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THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION IN 
 THE UNITED STATES ARMY 
 
THREE ROADS 
 
 TO A COMMISSION IN THE 
 
 UNITED STATES ARMY 
 
 BY 
 
 Lieut. W. P. BURNHAM 
 
 SIXTH U. S. INFANTRY 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 MANUAL OF OUTPOST DUTY, ADVANCE AND REAR GUARDS, 
 
 MILITARY TRAINING OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY, ETC. 
 
 ™ OF TBI 1 r 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 NEW YORK 
 D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 
 
 1899 
 
U3ti- 
 
 
 Copyright, 1803, 
 By D. APPLETON AND COMPANY. 
 
 Electrotyped and Printed 
 at the appleton press, u. s. a. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The idea of preparing this handbook suggested 
 itself to me shortly after assuming the duties of 
 Professor of Military Science and Tactics at St. 
 John's Military School, Manlius, New York. 
 
 I was surprised to find so much interest mani- 
 fested in the army, and yet more surprised to find 
 how little was known of its real workings. The 
 most remarkable impressions were entertained re- 
 garding the character, hardships, and privations of 
 the rank and file of the army. However, this was 
 not new, for experience had proved to me that, as 
 a rule, the average American believes the army is 
 the receptacle of drunkards and loafers, and that 
 the riffraff of the country is to be found in its 
 ranks. Little seemed to be known as to the man- 
 ner of entering the Military Academy, the nature 
 "of the preliminary examinations, and the course 
 
 85523 
 
vi PREFACE. 
 
 pursued after entrance. The fact that a commis- 
 sion could easily be obtained from the ranks of 
 the army was beyond comprehension, many not 
 knowing that such a thing was possible in time 
 of peace. 
 
 Believing that similar ignorance on this subject 
 was general throughout the country, I decided, 
 during my spare moments, to endeavor to lift the 
 veil that obscures and darkens the view of the best 
 fed, best clothed, best paid, and best standing army 
 in the world. 
 
 During the years 1891 and 1892 the character 
 and extent of the examinations for obtaining a com- 
 mission from the ranks of the army and from civil 
 life w r ere considerably changed. While the extent 
 and character of the preliminary examination for 
 entrance to the National Academy are the same as 
 heretofore, the place and manner of conducting it 
 were changed materially in 1892. 
 
 The rules governing the various examinations 
 are taken from the official records of the War De- 
 partment, which are based on acts of Congress ; and 
 these regulations are so stated that the reader will 
 easily distinguish what is regularly prescribed from 
 such original remarks and explanations as it has 
 been considered pertinent to make. 
 
PREFACE. vii 
 
 I am indebted to Lieut. J. M. Carson, Jr., Fifth 
 Cavalry, adjutant of the Military Academy, for the 
 very latest information regarding the requirements 
 for entrance and the course of study pursued at 
 that institution. I am grateful also to a number of 
 other officers who kindly assisted me in obtaining 
 the valuable lists of questions propounded at the 
 different examinations. 
 
 W. P. BUKNHAM, 
 
 First Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry. 
 St. John's Military School, 
 
 Manlius, N. Y., December 6, 1892. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Extract from Army Regulations 
 
 Commissions from the United States Military Academy 
 
 Method of appointment . 
 
 Manner of making applications 
 
 Hints to aspiring candidates . 
 
 Expenses prior to entrance 
 
 Character of entrance examinations 
 
 Points in regard to entrance examination 
 
 When and where examinations are held 
 
 The new cadet .... 
 
 Pay of cadets .... 
 
 Length of service in the army 
 
 Academic duties . . 
 
 Assignments after graduation . 
 
 Questions asked at entrance examination 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 15 
 15 
 27 
 29 
 31 
 34 
 36 
 37 
 44 
 47 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Commissions from the ranks of the army ... 58 
 
 The preliminary examination 61 
 
 The final examination 65 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Method of making application 
 Method of selection . 
 Character of examinations 
 Hints to competitors 
 Assignment to regiment . 
 Enlisting for a commission 
 Selection of arm of service 
 Pay and discharges . 
 Examination questions, final board 
 
 PAGK 
 
 70 
 71 
 
 72 
 73 
 75 
 
 76 
 81 
 
 82 
 83 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Commissions from civil life 109 
 
 Character of examinations . . . . .110 
 
 Manner of making application 115 
 
 Place and method of examination 116 
 
 Hints to candidates 117 
 
 Assignment to regiment 121 
 
 Examination questions 123 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Course of study at the Military Academy . . . 141 
 
 Form of appointment to the Military Academy . . 148 
 Articles of agreement and oath of cadet at the Military 
 
 Academy 150 
 
 Oath and form of enlistment papers of recruit in the 
 
 regular army 151 
 
 Form for physical examination of recruit in the regu- 
 lar army 154 
 
 List and location of recruiting offices of the regular 
 
 army 156 
 
 Oath of office for an officer of the regular army . . 158 
 Table of pay allowed by law to officers . . . .160 
 
THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION 
 
 IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 from the united states military academy. 
 
 Extract from Army Regulations. 
 
 The three roads to a commission in the line of 
 the United States Regular Army are briefly outlined 
 in paragraph 23, Army Regulations, 1889, which is 
 as follows : 
 
 "Vacancies in the grade of second lieutenant 
 are filled by appointment from the graduates of the 
 Military Academy, so long as any such remain in 
 service unassigned. Vacancies thereafter are filled 
 by appointment of meritorious soldiers favorably 
 recommended in accordance with act of Congress 
 , approved June 30, 1892. 
 
 "Vacancies existing after exhausting the two 
 classes named may be filled by appointment from 
 civil life. Appointments of civilians, except of 
 graduates of the Military Academy who have been 
 
2 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 honorably discharged, will not be made in time of 
 peace unless more vacancies exist than will be re- 
 quired in the assignment of the next graduating 
 class." 
 
 Appointments to the medical department and 
 other staff corps are not considered in this volume. 
 
 Commissions from the United States 
 Military Academy. 
 
 The National Academy is located at West Point, 
 N. Y., on the right bank of the Hudson Kiver, 
 about fifty miles from New York city. The acad- 
 emy is situated on a plain about one hundred and 
 seventy feet above the river, and is surrounded by the 
 bold and romantic scenery of one of the finest river 
 passes in the world. The academy can be reached 
 by rail or boat from New York city or Albany. 
 
 West Point was occupied as a military station 
 during the Revolutionary War, being captured by 
 the British in 1777, but abandoned after Burgoyne's 
 surrender, when more formidable forts were con- 
 structed. It was these the traitor General Arnold 
 attempted to betray, the plot having been foiled by 
 the arrest of Major Andre, the circumstances of 
 which are well known by the average American 
 schoolboy. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 3 
 
 The academy was established in 1802, being 
 designed originally for an engineer school, and 
 capable of instructing fifty cadets. 
 
 In 1843 the present method of appointment 
 was adopted, since which time its capacity has been 
 increased to meet the corresponding growth of the 
 republic, until now it is capable of instructing 
 about four hundred cadets, and from this source 
 come the majority of the commissioned officers of 
 the regular standing army of the United States. 
 
 The school is governed and instructed by a 
 superintendent and an academic board consisting 
 of seven professors assisted by about sixty instruc- 
 tors and assistant instructors. The professors re- 
 main permanently at the academy, being appointed 
 to their positions by the War Department. The 
 superintendent and the instructors belong to the 
 different branches of the army, being selected on 
 account of their special fitness for the duty; but 
 the period of their detail is limited usually to four 
 years, when they are relieved by other suitable 
 officers. The academy is inspected annually by an 
 inspector-general of the army, and also by a board 
 of visitors, which is composed of twelve members ; 
 seven of them are appointed by the President of 
 the United States ; the remainder of the board 
 
4 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 consists of three members of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives, appointed by the Speaker, and two Sena- 
 tors, designated by the President of the Senate. 
 The board makes a careful examination into the 
 workings of the institution and reports the result 
 of its investigations to the President, with such 
 recommendations as it may deem expedient. 
 
 The course of study is shown in a tabulated 
 form in the Appendix, from which can be gath- 
 ered an approximate idea of the amount of theo- 
 retical and practical instruction imparted during 
 the course of four years. 
 
 The cadets are arranged in four classes, corre- 
 sponding with the four years of study. The fourth 
 class is employed on the first year's course, and 
 hence corresponds to the " freshman " class at most 
 colleges ; the third class corresponds to the " sopho- 
 more" class, being engaged in the second year's 
 work; the second class, corresponding to the "jun- 
 ior" class, is at work on the third year's course; 
 and, finally, the first class, pursuing the last year's 
 duties, corresponds to the "senior" class at most 
 institutions. 
 
 Each class is divided into sections consisting of 
 from eight to twelve cadets, and from time to time 
 cadets are sent from a higher to a lower section, or 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 5 
 
 the reverse, depending upon their aptitude and pro- 
 ficiency. 
 
 A weekly statement is posted on the bulletin 
 board showing each cadet's relative progress in his 
 studies. In addition to this the superintendent 
 sends a monthly statement to the parent of each 
 cadet, which exhibits his standing both as to his 
 studies and conduct. 
 
 As each of these sections has an instructor, and 
 as the recitations are from an hour to an hour and 
 a half in length, a cadet's knowledge of each lesson 
 is thoroughly tested. 
 
 For purposes of discipline and military instruc- 
 tion the corps of cadets is divided into four com- 
 panies, each consisting of about seventy-five cadets. 
 The companies are composed of about an equal 
 number of cadets from each class. Eaoh company 
 is under the general management of an experienced 
 army officer, known as a "tactical" officer, the 
 entire corps or battalion being governed by an 
 officer with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, known as 
 the commandant. In addition to this each com- 
 pany is officered by a cadet captain, two or three 
 cadet lieutenants, and ten or twelve cadet non-com- 
 missioned officers. Usually the cadet officers are 
 selected from the first class, the cadet sergeants 
 
6 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 from the second class, and the cadet corporals from 
 the third class. 
 
 The military routine and discipline at West 
 Point are followed closely by a few of the civilian 
 preparatory schools of the United States, as it has 
 been demonstrated that the routine and military 
 training at the National Academy produce the 
 best of results, especially in preparing boys for 
 college. 
 
 Method of making Appointments. 
 
 Each congressional district and Territory, also 
 the District of Columbia, is entitled to have one 
 cadet at the academy. The appointments are 
 made by the Secretary of War at the request of 
 the Representative or Delegate in Congress from 
 the district or Territory ; and the person appointed 
 must be an actual resident of the district or Terri- 
 tory from which the appointment is made. 
 
 Ten are also appointed by the President, being 
 known as appointments at large, and are especially 
 conferred by the President of the United States. 
 
 "The Representative or Delegate in Congress 
 may nominate a legally qualified second candidate, 
 to be designated the alternate. 
 
 " The alternate will receive from the War De- 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 7 
 
 partment a letter of appointment, and will be ex- 
 amined with the regular appointee, and, if duly 
 qualified, will be admitted to the academy in the 
 event of the failure of the principal to pass the pre- 
 scribed preliminary examination. The alternate 
 will not be allowed to defer reporting for examina- 
 tion until the result of the examination of the 
 regular appointee is known, but must report at the 
 time and place designated in his letter of appoint- 
 ment. The alternate, like the nominee, should be 
 designated as nearly one year in advance of date of 
 admission as possible." 
 
 Manner of making Application. 
 
 Application may be made at any time by letter 
 to the Secretary of War to have the name of the 
 applicant placed upon the file, that it may be fur- 
 nished to the proper Eepresentative or Delegate 
 when a vacancy occurs. The application should 
 give the full name, age, and residence of the appli- 
 cant, with the number of the congressional district 
 in which his home is located. As a rule, appoint- 
 ments are required to be made one year in advance 
 of the date of admission. The age of admission for 
 cadets to the academy is between seventeen and 
 twenty-two years. A candidate desiring appoint- 
 
8 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 ment to the academy, and having had his name 
 placed on the register at the War Department, will 
 not necessarily receive the desired aj^pointment, 
 further effort usually being required. As soon as 
 it is learned that there is to be a vacancy at the 
 academy from his district the applicant should, 
 apply to the Congressman for appointment to it, 
 forwarding such recommendations as to fitness for 
 the position as he can obtain, giving full particulars 
 as to age, residence, health, education, etc., and re- 
 questing in respectful terms that his name may 
 receive consideration in filling the vacancy. 
 
 A vacancy from a district may result from 
 various causes. Some of these are the gradua- 
 tion of the cadet representing it, his discharge, 
 dismissal, or resignation from the academy. At 
 all events, it would be well for the candidate to ap- 
 ply to his Congressman at least a year before the 
 probable graduation of the cadet he desires to suc- 
 ceed. It is becoming quite common for competi- 
 tive examinations to be held in a district when a 
 vacancy at West Point from that district occurs. 
 In this case the Representative will inform such 
 applicants as he desires to compete to appear for 
 examination at a certain time and place, usually 
 stating the scope of the examination. The applicant 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 9 
 
 who passes the most satisfactory examination is 
 selected and his name sent to the Secretary of War, 
 with the request that an appointment be issued. 
 The applicant who passes the next best examination 
 may be appointed as alternate. It must be borne 
 in mind, however, that the selection of an applicant 
 for appointment to West Point rests entirely with 
 the Representative of the district, and he is at lib- 
 erty to make it in any manner he sees fit. He may 
 select one of his friends, one of his enemies, or he 
 may elect to have a competitive examination with 
 a view to getting the best boy for the place, or from 
 any other motive. 
 
 The ten appointments at large which are made 
 by the President of the United States were de- 
 signed originally for the benefit of the sons of 
 army officers who, having no permanent abode, 
 are thus debarred from getting an appointment 
 in the usual way. As just explained, however, 
 it rests solely with the President as to the per- 
 sons appointed and the manner of selecting the 
 applicant. Applications for appointments at large 
 are made to the Secretary of War (sometimes to the 
 President himself), and should contain all that is 
 necessary for the President to determine the fitness 
 of the applicant. Great influence is brought to 
 
10 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 bear in the interests of applicants for this class of 
 appointments, but as a rule the sons of meritorious 
 army officers have received a share of them. 
 
 The Secretary of War will furnish the success- 
 ful applicant with an appointment (see blank form 
 in Appendix), and direct him to report in person 
 to the president of a certain board of officers on 
 a certain day, to be examined for entrance to the 
 United States Military Academy. 
 
 No person who is married will be admitted to 
 the academy as a cadet ; and should a cadet marry 
 after entrance, it will bo equivalent to a resignation, 
 and he will be required to leave the academy at 
 once. 
 
 Hints to Aspiring Candidates. 
 
 Before accepting an appointment to the Mili- 
 tary Academy a young man should satisfy himself 
 that he is mentally and physically qualified to un- 
 dergo the discipline and pursue his course at the 
 academy to a successful termination. 
 
 To this end, first of all note the fact that the 
 physical examination is extremely rigid ; and if you 
 have any suspicion that you are not physically sound, 
 a reliable surgeon or physician should be consulted. 
 Tell him exactly what is required, and ask him to 
 make a careful examination, as is laid down for the 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. %f 
 
 preliminary examination for entrance. If he finds 
 any defects which would render you unfit for mili- 
 tary service, further effort on your part to enter the 
 academy may as well be abandoned, thus saving 
 you and the Government considerable time and 
 money. The eyes should receive special attention, 
 as many young men have defective eyes who sup- 
 pose that they are perfectly sound. Color blindness, 
 far- and near-sightedness, are much more common 
 than is generally known. 
 
