Rhode Island American And Providence Gazette

West Point Academy. The board of visitors to the West Point Academy, have made their report upon the state of that institution. The policy of establishing such a school, is highly spoken of, and the reports of former visitors declared to be fully met by the recent examination. The two junior classes are carefully instructed in the various branches of mathematics—and these branches have been conducted in the most creditable manner. In the Department of Natural Philosophy, a deficiency was noticed, in the fact, that for want of a proper philosophical apparatus, instruction is chiefly confined to the pure mathematics. There are no apartments for astronomical instruments in possession of the Academy, and the practice of this branch of study, is injuriously separated from its theory. The specimens of drawing reflected much credit upon the institution. While it was highly pleasing, it is recommended that the professorship of chemistry and mineralogy, be immediately supplied; and there appears to be great need of a laboratory sufficient to contain the proper apparatus, and a lecture room. In Civil and Military Engineering, the progress of the pupils was entirely satisfactory. In the studies connected immediately with warfare, the cadets evinced a high degree of advancement; and the practical evidence given of a complete knowledge of, Infantry tactics; the exercises and manœuvres of light infantry & riflemen ; the general discipline of battalions, &c. &c. were such as the military members of the board had never seen surpassed in the country, and had rarely seen equalled by soldiers in regular service. The course of instruction in Practical Artillery, was in the highest degree satisfactory. The general police of the institution, extending to the dress of the Cadets, the appearance of their arms, and even to personal cleanliness, is lauded; and while the adjutant and quarter master's books are perfectly correct, it is recommended that a clerk be allowed for that purpose. The paymaster's bill, the steward's bill of fare and the tailor's charges, were severally examined and found satisfactory. The duties of the Medical Department are also faithfully performed , It is recommended that a suitable building for military and auxiliary exercise, be erected—in order that instruction and suitable exercise may not be suspended during the inclemencies of winter. The examination of the senior class in National and Constitutional Law, did its members great credit. It is proposed that the plan of making the senior scholars instruct the junior class, be dispensed with, and that such instructors be taken from a class of graduates. In concluding, the board observes, after again complimenting the Academy, that the moral discipline appears to be perfect—the avenues to vice are closed, and the temptations to dissipation seem to have been successfully guarded against.
U. S. Gazette.