views. There is no doubt but that great favoritism does exist in the appointment of Cadets, and it is also certain that injustice is done in closing the avenues of promotion, in the military service, to all but the pupils of the Academy.
The feeling that prevails hostile to the West Point Academy, is, we perceive, increasing. Many look upon it as an institution not exactly in accordance with the proper policy of our government. There are many things correct in the reasoning of those who propose to abolish it, and the course which has been pursued has not contributed to make it either more valuable or more popular. In this, as in all the other branches of the government, abuses are liable to creep in and contaminate the whole. These can, we trust, be weeded out, without destroying what may be brought under the searching operation.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
Education
What keywords are associated?
West Point Academy
Cadet Appointments
Military Promotions
Favoritism
Academy Abuses
Reform
Government Policy
What entities or persons were involved?
Board Of Visitors
Cadets
West Point Academy
Military Academy
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Abuses In West Point Academy Appointments And Promotions
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Favoritism And Exclusivity, Supportive Of Reform Without Abolition
Key Figures
Board Of Visitors
Cadets
West Point Academy
Military Academy
Key Arguments
Board Reports Favorably On Cadets' Proficiency And Discipline
Sub Report Highlights Abuses In Cadet Appointments And Exclusive Promotion Rights
Favoritism Exists In Cadet Appointments
Injustice In Limiting Army Promotions To Academy Graduates
Growing Hostility Toward The Academy As Contrary To Government Policy
Some Arguments For Abolition Have Merit
Abuses Can Be Removed Without Destroying The Institution