 " A sound body and constitution, suitable prepa- 
 ration, good natural capacity, an aptitude for study, 
 industrious habits, perseverance, an obedient and or- 
 derly disposition, and correct moral deportment, are 
 such essential qualifications that candidates know- 
 ingly deficient in any of these respects should not, 
 as many do, subject themselves and their friends to 
 the chances of future mortification and disappoint- 
 ment by accepting appointments at the academy 
 and entering upon a course which they can not suc- 
 cessfully pursue." 
 
 This is good, wholesome advice from the Secre- 
 tary of War to aspirants for military glory at West 
 Point. 
 
 Going somewhat into the details of this very im- 
 portant subject, it must be remembered that by 
 
12 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 suitable preparation is meant not only that you are 
 properly prepared to pass the entrance examination, 
 but it means that you should be partially prepared 
 on a portion of the course pursued after entering. 
 You will see, by referring to the course of study (see 
 Appendix), that during the first year the course in 
 mathematics goes through algebra, geometry, trigo- 
 nometry, surveying, and a portion of analytical 
 geometry. 
 
 Besides this, a portion of the French and Eng- 
 lish courses is studied. You will admit that there 
 is not another institution in this country that at- 
 tempts to give thorough instruction in algebra, 
 geometry, trigonometry, and surveying in a single 
 year. It seems to be assumed at West Point that 
 cadets have a fair knowledge of many of these sub- 
 jects, and hence they are gone over very rapidly, 
 similar to a " general review," but the most thorough 
 knowledge is exacted of the cadet. There can be 
 no shirking, for if the why and wherefore of each 
 point is not known you will suffer accordingly. 
 Hence it would be well for you not to enter the 
 academy until you have more or less mastered a 
 portion of the course of study pursued the first year 
 after entrance. Also, note the words, " good natural 
 capacity" and "industrious habits." Many go to 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 13 
 
 West Point and pass excellent entrance examina- 
 tions, and yet are discharged for deficiency in stud- 
 ies in less than a year. In some cases this is due 
 to what is vulgarly known as " cramming " for the 
 entrance examination, and neglecting to be pre- 
 pared on subjects of higher mathematics. In other 
 cases it is due to careful preparation for entrance, 
 and lack of natural capacity to grasp the meaning 
 of more advanced studies. 
 
 It is safe to predict that a boy with only an 
 average capacity for mathematics, and who, upon 
 entering the academy, has never studied algebra, 
 will be found deficient in mathematics inside of six 
 months. Again, it is equally safe to predict that if 
 you have an average capacity for mathematics, and 
 have a fair knowledge of algebra, geometry, and 
 trigonometry upon entering, and are possessed of 
 "industrious habits" and an "aptitude for study," 
 you will ' finish successfully your course at the 
 academy. 
 
 So, unless you have an unusually brilliant 
 mathematical mi?id, do not enter the academy un- 
 til you have mastered portions of the mathematical 
 studies just mentioned. If your natural capabilities 
 in this line are below the average, do not attempt to 
 enter at all, no matter what your habits are or what 
 
14 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 you have studied, for you will be sure sooner or 
 later to subject yourself and your friends to " mor- 
 tification and disappointment." 
 
 No matter how brilliant the cadet may be it will 
 be a great advantage to him if, before entering, 
 he has studied a considerable portion of the first 
 year's course, as the majority of cadets discharged 
 for deficiency in studies fail inside of the first 
 year. 
 
 It is perfectly immaterial to the Government 
 whether you succeed or fail, for there are plenty of 
 young men waiting to fill your place. All ranks 
 and stations are leveled at the United States Mili- 
 tary Academy, and each cadet must stand on his 
 own merits as shown by his individual work, for he 
 will receive no undue credit on account of the rank 
 or prominence of his parents. 
 
 To give a tangible idea of the strictness of the 
 examinations, it may be stated in general terms that 
 of all the young men who attempt to pass the en- 
 trance examination about one third are rejected. 
 
 Of all cadets who succeed in passing this exam- 
 ination over one third are found deficient, and are 
 discharged before completing the four years' course. 
 In other words, only about one third of the young 
 men who receive appointments to West Point sue- 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 15 
 
 ceed in finishing the course and receive commissions 
 in the army. 
 
 The foregoing remarks may seem unnecessarily 
 severe and emphatic, but the facts stated certainly 
 justify them. It is hoped that candidates will not 
 be unduly discouraged, for it is better to know the 
 truth before entering than to learn it afterward by 
 hard knocks and sad experience. " Forewarned is 
 forearmed." 
 
 Expenses Prior to Entrance. 
 
 All expenses of appointees to the Military Acad- 
 emy prior to reporting to the superintendent, June 
 15th or August 31st, must be borne by the applicant. 
 In the cases of successful candidates, parents are 
 recommended to furnish only sufficient money to 
 cover traveling expenses to the academy. 
 
 Character of Entrance Examinations. 
 
 The following will give a general idea of the 
 scope of the examination candidates must pass to 
 enter the academy : 
 
 Physical Examination. 
 
 Every candidate is subjected to a rigid physical 
 examination, and if there is found to exist in him 
 
16 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 any of the following causes of disqualification to 
 such a degree as would immediately, or at no very 
 distant period, impair his efficiency, he is rejected. 
 
 1. Feeble constitution and muscular tenuity; 
 unsound health from whatever cause ; indications of 
 former disease ; glandular swellings or other symp- 
 toms of scrofula. 
 
 2. Chronic cutaneous affections, especially of the 
 scalp. 
 
 3. Severe injuries of the bones of the head ; con- 
 vulsions. 
 
 4. Impaired vision from whatever cause ; inflam- 
 matory affections of the eyelids; immobility or 
 irregularity of the iris ; fistula lachrymalis, etc. 
 
 5. Deafness ; copious discharge from the ears. 
 
 6. Loss of many teeth ; or the teeth generally 
 unsound. 
 
 7. Impediment of speech. 
 
 8. Want of due capacity of the chest, and other 
 indications of a liability to a pulmonic disease. 
 
 9. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or 
 both of the superior extremities on account of frac- 
 tures, especially of the clavicle, contraction of a 
 joint, extenuation, deformity, etc. 
 
 10. An unusual excurvature or incurvature of 
 the spine. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 17 
 
 11. Hernia. 
 
 12. A varicose state of the veins of the scrotum 
 or spermatic cord (when large), sarcocele, hydrocele, 
 hemorrhoids, fistulas. 
 
 13. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or 
 both of the inferior extremities on account of vari- 
 cose veins, fractures, malformation (flat feet, etc.), 
 lameness, contraction, unequal length, bunions, over- 
 lying or supernumerary toes, etc. 
 
 14. Ulcers, or uusound cicatrices of ulcers likely 
 to break out afresh. 
 
 Academical Examination. 
 
 Beading. — In reading, candidates must be able 
 to read understandingly, with proper accent and 
 emphasis. 
 
 Writing and Orthography. — In writing and or- 
 thography they must be able, from dictation, to 
 write sentences from standard pieces of English 
 literature, both prose and poetry, sufficient in num- 
 ber to test their qualifications both in handwriting 
 and orthography. 
 
 Arithmetic. — In arithmetic they must be able : 
 
 1. To explain, accurately and clearly, its objects, 
 and the manner of writing and reading numbers — 
 entire, fractional, compound, or denominate. 
 
18 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 2. To perform with facility and accuracy the 
 various operations of addition, subtraction, multi- 
 plication, and division of whole numbers, abstract 
 and compound or denominate, giving the rule for 
 each operation, with its reasons , and also the differ- 
 ent methods of proving the accuracy of the work. 
 
 3. To explain the meaning of reduction — its 
 different kinds, its application to denominate num- 
 bers in reducing them from a higher to a lower 
 denomination and the reverse, and to equivalent 
 decimals ; to give the rule for each case, with its 
 reasons, and to apply readily these rules to practical 
 examples of each kind. 
 
 4. To explain the nature of prime numbers and 
 factors of a number, of a common divisor of two or 
 more numbers, particularly of their greatest common 
 divisor, with its use, and to give the rule, ivith its 
 reasons, for obtaining it; also the meaning of a 
 common multiple of several numbers, particularly 
 of their least common multiple, and its use, and to 
 give the rule, with its reasons, for obtaining it, and 
 to apply each of these rules to examples. 
 
 5. To explain the nature of fractions — common 
 or vulgar and decimal ; to define the various kinds 
 of fractions, with the distinguishing properties of 
 each ; to give all the rules for their reduction, par- 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 19 
 
 ticularly from mixed to improper and the reverse, 
 from compound to complex or simple, to their 
 lowest terms, to a common denominator, from com- 
 mon to decimal and the reverse ; for their addition, 
 subtraction, multiplication, and division, with the 
 reason for each change of rule, and to apply each 
 rule to examples. 
 
 6. To define the terms ratio and proportion ; to 
 give the properties of proportion and the rules, and 
 their reasons, for stating and solving questions in 
 both simple and compound proportion or single 
 and double rule of three, and to apply these rules to 
 examples. 
 
 7. The candidates must not only know the prin- 
 ciples and rules referred to above, but they are re- 
 quired to possess such a thorough understanding of 
 all the fundamental operations of arithmetic as will 
 enable them to combine the various principles in 
 the solution of any complex problem which can be 
 solved by methods of arithmetic. In other words, 
 they must possess such a complete knowledge of 
 arithmetic as will enable them to take up at once 
 the higher branches of mathematics without further 
 study of arithmetic. 
 
 8. It is to be understood that the examination 
 in these branches may be either written or oral, or 
 
20 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 partly written or partly oral; that the definitions 
 and rules must be given fully and accurately ; and 
 that the work of all examples, whether upon the 
 blackboard, slate, or paper, must be written plainly 
 and in full, and in such a manner as to show clearly 
 the mode of solution. 
 
 The following examples and questions in arith- 
 metic are a few of those which have been used at 
 past examinations ; they are given in order to in- 
 dicate more clearly what is required, and it should 
 be distinctly understood that entirely different ones 
 are used each year. 
 
 Multiply 4-32 by -00012. 
 
 Explain the reason for placing the decimal point 
 in the answer (the rule for so doing is not the 
 reason). 
 
 5£ + 3 - 0-725 
 Reduce to an equivalent deci- 
 
 mal. 
 
 Divide 3380321 by MDCCXCIX, and express 
 the quotient by the Roman system of notation. 
 
 Change *013 to an equivalent fraction whose de- 
 nominator is 135. 
 
 Find the greatest common divisor of 26£, 28 J, 
 and 29J. 
 
NIVERSITY 
 
 CALIFOf^ > 
 FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 21 
 
 How many men would be required to cultivate a 
 field of 2§ acres in 5^ days of 10 hours each, if each 
 man completed 77 square yards in 9 hours ? 
 
 Separate 772f into three numbers which shall be 
 in the same proportion as 2^-, y^, y*^. 
 
 Five cubic feet of gold weigh 98*20 times as 
 much as a cubic foot of water, and 2 cubic feet of 
 copper weigh 18 times as much as a cubic foot of 
 water : how many cubic feet of copper will weigh as 
 much as -J of a cubic inch of gold ? 
 
 Find the least common multiple for the num- 
 bers f , 2-1, 5-25, f. 
 
 A wins 9 games out of 15 when playing against 
 B, and 16 out of 25 when placing against C : how 
 many games out of the 118 should C win playing 
 against B ? 
 
 A and B run a race, their rates of running being 
 as 17 to 18 ; A runs 2 J miles in 16 minutes 48 sec- 
 onds, and B runs the entire distance in 34 minutes : 
 what was the entire distance ? 
 
 A and B can do a piece of work in 4 hours, A 
 and C in 3f hours, B and C in 5^- hours : in what 
 time can A do it alone ? 
 
 English shillings are coined from a metal which 
 contains 37 parts of silver to 3 parts of alloy ; 1 
 pound of this metal is coined into 66 shillings. 
 
22 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 The United States silver dollar weighs 412-5 grains, 
 and consists of 9 parts silver to 1 of alloy. What 
 fraction of the United States dollar will contain the 
 same amount of silver as one English shilling? 
 
 Give the rule for reducing a decimal of a given 
 denomination to integers of lower denominations. 
 
 What is the effect of dividing the denominator 
 of a fraction by a whole number, and why ? 
 
 Explain the difference between a common frac- 
 tion and a decimal. 
 
 What is the effect of annexing a cipher to a deci- 
 mal, and why? 
 
 If the same number be subtracted from both 
 terms of an improper fraction, what will be the 
 effect? Why? 
 
 Give the rule for reducing a common fraction to 
 an equivalent decimal, and explain why the result- 
 ing decimal will be equal to the common fraction 
 from which it is obtained. 
 
 Give the rule for dividing one decimal by an- 
 other, and explain why the decimal point in the 
 quotient is placed where the rule directs. 
 
 Define reduction, and state the different kinds. 
 
 Grammar. — In English grammar candidates 
 must be able : 
 
 1. To define the parts of speech, and give their 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 23 
 
 classes and properties ; to give inflections, including 
 declension, conjugation, and comparison ; to give 
 the corresponding masculine and feminine gender 
 nouns; to give and apply the ordinary rules of 
 syntax. 
 
 2. To parse fully and correctly any ordinary sen- 
 tence, omitting rules, declensions, comparisons, and 
 principal parts, but giving the subject of each verb, 
 the governing word of each objective case, the word 
 for which each pronoun stands or to which it refers, 
 the words between which each preposition shows 
 the relation, precisely what each conjunction con- 
 nects, what each adjective and adverb qualifies or 
 limits, the construction of each infinitive, and, gen- 
 erally, showing a good knowledge of the function of 
 each word in the sentence. Omissions will be taken 
 to indicate ignorance. 
 
 3. To correct in sentences or extracts any ordi- 
 nary grammatical errors, such as are mentioned and 
 explained in ordinary grammars. 
 
 It is not required that any particular gramma- 
 rian or text-book shall be followed ; but rules, defi- 
 nitions, parsing, and corrections must be in accord- 
 ance with good usage and common sense. The 
 examinations may be written or oral, or both writ- 
 ten and oral. 
 3 
 
24 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Geography. — Candidates will be required to pass 
 a satisfactory examination, written or oral, or both, 
 in geography, particularly of our own country. To 
 give the candidate a clear idea of what is required, 
 the following synopsis is added to show the charac- 
 ter and extent of the examination. Questions are 
 likely to be asked involving the knowledge of : 
 
 1. Definitions of geographical circles, of lati- 
 tude and longitude, of zones, and of all the natural 
 divisions of the earth's surface, as islands, seas, 
 capes, etc. 
 
 2. The continental areas and grand divisions of 
 the water of the earth's surface. 
 
 3. The grand divisions of the land — the large 
 bodies of water which in part or wholly surround 
 them. 
 
 Their principal mountains, location, direction, 
 and extent ; the capes, from what parts they project 
 and into what waters. 
 
 Their principal peninsulas, location, and by what 
 waters they are embraced. 
 
 The parts connected by an isthmus, if any. 
 
 Their principal islands, location, and surround- 
 ing waters. 
 
 The seas, gulfs, and bays, the coasts they indent, 
 and the waters to which they are subordinate. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 25 
 
 The straits, the lands they separate, and the 
 waters they connect. 
 
 Their principal rivers, their sources, directions 
 of flow, and the waters into which they empty. 
 
 Their principal lakes, location, and extent. 
 
 4. The political divisions of the grand divisions. 
 Their names, locations, boundaries, and capitals ; 
 
 general questions of the same character as indicated 
 in the second section made applicable to each of the 
 countries of each of the grand divisions. 
 
