The Cheyenne Daily Leader

Ramsey to the West Pointers.

West Point, June 11.—A portion of the address of the secretary of war to the graduates to-day was considered significant in view of the Whittaker case. It was as follows: "It is pre-eminently the duty of the graduates of this academy, who are the beneficiaries of all our people to symbolize their faith in the vital source of our nation's strength—the equality of manhood, by recognizing the right of all persons, of whatsoever condition, to strive for the attainment of such positions as their abilities and deserts may warrant. It is an ignoble thing to be governed by imaginary superiority over any of our less fortunate fellow-citizens born under adventitious circumstances, and thrice ignoble to make active exhibition of so unworthy a sentiment by oppressing those whom they may deem beneath them. True manhood dictates the extending of the helping hand to lift up the lowly, and words of encouragement to those who are struggling to elevate themselves. I ask you, my young friends, to give some thought to these suggestions, and to cultivate not only a love of country but as well a love for the sentiment of which our country was born." The address was loudly applauded. As the diplomas were awarded, Cadets Wilcox, Tate and Burnet were vociferously cheered as they advanced to take theirs. This was significant, because upon these cadets Whittaker had cast suspicion. Gen. Sherman's address was of a humorous character and created much merriment.