 5. The United States. 
 
 The candidate should be thoroughly informed as 
 to its general features, configuration, location, and 
 boundaries (both with respect to neighboring coun- 
 tries and latitude and longitude) ; its adjacent 
 oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, sounds, straits, and islands ; 
 its mountain ranges, their location and extent ; the 
 sources, directions, and terminations of the impor- 
 tant rivers and their principal tributaries ; the lakes, 
 and, in short, every geographical feature of the coun- 
 try as indicated above. The location and termina- 
 tion of important railroad lines and other means of 
 communication from one part of the country to an- 
 other should not be omitted. 
 
 The States and Territories are to be accurately 
 located with respect to each other by their bound- 
 
26 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 aries, and as to their order along the Atlantic 
 coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast, the 
 northern frontier, the Mexican frontier, and the 
 Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Eivers. • 
 
 The boundary and other large rivers of each 
 State, as well as all other prominent geographical 
 features, should be known. 
 
 The names and locations of their capitals, and 
 other important cities and towns, are likewise to be 
 known. 
 
 In short, the knowledge should be so complete 
 that a clear mental picture of the whole or any part 
 of the United States is impressed on the mind of 
 the candidate. More weight is attached to a knowl- 
 edge of the geography of the United States than to 
 that of all other countries combined. 
 
 History. — The candidate should make himself 
 familiar with so much of the history of the United 
 States as is contained in the ordinary school his- 
 tories. The examination may be written or oral, or 
 partly written and partly oral, and will usually con- 
 sist of a series of questions similar to the following : 
 
 1. When, where, and by whom were the original 
 thirteen colonies settled, and what were the dif- 
 ferent kinds of government in each prior to the 
 Revolution ? 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 27 
 
 2. Various wars both before and after the Revo- 
 lution, their causes, prominent generals, and battles 
 in each. Results of each war. 
 
 3. The Presidents of the United States in their 
 order, and the leading events in the administration 
 of each. 
 
 4. The Constitution of the United States, why- 
 formed, and when adopted ; powers in different 
 branches of Congress, qualifications and manner of 
 electing its members. 
 
 5. Election and qualifications of the President, 
 and his powers. Passage of bills, etc. 
 
 Points in Regard to the Entrance 
 Examination. 
 
 A general average of about seventy-five per cent 
 is required, and no candidate having an average in 
 any one subject of less than sixty-five per cent will 
 be accepted. 
 
 It will be noted that the time given to each sub- 
 ject is limited, so that if in doubt as to a question or 
 problem, after due thought, it is best to number the 
 question in its proper place, leaving a blank space 
 with a view to solving the problem later, and go on 
 and finish the answers to the questions which you 
 are reasonably sure will be correct. Then, if time 
 
28 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 permits, go back to the doubtful points and attempt 
 to solve them. 
 
 Always write your number and place of examina- 
 tion on each separate sheet of paper. Number your 
 questions and answers in their order, leaving a mar- 
 gin of about an inch on the left-hand side of each 
 page. Make your answers clear and concise, writing 
 legibly and grammatically, for your examination 
 papers may be considered in determining your pro- 
 ficiency in writing, grammar, and spelling. Com- 
 municating with your neighbor or "cribbing" is 
 alone cause for rejection. 
 
 Number each separate sheet of paper consecu- 
 tively, beginning with the first, and, if time permits, 
 after completing an examination, read over the ques- 
 tions to see that you have not misunderstood any of 
 them. Go over your work carefully and correct any 
 errors that may have crept in. You can not be too 
 particular with a written examination. 
 
 Many institutions in this country admit students 
 upon certificates or diplomas received from other 
 schools, but such is not the case at the Military 
 Academy. Every candidate must pass the prescribed 
 examination, and, if successful, he is required to 
 take a full four-years' course, no matter how many 
 diplomas or certificates he may possess. So it will 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 29 
 
 be useless to present such papers to the examining 
 board. There are, however, several schools in the 
 vicinity of West Point that make a special business 
 of preparing candidates for the entrance examina- 
 tion, and in many instances money thus spent on a 
 candidate has proved to be well invested. 
 
 When and where the Examinations are 
 held. 
 
 Boards for the examination of appointees to the 
 United States Military Academy are convened March 
 1st and July loth annually, at military posts nearest 
 the following cities — viz., Boston, New York city or 
 West Point, Baltimore, Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, 
 New Orleans, San Antonio, Chicago, St. Louis, 
 Leavenworth, Kan., Omaha, Keogh, Mont., Chey- 
 enne, San Francisco, San Diego, and Vancouver. 
 Candidates will be directed to appear for mental 
 and physical examination at the military post near- 
 est their respective places of residence, and no can- 
 didate will be permitted to appear for examination 
 at any other time or place than that specified in his 
 instructions from the War Department. A candi- 
 date who f ails physically will not be examined men- 
 tally. 
 
 As soon as the preliminary examination is con- 
 
30 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 eluded, each candidate repairs to his home and 
 awaits the notification of the result of his examina- 
 tion, which will be sent from the War Department 
 as soon as practicable. 
 
 In order to insure impartiality, the examination 
 questions are prepared at West Point and sent to 
 the different boards under seal. The board takes 
 the name of each candidate and gives to him a num- 
 ber, which he places on all his examination papers, 
 never putting his name on them. The numbers and 
 corresponding names are immediately sent to the 
 War Department. Upon the completion of the ex- 
 amination, the papers are sent direct to the superin- 
 tendent of the Military Academy, where they are 
 examined by the academic board. The results of 
 the examination are then sent to the War Depart- 
 ment by simply stating the number of each success- 
 ful candidate and place of examination. The War 
 Department then finds the names corresponding to 
 the successful numbers, and issues directions for the 
 successful candidates to report to the superintend- 
 ent of the academy June 15th or August 31st, de- 
 pending on the date of examination. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 31 
 
 The New Cadet. 
 
 Having been duly notified by the War Depart- 
 ment that you have passed the entrance examina- 
 tion, you will be directed to report at the academy 
 on a certain date, June 15th or August 31st, depend- 
 ing upon whether you were examined in March or 
 July. Make such arrangements as will cause you to 
 arrive at West Point on the morning of the day you 
 are directed to report. Upon arrival, report at once 
 to the adjutant of the academy. He will receive 
 you kindly and have you assigned to quarters with- 
 out delay, so that you will be at no unnecessary 
 expense after arrival. 
 
 Do not burden your trunk with a supply of use- 
 less clothing, pictures, bric-a-brac, etc. A year's 
 supply of underclothing, a few white shirts, collars, 
 cuffs, a dozen towels, the usual toilet articles, and 
 one good suit of clothes will be all the personal 
 effects you need. Civilian clothing, pictures, orna- 
 ments, etc., are not allowed in your room, so such 
 things will be utterly useless. All other necessary 
 articles can be obtained at the academy, of uniform 
 pattern and moderate in price. 
 
 If you are homesick it will soon wear off. Love 
 sickness is more dangerous, but rest assured at so 
 
32 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION". 
 
 young an age it is only " puppy " love, and will 
 readily die a natural death. You may have similar 
 attacks while at the academy or " on furlough," but 
 they should be strangled at your earliest conven- 
 ience. 
 
 Give your relatives and friends to understand 
 that it is a court-martial offense for a new cadet to 
 have any one visit him at the academy. A new 
 cadet or " plebe " is literally " out of sight," and he 
 should avoid embarrassment by discouraging his 
 friends from trying to see him. Have them wait 
 until the end of your first year, when you become a 
 bold, dashing "yearling," and you will then have 
 time to give them a hearty welcome in "Yearling 
 Camp." 
 
 If you have received previous military training 
 it will be of great advantage to you. At all events, 
 do not be discouraged. Start in with a determina- 
 tion to be honorable, respectful to your seniors, 
 prompt and cheerful in the obedience of all lawful 
 orders. Never attempt to argue a point, or dispute 
 the correctness or legality of an order, for experi- 
 ence will teach you that it is probably all right even 
 if you fail to see it. Remember also that there are 
 no such words as can't and won't in a soldier's 
 vocabulary. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 33 
 
 You may meet with many new and weird experi- 
 ences, but stand up and take them like a man, and 
 you will be honored and respected by your com- 
 rades. If, however, your honor or your self-respect 
 be called in question, protect them at all hazards. 
 
 Learn to think for yourself, and think long and 
 hard before asking assistance. In your studies you 
 will find that explanations from your instructors are 
 expensive luxuries. It is related that every smile or 
 explanation granted a cadet lowers his mark about 
 twenty per cent ; and, moreover, it gives the in- 
 structor the advantage of you by helping him to 
 " size you up " in reporting your abilities to the 
 academic board. 
 
 Above all, come to a "realizing sense of your 
 inferiority " as soon as practicable. Work hard, and 
 secure a high standing in your class at the end of 
 the first six months, for after this period transfers 
 are few and far between, and then with due appli- 
 cation you should be able to hold your ground. It 
 is hard to rise after the class is once fairly arranged, 
 but if you get started downward the odds are 
 against you, and it seems as if every one is waiting 
 to give you a push in that direction. It is rumored 
 also that while the maximum mark in the first sec- 
 tion is three units, in the lowest section of the class 
 
34 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 (the "immortals") it is but 2-5 units. Moral: 
 Keep out of the " immortals." 
 
 Should you stand low in your class, press on, do 
 your best, remembering that many of our most 
 noted generals have graduated near the bottom of 
 their classes. It is sometimes said that it takes a 
 smarter man to stand at the bottom of his class 
 than it does to graduate at the head of it. Even 
 should you fail to graduate do not grieve about it, 
 although it does pain and surprise your friends. 
 The brightest minds are not always found in bril- 
 liant mathematicians. Cadets found deficient and 
 discharged are sometimes head and shoulders the 
 mental and physical superiors of some who graduate. 
 You will yet succeed in life if you are made of the 
 right kind of material. A masterly retreat shows 
 as much ability as a hard-earned victory. 
 
 Pay of Cadets. 
 
 The pay of a cadet is forty-five dollars per 
 month, to commence with his admission into the 
 academy, and is sufficient, with proper economy, for 
 his support. No cadet is permitted to receive 
 money or other supplies from any person whomso- 
 ever without the sanction of the superintendent. 
 Four dollars per month are retained from the pay 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 35 
 
 of each cadet, so that upon graduation he will have 
 saved about $190, which will go toward the pur- 
 chase of his uniform and equipments as a commis- 
 sioned officer. 
 
 The pay is not actually turned over to the cadet 
 each month, but he has what is known as a " check " 
 or account book, upon which is entered each month 
 the amount of his pay. From this is deducted the 
 cost of his board, washing, clothing, text-books, etc., 
 and the balance is carried forward to the next 
 month. The clothing is furnished and the washing 
 done by the academy at the lowest possible figure. 
 The cadets all board at the mess hall, an establish- 
 ment fitted with all modern improvements and 
 under the immediate charge of an army officer, who 
 manages it in an orderly and economical manner. 
 The entire cost of running the mess hall is divided 
 pro rata among the cadets, the board of each rang- 
 ing from fifteen to eighteen dollars per month. 
 The food is excellent in quality, sufficient in quan- 
 tity, and surpasses in cleanliness and variety that 
 of any similar establishment in this country. 
 
 The tuition is absolutely free, but parents are 
 required to deposit with the treasurer of the acad- 
 emy about one hundred dollars upon their son's 
 entrance, which sum is placed to his credit to cover 
 
36 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 the expense of his first outfit of uniform, bedding, 
 and books. No money should be sent to a cadet 
 unless for very urgent reasons previously approved 
 by the superintendent. He has no use for money, 
 and can spend it only at places and for purposes 
 prohibited by the regulations of the academy. 
 Other necessary supplies may be sent on approval, 
 but cadets wear no jewelry, and eatables must be 
 taken to the mess hall and regularly served. 
 
 The pay of each cadet for the months of July 
 and August of his second year is given to him in 
 advance, and may be used by him during his two 
 months' furlough which is granted at that time. 
 
 At the end of the four-years' course, upon grad- 
 uation, graduates are given their retained pay and 
 all money saved by them from their regular pay as 
 shown by the balance on their account books. 
 
 Length of Service in the Army. 
 
 In the Appendix will be found the articles of 
 agreement into which a cadet enters, binding him 
 to serve in the army for at least eight years, unless 
 sooner discharged. Also his oath of allegiance to 
 uphold and defend the Constitution, and to serve 
 the United States against all its enemies whom- 
 soever. In time of peace, however, the resignation 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 3? 
 
 of a cadet or an officer is always accepted, so that in 
 reality he can close his military career at any de- 
 sired period. In time of war or great public danger 
 his services might be needed, and he would then 
 doubtless be required to fulfill his engagement. 
 
 Although a West Point education fits a man for 
 almost any walk in life, very few choose to throw off 
 the yoke of a soldier to take up some other profes- 
 sion. The average graduate leaves his old iron 
 Alma Mater with a high sense of honor, manly in 
 deportment, and well grounded in the profession of 
 arms. He has lost touch with the friends of his 
 youth, his sweethearts are all married, the old 
 schoolhouse and other familiar landmarks seem to 
 have shrunk in size and importance. In short, all 
 seems changed, and he is imbued with the one idea 
 of joining his regiment and continuing his life as a 
 
 soldier. 
 
 Academic Duties. 
 
 The academic duties and exercises commence on 
 the 1st of September and continue until about the 
 middle of June. Examinations of the several classes 
 are held in January and June, and at the former 
 such of the new cadets as are found proficient in 
 studies and conduct are given the particular stand- 
 ing in their classes to which their merits entitle 
 
38 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION". 
 
 them. After either examination cadets found de- 
 ficient in studies or conduct are discharged and 
 sent to their homes, unless for special reasons in 
 each case the academic board should otherwise rec- 
 ommend. The traveling expenses of cadets dis- 
 charged in this manner are paid by the Government. 
 The expenses of cadets who resign or who are dis- 
 missed are not paid by the Government. Similar 
 examinations are held every January and June 
 during the four years comprising the course of 
 study. These examinations are very thorough, and 
 require from the cadet a close and persevering at- 
 tention to study, without evasion or slighting of any 
 part of the course, as no relaxation of any kind is 
 made by the examiners. 
 
 It seems unnecessary, in a book of this character, 
 to go into the details of the work required of each 
 class. A good general idea of the requirements 
 of each year may be had by referring to the Appen- 
 dix, where the course of study pursued is given in 
 tabulated form, and by noting the following cursory 
 review of the average cadet's career. The various 
 and multitudinous regulations and customs of the 
 academy will be grasped gradually as the cadet ad- 
 vances in his career, and it does not seem expedient to 
 attempt to elucidate them in a volume of this scope. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 39 
 
 The first two months (July and August) are 
 spent in camp, when studying is tabooed, all time 
 being devoted to his preliminary practical military 
 training. This is known as " Plebe " Camp. Here 
 he is drilled in infantry and foot artillery, and when 
 sufficiently advanced is introduced to his duties as a 
 sentinel on guard both day and night. If he has 
 had any previous training in this line it will be 
 greatly to his advantage, for there is so much to 
 learn that is entirely new that his life may seem 
 more or less of a burden to him, for it is all work 
 and no play to the new cadet. In fact, the life of a 
 cadet at the academy for the first year is a series of 
 hard knocks, but in the end they bear good fruit. 
 In the past ten years the custom of hazing has dis- 
 appeared. Many new cadets will think, doubtless, 
 that the discipline is so strict that hazing could not 
 add much to their burdens. To many of the older 
 graduates the system of hazing seems to be a good 
 thing, and they are of the opinion that the disci- 
 pline of the academy is on the wane since it was abol- 
 ished. In fact, hazing would be a good thing if the 
 line could be drawn at a certain point; but as it 
 could not be, it was decided to cut out the custom, 
 root and branch. 
 
 In September the new cadet goes to the bar- 
 
40 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 racks, settles down to work — and hard work, too, will 
 he find it — for the remainder of the year ; but if he 
 possesses the capacity and habits already commented 
 upon, he will probably pull through to the follow- 
 ing June, when he will have — a vacation? Not 
 at all. He will find himself in camp again doing 
 guard duty, drilling, " learning how to sleep on 
 the ground," and wondering when those new 
 cadets will get enough beaten into their heads to 
 go on guard and make it easier for him. In the 
 vernacular of the academy this is called " Year- 
 ling " Camp. 
 
 During this encampment, however, it will not 
 be all work to the average cadet ; he will be per- 
 mitted to go to the weekly hops which take place 
 every summer. He can get a pass occasionally to 
 leave camp and meander down " Flirtation Walk," 
 see the boats go by, and possibly meet his " cousin," 
 who will assist him by her interesting ways to enjoy 
 his gorgeous surroundings. 
 
 September finds him hard at work on the second 
 year's course. Pleasure is discarded, for the studies 
 this year are really more difficult than those in 
 the first year, but he has learned how to study 
 and how to recite, so his work is no harder than 
 before. 
 
• FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 41 
 
 Successfully passing his January and June ex- 
 aminations, he is exultant : 
 
 " For the furlough has come, 
 For two months he'll be free 
 From the deuced reveille, 
 And the boom of the evening gun." 
 
 During the months of July and August of this 
 year he is released from all duties at the academy, 
 and may spend his time where he chooses. 
 
 The realization of this short vacation, coupled 
 with its anticipation, is next to the most important 
 and enjoyable event in a cadet's career. For two 
 long years he has been confined at hard work to this 
 small but lovely military spot. He returns promptly 
 the last of August, climbing the well-known hill, 
 grip and cane in hand, silk hat crowning all, which, 
 by the way, will be torn or kicked into samples by 
 his gray-coated comrades on the hill. September 1st 
 finds him pinned down to his room in the old gray 
 barracks, where he " bones " away on the third year's 
 course. This year's course will be more interesting 
 to him than either of the two that has gone before, 
 but to succeed he will find he must remember all he 
 has learned in the first two years, as direct applica- 
 tion of it is made in this as well as in the following 
 year, and he will not have time to turn to the calcu- 
 
42 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 lus to find out what the author of his " phil " means 
 by saying, " By differentiating this expression we 
 easily get this expression." 
 
 Having finished philosophy and chemistry, he 
 heaves a sigh of relief, and June finds him in camp 
 again as a first classman and only one more year to 
 stay. During this encampment his military work 
 is of a much higher order, being usually on duty 
 as a cadet officer and engaged in helping to instruct 
 the other cadets as well as learning practical lessons 
 himself of a higher nature. He feels the dignity of 
 his position, attends the summer hops, flirts with 
 the charming damsels who -visit the post at this 
 season, and enjoys generally what is termed " First 
 Class " Camp. He looks with more or less pity on 
 the "plebes"and " yearlings," who have only just 
 commenced their military careers, remembering the 
 while that this is his last camp at the academy. 
 
 Camp is " broken," and he returns to barracks 
 and academic buildings with a strong heart for 
 study, as he is now on the " home stretch," and his 
 commission is in sight. He is hardened to work by 
 this time, and moves along with his daily duties 
 with apparent ease. As the following spring opens 
 and the ice-bound Hudson breaks her chains his 
 studies seem to grow harder, and he longs to break 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 43 
 
 away and join the birds in their frolics, but the end 
 is too near now to give way to such idle thoughts. 
 Then comes graduation, when he "doffs the cadet 
 and dons the brevet," for in his hand he holds his 
 hard-earned diploma and an appointment as a sec- 
 ond lieutenant in the regular army. 
 
 It may appear from this rapid sketch that the 
 life of a cadet is one of continual study, with but 
 little rest or recreation during the four years. In 
 the main this appearance is a reality, for the only 
 time a cadet is allowed to leave the academy is dur- 
 ing the two months at the close of his second year, 
 and possibly two or three days at Christmas. Eeci- 
 tations or drills take place every day of the year, 
 Sundays and national holidays excepted. 
 
 The only time a cadet has to himself is a por- 
 tion of Saturday afternoon and evening, about half 
 an hour after each meal, and during the winter 
 months about an hour before supper. Sunday 
 morning he reluctantly goes to chapel, and Sunday 
 afternoon and evening he spends preparing Mon- 
 day's lessons. He rises at 6 A. m. and retires at 10 
 p. m. each day. 
 
 His drills and gymnasium work afford him suffi- 
 cient bodily exercise, and in the past year he seems 
 to have employed his spare time Saturdays playing 
 
44 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 baseball and football. But it may be relied on 
 that unless the course of study is very much modi- 
 fied the average cadet will not have time to engage 
 in these games, as is done at many colleges, without 
 losing ground in his classes, to say the least; for 
 there is more hard studying and more thorough 
 work of all kinds accomplished at the academy than 
 at any other institution in this country in the same 
 space of time. 
 
 During the months of July and August of each 
 year all cadets except the " furlough class " live in 
 camp, which is given up to practical work in the 
 line of the military profession ; besides the regular 
 drills and guard duty, the cadets learn and practice 
 much that pertains to the life of a soldier in actual 
 campaign. 
 
 Assignments after Graduation. 
 
 When a cadet shall receive a regular degree from 
 the academic board, after going through the classes, 
 he is considered as among the candidates for a com- 
 mission in the engineer corps, artillery, infantry, or 
 cavalry, according to the duties he may be judged 
 competent to perform. As a rule, the cadets choose 
 the particular arm of the service and regiment or 
 corps according to their class standing at gradua- 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 45 
 
 tion. The first three or four are assigned to the 
 engineer corps, about the next ten choose the artil- 
 lery, and the remainder choose cavalry or infantry. 
 Formerly some regiments were considered more 
 desirable than others, as there was more chance for 
 promotion in them, but now that promotion is 
 lineal instead of regimental no regiment possesses 
 any real advantages over another. Some have better 
 stations than others, but regiments change station 
 every few years, and in the end each enjoys its share 
 of good stations. 
 
 Graduates for whom there are no vacancies in 
 the army are commissioned additional second lieu- 
 tenants, receiving the pay and allowances of second 
 lieutenants until vacancies do exist. So that all 
 who graduate are eventually sure of their commis- 
 sions as second lieutenants. 
 
 Join your station in due time, and go to the ad- 
 jutant's office after guard mounting of the day you 
 are directed to report. Appear in proper uniform, 
 and with soldierly bearing present your order of 
 assignment to. the regimental adjutant and report to 
 him for duty. After being formally presented to the 
 commanding officer, report to the quartermaster for 
 assignment to quarters. You should already have 
 provided yourself with furnishings for a bedroom. 
 
46 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 As soon as possible after reporting, you should 
 make formal calls upon your commanding officer 
 and upon the captain of your company at their re- 
 spective quarters. Rather than confine your con- 
 versation to West Point topics, talk about the 
 weather. 
 
 If you are married, leave your wife at home, or 
 in the nearest town, until you can provide a suitable 
 home for her. A newly fledged second lieutenant 
 is very much like a " plebe " at the academy, and he 
 will be much better off without a wife until he has 
 had a little experience in his new sphere of life. 
 
 Remember also that the men in your company 
 are not " plebes," but are more like children, and 
 should be treated kindly but firmly, in order that 
 their respect and confidence may be gained as well 
 as their obedience. Even should your first sergeant 
 be disposed to give you " points," do not put him 
 in arrest for disrespect, for it is quite possible that 
 your captain would rather dispense with your serv- 
 ices than with those of his first sergeant. Gradually 
 you will convince the first sergeant that you know 
 a thing or two ; but do not imagine that you know it 
 all, for you will soon learn that your captain, and 
 even the first sergeant, know more than you thought 
 they did. 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 47 
 
 The following copies of the questions at the en- 
 trance examination held at West Point in June, 1886, 
 will give the candidate a fair idea of what may be 
 required at future examinations : 
 
 Examination in Aeithmetic. 
 
 1. What decimal fraction, multiplied by 175, 
 will be equal to the sum of £, Jf, ff , and 3£ ? 
 
 2. How many miles will a plowman walk in 
 plowing an acre if each furrow is one foot in 
 width? 
 
 147 7952 
 
 3. If 29 — -- X tzzzTi k e subtracted from each 
 
 876o -00004 
 
 17 
 of the two numbers 475 — and 210009, will the 
 
 iy 
 
 ratio of the two remainders, taken in order, be the 
 
 same as that of the two numbers? Why? 
 
 4. On a centigrade thermometer the freez- 
 ing point is zero, and the boiling point is 100°. 
 On a Fahrenheit thermometer the freezing point 
 is 32°, and the boiling point is 212°. What de- 
 gree on a centigrade corresponds to 68° Fahren- 
 heit? 
 
 5. How many pounds of tea are equivalent to 
 10^- pounds of butter, when 5 pounds of tea are 
 equivalent to 14 pounds of coffee ; 9 of coffee to 20 
 
48 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 of sugar; 10 of sugar to 6 of cheese; and 10 of 
 cheese to 9 of butter ? 
 
 G. If 44^- guineas weigh one pound Troy, and 32 
 half-pennies weigh one pound avoirdupois, what is 
 the difference, in grains, between the weights of a 
 guinea and a half -penny ? 
 
 7. Twenty-one thousand dollars is to be divided 
 among A, B, C, and D. A's share is to B's as 2 : 3, 
 B's to C's as 4:5, C's to D's as 6:7. What will 
 each receive ? 
 
 8. If 30 men working 11 hours a day can do a 
 piece of work in a certain time, how many more 
 must be employed when it is half done in order to 
 finish it in the same time, all working 10 hours a 
 day on the last half ? 
 
 9. The value of a pound of gold is 14 times that 
 of a pound of silver, and the weights of bars of 
 equal size of gold and silver are as 19 : 10. Find 
 the value of a bar of silver equal in size to a bar of 
 gold worth £1,750. 
 
 Examination in Writing and Orthography. 
 
 Write and punctuate the following : 
 
 It was not only by the efficiency of the restraints 
 imposed on the royal prerogative that England was 
 advantageously distinguished from most of the 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 49 
 
 neighboring countries. A peculiarity equally im- 
 portant, though less noticed, was the relation in 
 which the nobility stood here to the commonalty. 
 There was a strong hereditary aristocracy, but it 
 was of all hereditary aristocracies the least insolent 
 and exclusive. It had none of the invidious char- 
 acters of a caste. It was constantly receiving mem^ 
 bers from the people and constantly sending down 
 members to mingle with the people. Any gentle- 
 man might become a peer. A younger son of a 
 peer was but a gentleman. Grandsons of peers 
 yielded precedence to newly made knights. The 
 dignity of knighthood was not beyond the reach of 
 any man who could by diligence and thrift realize a 
 good estate, or who could attract notice by his valor 
 in a battle or siege. It was regarded as no dispar- 
 agement for the daughter of a duke, nay, of a royal 
 duke, to espouse a distinguished commoner. 
 
 His was the pomp, the crowded hall, 
 
 But where is now his proud display? 
 His riches, honors, pleasures — all 
 
 Desire could frame ; but where are they ? 
 And he, as some tall rock that stands, 
 
 Protected by the circling sea, 
 Surrounded by admiring bands, 
 
 Seemed proudly strong— and where is hef 
 
50 
 
 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 1. Agility. 
 
 2. Annular. 
 
 3. Antecedent. 
 
 4. Artillery. 
 
 5. Ascend. 
 
 6. Barbarism. 
 
 7. Barricade. 
 
 8. Bigotry. 
 
 9. Bounteous. 
 
 10. College. 
 
 11. Communicate. 
 
 12. Coherence. 
 
 13. Coliseum. 
 
 14. Collide. 
 
 15. Dalliance. 
 
 16. Debarred. 
 
 17. Deceive. 
 
 18. Exhibit. 
 
 19. Exonerate. 
 
 20. Fascinate. 
 
 21. Grammar. 
 
 22. Irritate. 
 
 23. Menace. 
 
 24. Parallel. 
 
 Examination in English Grammar. 
 (Time allotted : two and one half hours.) 
 
 Division I. 
 (N. B. — Write the answers below, numbering 
 them to correspond with the questions.) 
 
 1. What is declension ? Decline child, who, he. 
 
 2. Write the plural of dwarf, fly, pen, ox, foot- 
 man, calf, handful, cargo, chimney, potato. 
 
 3. What is a sentence? Name the different 
 kinds of sentences. What is a phrase ? What is a 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 51 
 
 clause ? Give examples of the sentence, the phrase, 
 and the clause. 
 
 4. What is a conjunction ? How do you parse a 
 conjunction ? 
 
 5. What is an adjective? Of what inflection or 
 change of form do adjectives admit ? 
 
 Division II 
 
 (N. B. — Write quite across both pages, if neces- 
 sary. In parsing, give no rules, declensions, or 
 principal parts; but in other respects parse fully, 
 being careful to give the subject of each verb, the 
 governing word of each objective case, and to state 
 precisely what each conjunction connects, between 
 what words each preposition shows the relation, and 
 to what each pronoun refers. Important omissions 
 will be taken to indicate ignorance. Intelligible 
 abbreviations are allowed.) 
 
 Parse the words in italics in the following sen- 
 tence : In free States no man should take up arms 
 but with a view to defend his country and its laws ; 
 he puts off the citizen when he enters the camp ; but 
 it is because he is a citizen and would continue such 
 that he makes himself for a while a soldier. 
 
52 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Division III. 
 
 Correct all errors in the following sentences, in- 
 cluding bad arrangement of words : 
 
 1. His work is one of the best that has been 
 published. 
 
 2. No Roman emperor was so cruel nor so tyran- 
 nical as Nero. 
 
 3. Have you no other excuse but this ? 
 
 4. We not only obtained Louisiana, but Florida 
 also, by purchase. 
 
 5. Flour will not do to make our bread alone. 
 
 6. The number of inhabitants were not more 
 than four millions. 
 
 7. They told me of him having failed. 
 
 8. But she fell a laughing like one out of their 
 right mind. 
 
 9. What else could he do in the circumstances 
 he was placed ? 
 
 10. Whom do you suppose it was ? 
 
 11. The board of directors looked gravely; in 
 fact, a frown began to settle on its face. 
 
 12. Why have you not kept the promise you 
 have made when I was at your house ? 
 
 13. Suppose Xerxes had have succeeded in con- 
 quering Greece ! 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 53 
 
 14. If I were in his place, I would not have 
 gone. 
 
 15. These flowers smell sweetly and look beauti- 
 fully. 
 
 16. There is no charity in giving of money to 
 the intemperate. 
 
 17. I have and ever shall insist on the necessity 
 of economy. 
 
 18. The dahlia, as well as the fuschia, is a native 
 of America. 
 
 19. The spirit and not the letter of the law, are 
 what we are to follow. 
 
 20. London is the largest of any city in Europe. 
 
 21. Am I the scholar who am to be punished? 
 
 22. The man could neither read or write. 
 
 23. Every one of your arguments are absurd. 
 
 Examination in History. 
 
 (Time allotted : three hours.) 
 
 1. Name the first discoverer of America from 
 each of the following countries, and give the date of 
 each discovery : 
 
 (1) England. 
 
 (2) Spain. 
 
 (3) France. 
 
 2. Write after each of the following-named colo- 
 
54 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 nies the date and locality of the first settlement, and 
 state to what nation the settlers belonged : 
 
 (1) Georgia. 
 
 (2) Maryland. 
 
 (3) Pennsylvania. 
 
 (4) Virginia. 
 
 3. When, and as the result of what war, were the 
 French possessions in Canada transferred to Eng- 
 land? 
 
 4. What were the boundaries of the territories of 
 the United States after the close of the Revolution- 
 ary War? 
 
 (1) North. 
 
 (2) South. 
 
 (3) East. 
 
 (4) West. 
 
 5. When and where did each of the following 
 events occur ? 
 
 (1) The first colonial Congress. 
 
 (2) Burgoyne's surrender. 
 
 (3) Arnold's treason. 
 
 6. Name two defects in the Articles of Confed- 
 eration which made it necessary to form a new Con- 
 stitution for the United States. 
 
 7. When and where was the first Government 
 organized under the present Constitution ? 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 55 
 
 8. Under whose administration did each of the 
 following events occur? 
 
 (1) The Louisiana purchase. 
 
 (2) The Nullification act. 
 
 (3) The Missouri Compromise. 
 
 (4) The Gadsden purchase. 
 
 9. When and from whom was the territory ac- 
 quired which is comprised in each of the following- 
 named States? 
 
 (1) Texas. 
 
 (2) California. 
 
 (3) Florida. 
 
 (4) Arizona. 
 
 10. Name three States of the Union which have 
 been admitted since the adoption of the Federal 
 Constitution, and which belonged, wholly or in part, 
 to other States of the Union. 
 
 11. Name the States in the Union in which 
 slavery existed in 1861. 
 
 12. Which of the slave States passed the ordi- 
 nance of secession, and which remained loyal to the 
 Government at Washington ? 
 
 13. Give the names, dates, and immediate results 
 of six important battles of the civil war. 
 
 14. What text-books in United States history 
 have you studied? 
 
56 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Examination in Geogeaphy. 
 
 1. What proportion of the earth's surface is 
 land? 
 
 2. Which hemisphere contains the more land, 
 northern or southern ? 
 
 3. If one should start from a point on the equa- 
 tor in the mid-Atlantic and travel eastward entire- 
 ly around the earth, keeping on the equator, name 
 the bodies of land and water over which he would 
 pass. 
 
 4. Name the five largest oceans of the earth. 
 
 5. Name all the States and Territories of the 
 United States which touch the Atlantic, the Pacific, 
 or the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 6. Name the States east of the Mississippi which 
 touch neither the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, nor 
 the Great Lakes. 
 
 7. Bound the following States and Territories : 
 Idaho, Arizona, Indian Territory, Minnesota, Ken- 
 tucky, North Carolina, and Vermont. 
 
 8. What States and Territories lie, in part or 
 wholly, west of the Rocky Mountain system ? 
 
 9. Locate definitely the following places, stating 
 upon what waters they are situated : Montgomery, 
 Macon, Shreveport, Little Kock, Austin, Albuquer- 
 
FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 57 
 
 que, Sacramento, Cheyenne, Detroit, Harrisburg, 
 Bangor, Milwaukee. 
 
 10. If a man should start from Santa Fe and go 
 due north to the British line, through what States 
 and Territories would he pass? 
 
 11. The parallel of St. Louis, between the At- 
 lantic and the Pacific, passes through what States 
 and Territories? 
 
 12. What political divisions of South America, 
 between its most easterly and southerly points, bor- 
 der on the Atlantic Ocean? 
 
 13. In going from St. Petersburg to Bombay by 
 steamer, nearest route, over what waters and by what 
 countries would you pass? 
 
 14. What countries of Europe touch Austria ? 
 
 15. Where is Beloochistan ? 
 
 16. Where is Nankin? upon what water is it 
 situated ? 
 
 17. What is the general direction of the Hoang- 
 Ho or Yellow River ? where does it empty ? 
 
 18. Where is Cambodia ? to what country does it 
 belong ? 
 
 19. Where is the Gulf of Salonica? 
 
 20. Where is the Strait of Otranto? 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 COMMISSIONS FROM THE RANKS OF THE REGULAR 
 ARMY. 
 
 As stated at the beginning of Chapter I, existing 
 laws and regulations state that vacancies in the 
 grade of second lieutenant are filled by appointment 
 from the graduates of the Military Academy, so 
 long as any such remain in service unassigned. 
 Vacancies thereafter are filled by appointment of 
 competitors from the army favorably recommended 
 under act of Congress approved June 30, 1892. 
 This act of Congress, and the rules prescribed by 
 the War Department for the examination of com- 
 petitors, are given in detail in the following order : 
 
 Headquarters of the Army, 
 Adjutant-General's Office, 
 Washington, November 26, 1892. 
 General Orders, No. 79. 
 
 By direction of the Secretary of War the follow- 
 ing law, and the regulations established by the 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 59 
 
 President to carry the same into effect, are pub- 
 lished for the information and guidance of all con- 
 cerned : 
 
 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- 
 sentatives of the United States of America in Con- 
 gress assembled, That the President be, and he is 
 hereby, authorized to prescribe a system of examina- 
 tion of enlisted men of the army, by such boards as 
 may be established by him, to determine their fit- 
 ness for promotion to the grade of second lieuten- 
 ant: Provided, That all unmarried soldiers under 
 thirty years of age, who are citizens of the United 
 States, are physically sound, who have served honor- 
 ably not less than two years in the army, and who 
 have borne a good moral character before and after 
 enlistment, may compete for promotion under any 
 system authorized by this act. 
 
 Sec. 2. That the members and recorder of such 
 boards as may be established by the President, under 
 the provisions of the preceding section, shall be 
 sworn in every case to discharge their duties hon- 
 estly and faithfully ; and the boards may examine 
 witnesses, and take depositions, for which purposes 
 they shall have such powers of a court of inquiry as 
 may be necessary. 
 
 Sec. 3. That the vacancies in the grade of sec- 
 
 
60 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 ond lieutenant heretofore filled by the promotion of 
 meritorious noncommissioned officers of the army, 
 under the provisions of section three of the act ap- 
 proved June eighteenth, eighteen hundred and sev- 
 enty-eight, shall be filled by the appointment of 
 competitors favorably recommended under this act, 
 in the order of merit established by the final exami- 
 nation. Each man who passes the final examina- 
 tion shall receive a certificate of eligibility, setting 
 forth the subjects in which he is proficient and the 
 especial grounds upon which the recommendation is 
 based : Provided, That not more than two examina- 
 tions shall be accorded to the same competitor. 
 
 Sec. 4. That all rights and privileges arising 
 from a certificate of eligibility may be vacated by 
 sentence of a court-martial ; but no soldier, while 
 holding the privileges of a certificate, shall be 
 brought before a garrison or regimental court-mar- 
 tial or summary court. 
 
 Sec. 5. That sections three and four of the act 
 approved June eighteenth, eighteen hundred and 
 seventy-eight, providing for the promotion of meri- 
 torious noncommissioned officers, be, and the same 
 are hereby, repealed. 
 
 Approved July 30, 1892. 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 61 
 
 I. For the purpose of computing age and length 
 of service, the first day of September of each year, 
 commencing with 1893, is fixed as the date of com- 
 petition. 
 
 Any soldier, otherwise qualified, whose age will 
 not exceed thirty years on the first of September 
 following, and who shall have served honorably not 
 less than two years in the army, on or before that 
 date, may (on or before the first day of February of 
 any year after 1892) make application, through the 
 regular military channels, to his department com- 
 mander, for preliminary examination, with a view 
 to determine his eligibility for entering the com- 
 petitive examinations. 
 
 Preliminary Examination. 
 
 II. As soon as practicable after the fifteenth of 
 March the department commander will convene a 
 board of five commissioned officers, including two 
 medical officers, for the preliminary examination of 
 applicants, and will order the applicants in his com- 
 mand to appear before it. This board will institute 
 a rigid inquiry into the character, capacity, record, 
 and qualifications of the several candidates, and will 
 recommend none for competitive examination who 
 are not able to establish their fitness for promotion 
 
62 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 to the entire satisfaction of the board. To that end 
 the procedure of the department boards will be 
 based upon that of retiring boards. Evidence will 
 be obtained from the certificates of officers, from 
 witnesses, under oath, and by means of sworn inter- 
 rogatories. The military record of each candidate 
 will be closely examined, and his antecedents before 
 entering the service will be made the subject of spe- 
 cial inquiry. 
 
 Every applicant will be subjected to a rigid 
 physical examination, and if there be found to exist 
 any cause of disqualification to such a degree as 
 might in the future impair his efficiency as an offi- 
 cer in the army, he will be rejected. Examination 
 as to physical qualifications shall conform to the 
 standard required of recruits, and a certificate of 
 physical examination by the medical officers of 
 the board shall accompany the proceedings of the 
 board. 
 
 The preliminary examination will embrace the 
 following subjects : 
 
 1. English grammar, including orthography, 
 reading, and writing from oral dictation. 
 
 2. Mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, to 
 include the solution of equations of the first degree 
 containing one unknown quantity, the use of loga- 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 63 
 
 rithms, the elements of plane geometry, plane trigo- 
 nometry, and surveying. 
 
 3. Geography, particularly in reference to the 
 United States and North America. 
 
 4. The outlines of general history, and particu- 
 larly the history of the United States. 
 
 5. The Constitution of the United States and 
 the organization of the Government under it, and 
 the elements of international law. 
 
 6. Army regulations, and the drill regulations of 
 the arm from which he is selected. The examina- 
 tion in drill regulations will be practical, extending 
 through the schools of the soldier, squad, and pla- 
 toon, and shall take place on the parade-ground in 
 the presence of the board. 
 
 7. The military record of the candidates as cer- 
 tified to by their company, post, and regimental 
 commanders. 
 
 8. Physical aptitude, as determined by the medi- 
 cal examination; proficiency in athletics, skill in 
 field sports, etc. 
 
 9. Moral character and civil record as verified by 
 the investigations of the board. 
 
 In awarding marks, the board will give to each 
 subject in the examination the relative weight given 
 in the following example. The weight to be given 
 
64 THEEE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 to each question will be determined by its impor- 
 tance, and will be set opposite the question in the 
 papers furnished the candidates : 
 
 Example. 
 
 1. English grammar, orthography, etc 100 
 
 2. Mathematics 200 
 
 3. Geography 100 
 
 4. History 100 
 
 5. Constitution and international law 100 
 
 6. Army and drill regulations and military capacity 
 
 and aptitude as determined therefrom 200 
 
 7. Military record 100 
 
 8. Physique 100 
 
 9. Moral character and antecedents 200 
 
 1,200 
 
 The duty of making the preliminary examina- 
 tion of applicants i3 one involving, in a high degree, 
 the welfare and character of the service, and all offi- 
 cers of departmental boards are enjoined to exercise 
 the utmost circumspection and care, not only that 
 no unworthy applicant be recommended, but also 
 that the most worthy shall be recommended. All 
 statements and certificates as to moral character, 
 general aptitude and fitness, should be carefully 
 verified by disinterested evidence. 
 
 Separate records will be submitted in each case 
 to the department commander, who will forward 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 65 
 
 them, with all papers presented in relation to the 
 applicant, to the adjutant-general of the army. 
 
 Competitive Examination. 
 
 III. A board to consist of five commissioned 
 officers (including two medical officers, whose duties 
 will be confined to inquiring into and reporting 
 upon the physical qualifications of the applicants) 
 will be convened by the War Department, to meet at 
 Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on the 1st of September 
 of each year, commencing with 1893, to conduct 
 the final competitive examination of the appli- 
 cants who have successfully passed the depart- 
 mental boards, in conformity with the following 
 regulations : 
 
 IV. Every applicant will be subjected to a rigid 
 physical examination, and if there be found to exist 
 any cause of disqualification to such a degree as 
 might in the future impair his efficiency as an offi- 
 cer in the army, he will be rejected. Examination 
 as to physical qualifications shall conform to the 
 standard required of recruits, and shall include a 
 certificate of physical examination by the medical 
 officers of the board to accompany the proceedings 
 of the board. 
 
 The board, being satisfied as to these preliminary 
 
66 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 points, will proceed to examine each candidate sepa- 
 rately in the following subjects : 
 
 1. English grammar, including orthography, 
 reading, and writing from oral dictation. 
 
 2. Mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, to 
 include the solution of equations of the first degree 
 containing one unknown quantity, the use of loga- 
 rithms, the elements of plane geometry, plane trigo- 
 nometry, and surveying. 
 
 3. Geography, particularly in reference to the 
 United States and North America. 
 
 4. The outlines of general history, and particu 
 larly the history of the United States. 
 
 5. The Constitution of the United States and 
 the organization of the Government under it, and 
 the elements of international law. 
 
 6. Army regulations and the drill regulations of 
 the arm from which the candidate is selected. The 
 examination in drill regulations will be practical, 
 extending through the school of the soldier, squad, 
 and platoon, and shall take place on the parade- 
 ground in the presence of the board. 
 
 7. The military records of the candidates as cer- 
 tified to by their company, post, and regimental 
 commanders. 
 
 8. Physical aptitude, as determined by the med- 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 
 
 67 
 
 ical examination; proficiency in athletics, skill in 
 field sports, etc. 
 
 9. Moral character and civil record as verified 
 after a thorough investigation by the board. 
 
 In awarding marks the board will give to each 
 subject in the examination the relative weight given 
 in the form following below. The general average 
 of the candidate will be computed as follows : Mark 
 each question according to its relative weight, and 
 reduce the aggregate of marks thus obtained in each 
 subject to a scale of 100. The result will give the 
 average of proficiency in the subject. Multiply the 
 average in each subject by the number indicating 
 
 Example. 
 
 No. 
 
 Subject. 
 
 II 
 
 OS 60 
 
 tBS> 
 
 English grammar, etc 
 
 Mathematics 
 
 Geography , 
 
 History 
 
 Constitutional and international law 
 
 Army and drill regulations, etc 
 
 Military record 
 
 Physique 
 
 Moral character and antecedents 
 
 88 
 76 
 
 so 
 78 
 
 67 
 
 76 
 
 so 
 
 75 
 85 
 
 3 
 4 
 2 
 3 
 2 
 3 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 
 &5~ 
 
 246 
 304 
 160 
 219 
 134 
 225 
 160 
 225 
 255 
 
 1.928 
 77-12 
 
68 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 the relative weight of the subject, and divide the 
 sum of the products by the sum of the relative 
 weights ; the quotient will be the general average. 
 No candidate will be passed by the board who shall 
 not have attained an average of 65 per cent in each 
 subject of examination and a general average of at 
 least 70 per cent. 
 
 V. When the board shall have examined and 
 passed upon all the applicants, it will prepare a 
 tabulated statement showing the order of their rela- 
 tive merit as developed by the examination, and for- 
 ward the proceedings, with all papers pertaining 
 thereto, to the adjutant-general. 
 
 Soldiers who successfully pass the final examina- 
 tion, and receive certificates as required by law, will 
 be known in the service as " candidates for promo- 
 tion," and will have the title of " candidate " pre- 
 fixed to that of their rank on all rolls, returns, 
 orders, and correspondence. They will be entitled 
 to this privilege so long only as they maintain the 
 specially honorable position of " candidate." 
 
 The right to appointment of a " candidate" who 
 does not receive an appointment as second lieuten- 
 ant in the meantime will expire on the first of Sep- 
 tember following his examination, unless he elects 
 to appear before the board at Fort Leavenworth a 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 69 
 
 second time for examination in competition with 
 those who may be examined at the time of his 
 second appearance. An applicant for re-examina- 
 tion will not be required to pass a departmental 
 board a second time. In order to secure a re-ex- 
 amination, he will forward an application therefor 
 through his regular military commanders (whose 
 remarks will be indorsed thereon) to the adjutant- 
 general, at least three months in advance of the 
 time of holding the annual competitive examina- 
 tion. After re-examination he will take his place 
 in the relative merit list with those examined at the 
 time of his re-examination. 
 
 Applicants who fail to pass the competitive 
 board at their first examination may secure a sec- 
 ond examination in the same manner as candidates 
 who pass and fail to receive an appointment. 
 
 No soldier will be re-examined who will pass the 
 age limit prior to the date set for such re-examina- 
 tion. 
 
 ; ' Candidates " who may be guilty of misconduct 
 will be promptly reported to the adjutant-general 
 of the army, through regimental and department 
 headquarters, the report to give a full statement of 
 the misconduct alleged, with names of witnesses. 
 Before forwarding such report to the adjutant- 
 
70 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 general of the army, the department commander 
 will see that the " candidate " has a fair and im- 
 partial hearing, that the merits of the case may be 
 carefully and accurately determined and reported 
 on for the decision of the Secretary of War. 
 
 " Candidates " will not be deprived of the privi- 
 leges of their position except by sentence of court- 
 martial as required by the law, or by the decision 
 of the Secretary of War. 
 
 By command of Major- General Schofield : 
 
 R. Williams, 
 
 Adjutant- General. 
 
 Method of making Application. 
 
 By reference to paragraph I of the foregoing 
 order, eligibility for promotion, so far as the right to 
 making an application is concerned, is clearly out- 
 lined. If eligible, application for promotion should 
 be made to the department commander in proper 
 form on or before the 1st of February, accom- 
 panied by the information required in the following 
 form : 
 
 Form for Individual Record of Candidate. 
 
 1. Give the exact date and place of your birth. 
 
 2. Are you married, or single ? 
 
FROM THE ARMY. fl 
 
 3. Are you a citizen of the United States? If 
 so, state whether native-born or naturalized. 
 
 4. What schools have you attended, and for what 
 periods ? Answer explicitly, giving dates, and desig- 
 nations of schools, as public schools, academies, dis- 
 trict schools, colleges, manual-training schools, night 
 schools, etc. 
 
 5. Have you ever been apprenticed to a trade ? 
 If so, to what trade, for what length of time ? 
 
 6. In what occupation or trade have you been 
 employed ? Answer explicitly, giving time, charac- 
 ter of employment, etc. 
 
 7. During what time have you supported your- 
 self, totally or partially, by your own labor ? 
 
 8. Have you ever served in the National Guard ? 
 Answer explicitly, giving State, arm of service, rank, 
 etc. 
 
 (Signature) 
 
 Sworn to and subscribed before me, the 
 
 day of a. D. 189 . 
 
 Method of Selection". 
 
 Any unmarried soldier who is eligible under the 
 law as to nationality, age, and character, may enter 
 the competitive examination for promotion to the 
 grade of second lieutenant in the army. A private 
 
72 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 has as much right to compete as a noncommissioned 
 officer. The applicant may belong to any arm of 
 the service or to any staff corps, for the law states 
 very clearly that the competition shall be open to 
 all enlisted men of the army. There is, therefore, 
 no limit to the number who may compete, provided 
 the above provisions of the law are fulfilled. 
 
 Character of Examinations. 
 
 The character and extent of the examinations 
 are so clearly stated in the order just quoted that 
 little remains to be said on these subjects. To give 
 the applicant a more tangible idea of the extent and 
 character of these examinations, a list of the ques- 
 tions propounded at a final examination at Fort 
 Leavenworth is given at the close of this chapter. 
 
 Examinations are usually conducted on each 
 subject in the order named. The time allowed to 
 complete an examination on any subject may or 
 may not be limited, but it usually takes about two 
 weeks to complete the mental examination. 
 
 Applicants should bear in mind that different 
 questions are asked each year ; the ones given in this 
 chapter are intended merely as a guide to what may 
 be anticipated in future examinations. 
 
 It will be observed that the extent and character 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 73 
 
 of preliminary examination are the same as the char- 
 acter and extent of the final examination, but appli- 
 cants who fail to pass the preliminary board will 
 not be ordered for final competitive examination at 
 Fort Leavenworth. 
 
 Hints to Competitors. 
 
 Any soldier ambitious to rise to the grade of 
 a commissioned officer will do wisely to examine 
 closely all the requirements of the position he seeks, 
 and the extent of the examinations he will have to 
 pass to secure the prize. Being satisfied that he is 
 physically, mentally, and morally equal to the occa- 
 sion, he should make his application as previously 
 described. As a rule, officers will do all in their 
 power to assist a worthy man, although they may 
 dislike to lose an efficient and valuable man. As to 
 length of service, the regulations simply require 
 that the candidate shall have served at least two 
 years in the army. The service of a cadet honor- 
 ably discharged from the United States Military 
 Academy counts as "service in the army," and 
 hence could be used to fulfill the conditions as re- 
 gards length of service. 
 
 Applicants are referred to the " Points," in re- 
 gard to the entrance examinations at the Military 
 
74 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Academy, which are given in the previous chapter, 
 and most of which apply in the examination of com- 
 petitors for promotion. If extra time is wanted in 
 preparing for an examination, make a formal appli- 
 cation for it to the post commander through your 
 company commander, stating your reasons. A very 
 good and proper rule which a company commander 
 may follow is, never to recommend a man for pro- 
 motion unless he feels that he would be glad to have 
 the man as a second lieutenant of his own company. 
 
 Candidates for promotion should always behave 
 in a soldierly manner, being prompt and cheerful in 
 the obedience of all orders, remembering that one 
 must first learn to obey before he can successfully 
 command. The bearing and conduct of a candidate 
 during examination are always taken into considera- 
 tion by the board in determining his character and 
 aptitude for the position he seeks. In the past ten 
 years about one hundred noncommissioned officers 
 have been promoted to the grade of second lieuten- 
 ant in the army. There is no limit to the number 
 that may be promoted from any one regiment, or 
 even from any one company, but it has seldom hap- 
 pened that more than two have qualified from the 
 same regiment in a single year. 
 
 As any soldier may now compete for promotion, 
 
FROM THE ARMY. f5 
 
 it is probable that there will be an increase in the 
 number promoted from the army, for more young 
 men may now be induced to enlist for that purpose. 
 The increase, however, will necessarily be slight, for 
 it seldom happens that there are more than a dozen 
 vacancies in the army after the assignment of the 
 class graduating from the Military Academy. 
 
 Assignment to Regiment. 
 
 The army regulations state that, as a rule, sol- 
 diers promoted to the grade of second lieutenant 
 will be assigned to vacancies existing in the regi- 
 ments from which they are promoted ; but this is 
 really more the exception than the rule, as the re- 
 quired vacancies do not always exist. But this is a 
 matter of little importance, as there is now no par- 
 ticular advantage to be gained by being assigned to 
 any particular regiment. 
 
 If vacancies exist in the arm}% candidates usually 
 remain at Fort Leavenworth after completing the 
 final examination until receipt of their appoint- 
 ments as second lieutenants. 
 
 The expenses of candidates from the army, going 
 to and returning from examinations, are of course 
 defrayed by the Government, and they receive pay, 
 rations, etc., during examination, as they are con- 
 
76 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 sidered quite as much on duty as if they were at 
 their proper station. Successful candidates receive 
 pay as officers from the day the new office is ac- 
 cepted. With the appointment comes the letter of 
 assignment and the order directing each officer to 
 join his new station on or before such a date, a 
 delay of about thirty days being allowed to enable 
 him to procure his uniform and equipments. Be- 
 ing under orders, his necessary traveling expenses 
 will be paid by the Government. Many of the re- 
 marks under this head, near the close of Chapters I 
 and III, are applicable in the case of officers pro- 
 moted from the army, and their attention is invited 
 to them. 
 
 Enlisting for a Commission. 
 
 The attention of those young men in civil life 
 who may contemplate enlisting in the regular army 
 with a view to obtaining a commission is invited 
 to all that has been said in the present chapter 
 concerning the promotion of meritorious soldiers. 
 From this will be obtained all necessary information 
 regarding the qualifications of such candidates, and 
 this is the only path that will lead from the ranks 
 to a commission. 
 
 The young man who is debating whether to 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 77 
 
 make the effort or not may wish to know, to begin 
 with, what steps he must take in order to enter the 
 army, and about what his duties may be as a sol- 
 dier. 
 
 This information can easily be obtained by sim- 
 ply calling at any army recruiting office. These 
 offices are located in all the principal cities of the 
 United States, a list of which, with their location, is 
 given in the Appendix. The same information 
 may be had by calling at the adjutant's office at any 
 military post in the United States which is garri- 
 soned by troops belonging to the regular army. In 
 short, any unmarried man between sixteen and 
 thirty years of age, who is physically sound, of 
 good moral character, and able to read and write 
 the English language, can enlist in the regular 
 army by applying to any of the recruiting offices 
 referred to, or to the recruiting officer at any mili- 
 tary post. 
 
 He must be at least five feet four inches in 
 height, and weigh at least one hundred and twenty- 
 eight pounds, and, if a minor, must have the con- 
 sent of his parents or guardians. As the law requires 
 a man to serve at least two years in the army before 
 he is eligible for final examination for promotion, 
 and as no man over thirty years of age will be com- 
 
78 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 missioned, a young man enlisting with a view to ob- 
 taining a commission should not be over twenty- 
 seven years old. Although these seem to be very 
 simple conditions for the ordinary man to fulfill, it 
 may be interesting to know that at present only 
 about one man in five who presents himself for en- 
 listment succeeds in passing the examination. Some 
 are rejected on general appearance, others for not 
 being able to show evidence of good character, and 
 the rest for failure to pass physically. 
 
 Strange as it may seem to some, the regular army 
 is not composed of a set of loafers and tramps, or 
 rascals who wish to escape the penalties of the civil 
 law. True, a few of these vagabonds find their way 
 into the army; but if you select twenty-five thou- 
 sand lawyers, doctors, or twenty-five thousand men 
 of any one profession in the United States, among 
 that number a sprinkling of black sheep will be 
 found. The majority of the enlisted men of the 
 army are obedient, industrious, and honest, and are 
 deserving of more credit for their intelligence and 
 soldierly conduct than is ever given to them by the 
 average American citizen. That menial or degrad- 
 ing services are required of soldiers is sheer non- 
 sense. 
 
 It is true that they make their own beds and 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 79 
 
 fires, cook their own food, and dust their own 
 clothes, and are required to keep their quarters 
 neat and clean ; but this much is required of cadets 
 at the Military Academy, and it is not considered 
 to be beneath their station or calling. An officer or 
 soldier who can not care for himself in time of 
 peace, is liable to starve or die from ignorant expos- 
 ure in time of war. 
 
 This short dissertation is given simply to insure 
 the young man desirous of enlisting for a commis- 
 sion that he will not be casting his lot among the 
 toughest element in the land, which is quite a pop- 
 ular belief regarding the army. He will find men 
 in nearly every company of the army who are his 
 equal . in many respects, and his superior in others. 
 It is not intended by the foregoing to induce young 
 men of good breeding and superior intellectual at- 
 tainments to enter the army with a view to obtain- 
 ing a commission ; for the enlisting of such a man is 
 a serious question, as he may be unable to succeed 
 in his efforts, and be sorry for the step he has taken. 
 
 The young man who is sufficiently well educated 
 to pass his examinations for a commission may be 
 totally unfit and unable to undergo the discipline 
 and duty required of the average soldier in the 
 ranks. Life might be so unbearable that he would 
 
80 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 not serve another month if he could get out of it. 
 But that young man is equally unfit to become a 
 commissioned officer ; for a man unable to perform 
 the duties of the ordinary soldier for two or three 
 years, would be useless as an officer. Hence, he has 
 missed his calling, and never should have enlisted. 
 The young man who enlists for a commission must 
 not only be physically, morally, and intellectually 
 capable of passing the required examinations, but 
 he needs, above all, good common sense combined 
 with what is known as backbone or grit, and suffi- 
 cient tact to accommodate himself to circumstances. 
 In general, he will be comfortably housed, well fed 
 and well clothed, and will receive sufficient pay to 
 defray all necessary expenses. Socially, he may not 
 have the advantages to which he has been accus- 
 tomed, but amusements of various kinds are got 
 up and enjoyed by every garrison. Schools for his 
 education, libraries, and reading-rooms containing 
 valuable books and leading periodicals of the day, 
 are maintained at every post in the army. Many of 
 the companies and some of the posts have gymna- 
 siums, and pool and billiard rooms, which afford 
 amusement and exercise. All of these, except the 
 pool and billiard rooms, are kept up by the Govern- 
 ment, and billiards and pool never cost more than 
 
FROM THE ARMY. gl 
 
 five cents a game. For purposes of discipline there 
 is more or less of a gulf between the men and their 
 officers, which is particularly true of their social 
 life. Eight here is where his grit and tact come in 
 play ; for, no matter what his previous station in life 
 may have been, it would not become him to pre- 
 sume to throw himself forward or above his com- 
 rades, no matter how much he or his friends might 
 desire it. He must come into the service prepared 
 to take what falls to his lot, doing his duty without 
 complaint, for it is only " old soldiers " who claim 
 the right to " growl." Remember, you are a soldier, 
 and must do a soldier's duty to entitle you to the 
 respect and confidence of your comrades. Show 
 due respect at all times to your superiors, be manly 
 and impartial to your inferiors, prompt and cheer- 
 ful in the obedience of all lawful orders. 
 
 Selection of Arm of Service. 
 
 Shall I enlist in the infantry, cavalry, or artillery? 
 will be the question that a young man from civil 
 life desiring promotion will ask. In time of peace 
 artillery enjoys good stations, but the men have to 
 learn infantry as well as artillery drill. Cavalry 
 have the worst stations, and the men have horses 
 to care for, besides arms and equipments galore. 
 
82 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 The infantry have good stations, and the men have 
 less to do, and less to learn in time of peace, than 
 either of the other arms. In time of war, as Gen- 
 eral Sherman has said, " infantry is the backbone of 
 the army." But it is believed that any officer, after 
 a moment's thought, would advise his friend desir- 
 ing to obtain a commission in the easiest manner 
 and in the shortest period of time, to join the in- 
 fantry first, the artillery next, the cavalry last. 
 
 Pay and Discharges. 
 
 According to recent laws, a man in the first en- 
 listment may now be discharged from the army after 
 three years' honorable service by simply requesting 
 it. Or, after one year's service, he can purchase his 
 discharge by paying to the United States five dollars 
 for every month he has yet to serve to complete 
 three years' service. For example, should a man 
 desire to leave the service at the end of one year, by 
 paving to the Government the sum of one hundred 
 and twenty dollars he will receive his discharge. 
 
 So it is now an easy matter to get out of the 
 army if one finds he does not like it. The pay of a 
 man for the first two years of his service is thirteen 
 dollars per month, besides good quarters, clothes, 
 and food, and plenty of them. Each year after the 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 83 
 
 second the pay increases one dollar per month, and, 
 of course, noncommissioned officers receive an in- 
 crease of a few dollars per month over the private. 
 The average pay of staff: sergeants is about forty 
 dollars per month. 
 
 Final Examination Questions, 
 Fort Leavenworth. 
 
 Grammar. 
 
 1. Give the parts of speech, with the modifica- 
 tions to which each is subject. 
 
 2. Define each modification. 
 
 3. When is each case used, and how is each 
 formed, in both simple and compound words? 
 
 4. What are the relative pronouns, and when is 
 each used ? 
 
 5. Into what general classes are adjectives di- 
 vided? Give an example of each. 
 
 6. How are verbs divided with respect to mean- 
 ing ? Define each, and give examples. 
 
 7. Define the different voices of verbs, and give 
 examples of a verb in each voice. 
 
 8. Define the different moods of verbs, and give 
 examples of a verb in each. 
 
 9. How are participles used ? Give examples. 
 
84 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 10. How are adverbs classified with reference to 
 meaning ? Give examples of each. 
 
 11. What is the office of the preposition ? 
 
 12. How are conjunctions classified ? Give ex- 
 amples. 
 
 13. Correct the following sentences (giving rea- 
 sons) : 
 
 (1) This is a man whom I think deserves en- 
 couragement. 
 
 (2) The Senate of the United States are a more 
 dignified body than the House of Representatives. 
 
 (3) The court is unable to agree. 
 
 (4) This is one of the most valuable books that 
 has appeared in any language. 
 
 (5) The condition of the crops show that the 
 country has suffered much. 
 
 (6) To read and write were once an honorary 
 distinction. 
 
 (7) The public is often deceived by false appear- 
 ances. 
 
 (8) Charles formed expensive habits and by 
 those means became poor. 
 
 (9) It is difficult in some cases to distinguish 
 between an interrogatory and exclamatory sentence. 
 
 (10) There is no doubt of the bill passing the 
 house. 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 85 
 
 (11) The dress was made by Worth, the milliner, 
 he that we saw in Paris. 
 
 (12) My father allowed my brother and I to ac- 
 company him. 
 
 (13) I would act the same part if I were him. 
 (li) They seemed to be nearly dressed alike. 
 
 (15) At home I studied geometry, that I found 
 useful afterwards. 
 
 (16) Who did you vote for? 
 
 (17) The money is to be divided between the 
 three brothers. 
 
 (18) As far as I am able to judge the book is well 
 written. 
 
 (19) Either you or I are in the way. 
 
 (20) An account of the great events in all parts 
 of the world are given in the daily papers. 
 
 14. Analyze and parse the following sentence: 
 " To enable them to prepare for examination, candi- 
 dates will, when practicable, be designated to appear 
 six months in advance." 
 
 Spelling. 
 
 Cellule. Synchronous. 
 
 Mignonette. Hemorrhage. 
 
 Recommend. Syzygy. 
 
 Awry. Femoral. 
 
86 
 
 THREE 
 
 ROADS 
 
 TO 
 
 i A COMMISSION. 
 
 Presbytery. 
 
 
 
 Sibylline. 
 
 Salable. 
 
 
 
 Pellucid. 
 
 Myrrh. 
 
 
 
 Pyrites. 
 
 Diphthong. 
 
 
 
 Hydropathy. 
 
 Chemise. 
 
 
 
 Palladium. 
 
 Vedette. 
 
 
 
 Coliseum. 
 
 Purloin. 
 
 
 
 Panegyric. 
 
 Petard. 
 
 
 
 Empyrean. 
 
 
 Dictat 
 
 ion. 
 
 While the doughty king was engaged in war the 
 roguish dauphin spent his time in the pleasure of 
 his own coterie. His raillery and innuendoes occa- 
 sionally stirred his companions from their syco- 
 phancy into something like a display of manly in- 
 dependence; but this, reacting on the changeable 
 nature of their liege lord, ruffled his complaisance, 
 and they relapsed into their former state. 
 
 Define the words in italics in the foregoing. 
 
 Arithmetic. 
 
 1. What is the least number of cents that will 
 pay for a number of peaches at 3 / 4 of a cent each, a 
 number of apples at % of a cent each, and a number 
 of pears at % of a cent each ? 
 
 2. Find the difference between seven thousand 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 87 
 
 and seven thousandths, and divide the remainder by 
 seven millionths. 
 
 3. If by selling a horse at $80 I lose 12y 2 per 
 cent of the first cost, shall I gain or lose, and what 
 per cent by selling him at $90 ? 
 
 4. What per cent of 455 is 10-25 ? 
 
 5. Add seventy-five hundredths, eight and sixty- 
 seven thousandths, seven and three hundred and 
 fifty-four thousandths. 
 
 6. Divide two hundred and twenty- two ten thou- 
 sandths by one and twenty-five hundredths, and re- 
 duce result to a common fraction in its lowest terms. 
 
 019/ 1/ 
 
 7. Reduce -^ and ■— to decimal fractions and 
 
 /5 /3 
 
 multiply one by the other. 
 
 8. How much of each kind of tea, worth 72, 54, 
 and 48 cents, will be required to make a mixture of 
 100 pounds worth 60 cents per pound ? 
 
 9. If 320,000 bricks 9 in. long, 5 in. broad, and 
 2% in. thick are required for the construction of a 
 building, how many bricks 12 in. long, 6 in. broad, 
 and 3 in. thick would be required for the same pur- 
 pose? 
 
 10. If % of a bushel of oats be required for % of 
 a bushel of corn, what is the cost of a bushel of oats 
 when corn is 3 / 4 of a dollar a bushel ? 
 
88 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 11. What part of 13 / 25 + 8 / 21 is V/ 7 - % ? 
 
 12. A man travels 3 miles the first day, 5 the 
 second, 7 the third, and so on, till he went 57 miles 
 in one day, how many days had he traveled at the 
 close of the last day ? 
 
 Logarithms. 
 
 1. 4-95 X 6981-7 X 56 X -009872. 
 
 A 58472 
 
 89-54* 
 
 876543 X '03542 
 
 -7654x321-28' 
 
 4. (15) 5 . 
 
 5. (-00009)-%. 
 
 6. (2364)%. 
 
 *l* V( /00006) • 
 
 . a . A A sin 25° 10' 15" X 198 
 8 - SldeA ^- sinl25-54-10" ' 
 
 9. Hns XL A = i / 5iT(105 o 24- 7 ') sin (31^8^ 
 y sin (35° 45' 14") sin (100° 39')* 
 
 10 TanV (A 1 B) - ^(^°^^ / >^(75°12'6") 
 10. Ian /, (A+J5)- cos (36 o ag , 39 „ } 
 
 Algebra. 
 1. Multiply z + y 2a z 2 -y 4a 2 z 3 by l-y 2a z-f 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 89 
 
 2. Divide 15x 5 y 3 + Wy 5 + 10x 2 y 5 + 6z 6 -f 
 6z 3 ?/ 2 -5a; 5 # 2 -9a: 2 # 4 — 6x 4 y* by 2z 2 # 2 + 3a; 3 
 + 3y 2 . 
 
 3. Divide 8 + 12x- 1 + 2z- 2 + 2x-* by *-££*-* 
 -f- 4, and write result with positive exponents. 
 
 4. Find the G. C. D. of 20a; 6 - 12z 5 + 16a; 4 - 
 15z 3 + 14z 2 -15z-f 4 and 15a; 4 - 9a; 3 + 47z 2 - 
 21z + 28. 
 
 5. Find the L. C. multiple of a; 4 - 10z 2 +9z 4 
 -fl02; 3 4-202; 2 -10rr-21, and a; 4 + 4a; 3 -22a; 2 - 
 4a; + 21. 
 
 x(a-\-x) hax — x 2 2 a 2 
 a — x x — 2 a — x 
 
 a; 4 — 5 4 s*+fta;' 
 
 a; 2 — 2bx-\-b 2 x — b' 
 
 9. Find the value of x in the following equation : 
 
 10. Find the value of x in the following : 
 
 4 'TAX — *05 H _ 
 •8 a; -r = 1-6 a; + 8-9. 
 
90 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Geometry. 
 
 1. In equal triangles what parts must be equal — 
 or, how many parts of equal triangles must be equal, 
 and what are they ? 
 
 2. What is the sum of the angles of any triangle 
 equal to ? Demonstrate it. 
 
 3. What is the sum of the exterior angles of any 
 polygon equal to? Demonstrate it. 
 
 4. How many circumferences may be made to 
 pass through any three points not in the same 
 straight line ? Demonstrate it. 
 
 5. In equal circles what is the relation between 
 angles at the center and the intercepted arcs? 
 Demonstrate it. 
 
 6. What is the measure of an angle inscribed in 
 a circle? Demonstrate it. 
 
 7. In any triangle, what is the square of the side 
 opposite an acute angle equal to ? opposite an obtuse 
 angle ? Demonstrate it. 
 
 8. How does a line drawn parallel to the base of 
 a triangle divide the other two sides ? Demonstrate. 
 
 9. When are triangles similar? 
 
 10. What is the relation between the perimeters 
 of similar polygons and also between their areas ? 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 91 
 
 Trigonometry. 
 
 1. How is a plane angle measured ? 
 
 2. What is meant by the complement of an arc ?. 
 
 3. What is meant by the supplement of an arc ? 
 
 4. What parts of a triangle must be known in 
 order that the other parts may be determined ? 
 
 5. Draw a diagram showing the different func- 
 tions of the arc used in trigonometry. 
 
 6. What is meant by the natural sine, cosine, etc. ? 
 
 7. Given, two angles, A = 30° 25' 40", C = 95° 
 18' 10", and side AC = 40 ; determine the other 
 sides. 
 
 8. Given, two sides, CB = 80-75, AC - 68-05, and 
 the included angle = 125° 48' 10" ; determine the 
 other side. 
 
 9. Given, the sides of a triangle, 288,500, and 
 384 ; determine the angles. 
 
 10. The base of a right-angled triangle is 384, 
 the perpendicular 288 ; determine the other parts. 
 
 Elements of Surveying. 
 
 1. In the measurement of distances with the 
 chain alone, how is a line prolonged beyond an ob- 
 stacle, when it can not be seen over ? 
 
 2. Using the surveyor's compass, how are correc- 
 
92 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 tions made for local attractions, and how are the 
 field-notes kept? 
 
 3. Kequired, the contents and plot of a piece of 
 land of which the following are the field-notes : 
 
 STATIONS. 
 
 BEARINGS. 
 
 DISTANCES. 
 
 1 
 
 N52 E 
 
 10-64 
 
 2 
 
 S 29 3 / 4 E 
 
 4-09 
 
 3 
 
 S 31% W 
 
 7-68 
 
 4 
 
 N61 W 
 
 7-24 
 
 4. Describe the method of finding the true me- 
 ridian with the compass. 
 
 5. Describe the vernier, and the manner of read- 
 ing an instrument by it. 
 
 6. How are horizontal angles measured with the 
 transit ? 
 
 7. How are distances measured, using the stadia, 
 or micrometer, and rod ? 
 
 8. Given in outline the principles upon which a 
 trigonometrical survey of a section of country is 
 made. 
 
 9. Describe the manner of locating the positions 
 of any three points in a survey by means of a plane 
 table. 
 
 10. Explain the manner of finding the differ- 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 93 
 
 ence of level between two points with the Y-level. 
 Show the manner of keeping the field-notes. 
 
 Geography. 
 
 1. What countries lie entirely within the Eastern 
 hemisphere ? What countries lie entirely within the 
 Western hemisphere ? What countries lie partly 
 within both hemispheres ? 
 
 2. Define latitude and longitude, and show how 
 the latter corresponds to time, and why. 
 
 3. On what general principles are maps con- 
 structed ? Explain the uses of scales on maps. 
 
 4. What is a mountain system ? Give an exam- 
 ple of one in North America, in South America, in 
 Asia, and in Africa. 
 
 5. What is a river system ? Give an example of 
 one in each of the foregoing countries. 
 
 6. Give the positions of the following countries 
 on the globe ; name the waters by which their 
 coasts are washed, their principal exports, and the 
 names of the races of people occupying them : Brit- 
 ish America; the United States, including Alaska ; 
 Mexico ; Central America ; France ; Denmark ; Eus- 
 sia ; India ; Arabia ; Australia ; Japan ; and South 
 America. 
 
 7. Name the five largest rivers, giving their 
 
94 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 sources, lengths, and mouths, in North America; 
 the three highest mountains ; the three largest 
 lakes, with their outlets. Which is the highest 
 mountain in the United States east of the Missis- 
 sippi River? 
 
 8. Name the three largest rivers in South Amer- 
 ica, giving their sources, lengths, and mouths ; the 
 highest mountain-peak in South America. 
 
 9. Name the provinces constituting the Domin- 
 ion of Canada. What is the form of government of 
 the Dominion? 
 
 10. W'hat are the principal islands in the Carib- 
 bean Sea ? What is the name of the first island dis- 
 covered by Columbus? To what group of islands 
 does it belong ? 
 
 11. Where does the Gulf Stream originate? In 
 what direction does it flow, and what effect has it on 
 the climate of the countries near which it passes ? 
 What produces it? What stream on the Pacific 
 coast resembles it in origin and effects? 
 
 12. What are the chief agricultural products of 
 the United States on the Atlantic coast — in the 
 Mississippi River basin ? Why is the climate of the 
 Pacific coast so different from that of the Atlantic 
 coast ? 
 
 13. Where are the outlets of the Humboldt and 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 95 
 
 Carson Rivers? Into what does the Saskatchewan 
 How? 
 
 14. Where is the Congo Free State? Bound it. 
 
 15. Where are the divides, or water-sheds, sepa- 
 rating the sources of the following rivers? — The Mis- 
 souri from the Columbia ; the Ohio from the Hud- 
 son ; the Rhine from the Danube ; the Congo from 
 the Nile. 
 
 16. Where is the Argentine Republic situated? 
 Name its three principal cities. How far does Chili 
 extend along the coast of South America? To what 
 country does the Isthmus of Panama belong ? 
 
 17. Name some of the chief productions of Mexi- 
 co. What railroads connect Mexico with the United 
 States? What is the principal harbor on the east- 
 ern coast ? on the western coast ? 
 
 18. Where is St. George's Channel? the Irish 
 Sea? Name the four principal rivers in France. 
 Where are the Vosges Mountains ? Where is Vladi- 
 vostocks? Where is the Punjaub, and what river 
 flows through it? What country borders on the 
 west? 
 
 19. Where is Copenhagen? To what govern- 
 ment does Hong-Kong belong? What kingdoms 
 are comprised in the German Empire? Where is 
 Iceland situated, and to what government does it 
 
96 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 belong? About opposite what State of the United 
 States is Bermuda situated ? 
 
 20. What is the shortest fresh-water route from 
 Chicago to New York ? to Philadelphia ? By what 
 route can a letter be sent in the shortest time from 
 London to Yokohama ? A ship sailing from Nor- 
 folk, Va., to Melbourne, without going through the 
 Suez Canal, would take what route? What route 
 would be traveled by a ship sailing from Liverpool 
 to Canton via Suez Canal ? The Suez Canal being 
 closed, what route would a ship sailing from Cron- 
 stadt to Vladivostock have to take ? In going from 
 Burlington, Vt, to Vicksburg, Miss., in a straight 
 line, what States would you pass through? 
 
 History. 
 
 1. Give a brief account of the military exploits 
 of Alexander the Great. 
 
 2. Give a brief summary of the military opera- 
 tions of Hannibal. 
 
 3. Give a brief summary of the military exploits 
 of Julius Caesar. 
 
 4. Who were the Huns, Goths, and Vandals? 
 Where did they come from? And who were the 
 principal leaders of each engaged at different times 
 in attacking Home and overrunning her territory ? 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 97 
 
 5. Give a short account of Charlemagne's career, 
 and state the greatest extent of country ruled over 
 by him. 
 
 6. State briefly the origin of the Crusades, and 
 the most important results. 
 
 7. When did the fall of Constantinople, and 
 the consequent fall of the Eastern Empire, take 
 place ? 
 
 8. Who were the rulers of France, Spain, and 
 England when the Reformation began ? 
 
 9. What were the most important results of the 
 defeat of the Spanish armada? 
 
 10. Give a brief summary of the career of Oliver 
 Cromwell. What was the English Commonwealth, 
 and how long did it last ? 
 
 11. What was the Revolution of 1688 in England, 
 and how brought about? Name some of the pro- 
 visions of the Bill of Rights. 
 
 12. When did the Seven Years' War begin and 
 end ? Name three battles in which Frederick was 
 victorious, and two in which he lost. 
 
 13. When was Napoleon first crowned Emperor 
 of France ? Give a brief summary of his military 
 operations in 1805. What great naval battle was 
 fought in that year ? 
 
 14. Give a summary of the causes, direct and in- 
 
98 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 direct, which brought about the American Revolu- 
 tion, 1776. 
 
 15. Give a brief account of the battle of Long 
 Island, and the subsequent operations of the Ameri- 
 can troops up to and including the battle of Tren- 
 ton. What were the immediate effects of the vic- 
 tory gained by Washington? 
 
 16. What were the most important results to the 
 Americans of Burgoyne's surrender ? 
 
 17. When were the Articles of Confederation 
 adopted by the thirteen States? What title did 
 the confederacy take under these articles? What 
 powers were granted to the General Government? 
 
 18. Give a brief account of the military opera- 
 tions which led to the surrender of Cornwallis's 
 army? Where and when was the treaty of peace 
 between the United States and England signed ? 
 
 19. What were the causes of Shays's rebellion? 
 
 20. When was the Federal Constitution adopted, 
 and when did the first Congress authorized by it as- 
 semble ? What name was given to the members of 
 the party supporting the Constitution ? to the one 
 opposing it ? When were the names of Republican 
 and Democratic first given to political parties in the 
 United States? 
 
 21. Give a brief account of the causes of the 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 99 
 
 Whisky Insurrection. When did it occur, and how 
 was it suppressed ? 
 
 22. Give the boundaries of the territory added 
 to the United States by the Louisiana purchase of 
 1803. 
 
 23. When, without any actual declaration of 
 war, did hostilities begin between the United States 
 and France? Name some of the vessels engaged in 
 action. What claims were made against the United 
 States by some of their citizens, growing out of this 
 state of affairs ? 
 
 24. Name some of the causes, direct and indirect, 
 which led to the declaration of war against England 
 in 1812. 
 
 25. What was the Missouri Compromise ? When 
 adopted ? When repealed ? 
 
 26. Give a brief account of the nullification acts 
 of South Carolina in 1832. What resulted from 
 them? 
 
 27. State briefly the causes of the war between 
 the United States and Mexico. What were the 
 terms of the treaty made between the two powers 
 at the close of the war? What is the Gadsden pur- 
 chase ? 
 
 28. Give a brief account of the battles of Gettys- 
 burg and Nashville, the names of the generals com- 
 
100 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 manding on both sides, the results of the battles, 
 etc. 
 
 29. What were the Alabama claims, and how dis- 
 posed of ? 
 
 30. When did the United States resume specie 
 payment after the war of the rebellion, 1861-'65 ? 
 
 Constitutional Law. 
 
 1. Into how many departments does the Consti- 
 tution distribute the powers of the Government of 
 the United States? Explain the powers of each, 
 and how they deal as regards time. 
 
 2. The Constitution, in enumerating the powers 
 which shall be exercised by authority of the General 
 Government, confers them in terms upon Congress. 
 What are they ? 
 
 (1) Finances, (2) commerce, (3) commercial, (4) 
 penalties, (5) postal, (6) patent and copyrights, (7) 
 war, (8) judiciary, (9) naturalization, (10) terri- 
 tory, (11) states, (12) executive vacancy, (13) 
 appointments, (14) constitutional amendments, 
 (15) slavery, (16) general law-making, (17) meet- 
 ing. 
 
 3. Enumerate the prohibitions on the United 
 States. 
 
 (1) Habeas corpus, (2) direct taxes, (3) export 
 
PROM THE ARMY. 1Q1 
 
 duties, (4) interstate commerce, (5) public money, 
 (6) nobility, (7) penalties, (8) foreign slave trade, 
 (9) repudiation, (10) freedom. 
 
 4. Enumerate the prohibitions on the States. 
 (1) State relations, (2) commerce, (3) war, (4) 
 
 penalties, (5) nobility, (6) duties, (7) slavery. 
 
 5. What rights are reserved to the States ? 
 
 (1) Kepresentation, (2) citizenship, (3) state 
 amity, (4) new States, (5) elections, (6) militia offi- 
 cers, (7) Federal protection, (8) fugitives, (9) reser- 
 vations. 
 
 6. What personal rights are guaranteed under 
 the Constitution ? 
 
 (1) Domicile, (2) security, (3) judicial, (4) crim- 
 inal actions, (5) civil actions, (6) treason, (7) official 
 immunities. 
 
 7. Where is, the judicial power of the Govern- 
 ment vested ? 
 
 8. Jurisdiction of the judicial power ? 
 
 9. In what cases has the Supreme Court original 
 jurisdiction ? 
 
 10. In what cases appellate jurisdiction? 
 
 11. Define citizenship. 
 
 12. By what process may an alien be made a citi- 
 zen ? Explain the steps required, and give excep- 
 tions in favor of soldiers. 
 
102 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 13. Give the three processes by which a bill may 
 become a law. 
 
 14. What are ex post facto laws ? 
 
 15. In what case has the President no pardoning 
 power ? 
 
 16. How are treaties made? 
 
 17. What two methods of proposing and ratify- 
 ing amendments to the Constitution ? 
 
 18. In what does treason consist, and what is 
 necessary to convict ? 
 
 19. Explain the difference between taxes, duties, 
 imposts, and excises. 
 
 20. In case of the removal, death, resignation, or 
 inability of both the President and Vice-President, 
 give the order of presidential succession. 
 
 International Law. 
 
 1. Who are parties to international law ? 
 
 2. What do you understand by the sovereignty 
 of a State? 
 
 3. How are governments classified ? Name and 
 define each. 
 
 4. How are sovereign powers classified ? 
 
 5. How is the national character of an individ- 
 ual determined ? 
 
PROM THE ARMY. 103 
 
 6. Define extradition, and by what three ways 
 it may be effected. 
 
 7. As nations can not treat directly with each 
 other, how is intercourse between them carried on, 
 and how classified ? 
 
 8. For what purposes are consuls appointed ? 
 
 9. Define treaties, their purpose. To whom does 
 the right of making treaties belong ? 
 
 10. In case of conflict of international rights, 
 what three ways of adjusting these differences are 
 most frequently resorted to ? 
 
 11. Without resorting to war, what two means 
 of redress involving the use of forcible or hostile 
 measures are there ? 
 
 12. Define combatant and noncombatant, and 
 state under which class you would place surgeons 
 and chaplains. 
 
 13. In case of war, what methods of communi- 
 cation between belligerents in the field ? 
 
 14. What is the distinction between safe-conduct 
 and safeguards ? 
 
 15. What is a spy? 
 
 16. What is the distinction between guerrillas 
 and partisans ? 
 
 17. What do you understand by contraband of 
 war? 
 
104 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 18. Define blockade. 
 
 19. What constitutes a valid blockade ? 
 
 20. What do you understand by the belligerent 
 right of search ? 
 
 Army Regulations. 
 
 1. The post noncommissioned staff shall con- 
 sist of— ? 
 
 2. Where is the military control of noncommis- 
 sioned officers of the general staff serving at posts 
 not occupied by troops vested ? 
 
 3. What will enlisted men detached from their 
 companies be provided with, and what must it 
 show? 
 
 4. In what ways may an enlisted man be dis- 
 charged before the expiration of service ? 
 
 5. What books of record will be kept at each 
 post? 
 
 6. How are sergeants and corporals appointed ? 
 
 7. How first sergeants ? 
 
 8. Who are artificers ? 
 
 9. Name the company books of record. De- 
 scribe their use, and how kept. 
 
 10. When is a board of survey necessary for un- 
 serviceable stores? 
 
 11. By whom is property condemned? 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 105 
 
 12. How many kinds of orders are there ? How 
 numbered and denominated ? 
 
 Practical Examination in Infantry Drill 
 Kegulations. 
 
 Immediately preceding the execution of each 
 movement, candidates will give the proper com- 
 mands and explanations of it. Also correct any 
 errors occurring in their subdivisions during the 
 execution of movements. 
 
 School of the Soldier and Squad. 
 
 Facings. — Right; left; rear. 
 
 Setting up Exercise. — One each of arm ; trunk ; 
 leg. 
 
 Steps. — Side ; change step. 
 
 Manual of Arms. — Being at the order, all of 
 it by the numbers, including loadings and fir- 
 ings — standing, kneeling, and lying. Align the 
 squad. 
 
 Bayonet Exercise. — Take distance to the front 
 and go through the whole exercise. 
 
 Extended Order. — Deploy to the front; on 
 the line ; extend and close intervals ; rally ; as- 
 semble. 
 
 School of Platoon. — As chiefs of platoons, all 
 
106 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 movements by platoons in the school of the com- 
 pany. 
 
 Extended Order. — Deploy the whole platoon to 
 the front into line of squads; assemble on right 
 squad, first section ; from a halt, deploy first section 
 into line of skirmishers, holding second section as 
 reserve ; extend and close intervals on right squad ; 
 assemble on left squad, first section; form column 
 of fours ; form right front into line of squads ; de- 
 ploy as skirmishers ; rally by sections ; assemble on 
 first section ; form column of fours ; form on right 
 into line of squads ; take one section as reserve and 
 re-enforce the firing-line according to the different 
 methods, using the approximate fire for each case, 
 and giving instructions in the natural cover. 
 
 Practical Examination in Cavalry Drill 
 Regulations. 
 
 Immediately preceding the execution of each 
 movement, candidates will give the proper com- 
 mands and explanations of it. Also correct any 
 errors occurring in their subdivisions during the 
 execution of movements. 
 
FROM THE ARMY. 107 
 
 School of the Soldier and Squad. 
 
 Facings. — Right; left; rear. 
 
 Setting up Exercise. — One each of arm ; trunk ; 
 leg. 
 
 Steps. — Side ; change step. 
 
 Manual of Arms. — Being at the order, execute 
 by numbers, right shoulder ; carry ; port ; carry ; 
 sling carbines ; unsling carbines ; loadings and fir- 
 ings ; standing, kneeling, and lying. 
 
 Extended Order Dismounted. — Deploy as skir- 
 mishers to front; assemble by squads; deploy to 
 right flank ; form line of squads to the right front 
 from column of fours ; assemble. 
 
 Trooper Mounted. — Dismount and mount (horse 
 saddled) ; draw saber ; execute right, left, and rear 
 moulinets ; raise, charge saber ; right, left, and rear 
 cuts ; right, left, and rear points ; right, left, right 
 and left low parries ; head parry, against infantry 
 right parry ; same, left parry. 
 
 School of Platoon. — As chiefs, four designated 
 movements. 
 
 Extended Order Mounted. — Form line of squads, 
 from halt and marching. Deploy on interior squad, 
 halt platoon, form column of fours, form line of 
 squads to right, front, and halt ; to the right, and 
 
108 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 halt. Form line of squads, deploy to right front, 
 left front, to a flank. 
 
 Platoon deployed, rally it ; assemble it ; rally by 
 squads ; to fight on foot ; action left front ; right 
 front; left. Assemble platoon dismounted, deploy 
 into line of squads, keeping one as support. Then 
 into skirmishers, and execute the different firings by 
 squads, rapid fire, etc., used in making an attack. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 COMMISSIONS FROM CIVIL LIFE. 
 
 As previously stated, the law provides that ap- 
 pointments to the grade of second lieutenant in the 
 army are given first to the graduates of the Military 
 Academy, and, should any vacancies yet exist, then 
 to certain meritorious soldiers of the army, and, last, 
 to such persons from civil life as the President of 
 the United States may elect. "Appointments of 
 civilians, except of graduates of the Military Acad- 
 emy who have been honorably discharged, will not 
 be made in time of peace, unless more vacancies 
 exist than will be required in the assignment of the 
 next graduating class." Therefore the selection of 
 civilians for these positions rests solely with the 
 President, and he has prescribed certain conditions 
 which must be fulfilled prior to issuing these ap- 
 pointments, which are outlined in the following 
 order from the War Department : 
 
HO THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Headquarters of the Army, 
 Adjutant General's Office, 
 Washington, August 10, 1891. 
 General Orders, No. 72. 
 
 By direction of the Secretary of War, the follow- 
 ing rules governing the examination of candidates 
 for the appointment of second lieutenant in the 
 army of the United States from civil life are sub- 
 stituted for those prescribed in General Orders, No. 
 5, of 1890, from this office, and are published for 
 the information and government of all concerned. 
 The educational conditions herein prescribed are 
 essential in connection with the schools for com- 
 missioned officers at Forts Leavenworth and Mon- 
 roe: 
 
 I. No person shall be examined unless he has a 
 letter from the War Department authorizing his 
 examination. 
 
 If the candidate has been graduated at an in- 
 stitution where he received military instruction, he 
 must present a recommendation from the faculty of 
 the institution. 
 
 If a member of the National Guard, he must 
 present recommendations from the proper National 
 Guard authorities. 
 
 II. Every candidate will be subjected to a rigid 
 physical examination, and if there be found to exist 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. m 
 
 any cause of disqualification to such a degree as 
 might in the future impair his efficiency as an 
 officer of the army he will be rejected. The board 
 will inquire and report concerning each applicant 
 whether he is of good moral character or addicted 
 to the use of intoxicating liquors. Examination as 
 to physical qualifications shall conform to the stand- 
 ard required of recruits, and shall include a certifi- 
 cate of physical examination by two medical officers 
 to accompany the proceedings of the board (which 
 shall embrace all the information required by the 
 form for the examination of recruits). 
 
 III. No candidate will be examined who is under 
 twenty-one or over twenty-seven years of age ; who, 
 in the judgment of the board, is not physically 
 qualified to discharge all the duties of an officer in 
 active service ; who has any deformity of body or 
 mental infirmity, or whose moral habits are bad. 
 
 IV. The board, being satisfied as to these pre- 
 liminary points, will proceed to examine each can- 
 didate separately : 
 
 1. In his knowledge of English grammar, and 
 his ability to read, write, and spell with facility and 
 correctness. 
 
 2. In his knowledge of arithmetic, and his abil- 
 ity to apply its rules to all practical questions ; in 
 
112 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 his knowledge of the use of logarithms and ability 
 to apply them to questions of practice ; in his knowl- 
 edge of algebra, to include the solution of simple 
 equations ; and in his knowledge of geometry, plane 
 trigonometry, and the elements of surveying. 
 
 3. In his knowledge of geography, particularly 
 in reference to the northern continent of America. 
 
 4. In his knowledge of the outlines of general 
 history, and particularly the history of his own 
 country. 
 
 5. In his knowledge of the Constitution of the 
 United States and the organization of the Govern- 
 ment under it, and the elements of international 
 law. 
 
 6. The board, having examined into the mental 
 qualifications of each candidate and his character 
 for sobriety and fidelity, shall also inquire into his 
 general qualifications, aptitude, and probable effi- 
 ciency as an officer of the army. 
 
 V. In awarding marks, the board will give to 
 each subject in the examination the relative weight 
 given in the form following below. 
 
 Thb general average of the candidate will be 
 computed as follows : 
 
 Mark each question according to its relative 
 weight, and reduce the aggregate of marks thus 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 
 
 113 
 
 obtained in each subject to a scale of one hundred. 
 The result will give the average of proficiency in 
 the subject. Multiply the average in each subject 
 by the number indicating the relative weight of the 
 subject, and divide the sum of the products by the 
 sum of the relative weights ; the quotient will be the 
 general average. No candidate will be passed by 
 the board who shall not have attained an average 
 of 65 per cent in each subject of examination, and a 
 general average of at least 70 per cent. 
 
 Example 
 
 No. 
 
 Subjects. 
 
 t 
 
 1 
 
 "3 '53 
 
 Products of 
 multiplica- 
 tion by rela- 
 tive weights. 
 
 1 
 
 English grammar 
 
 82 
 76 
 80 
 73 
 65 
 95 
 
 3 
 4 
 2 
 8 
 2 
 3 
 
 246 
 
 s 
 
 Arithmetic, algebra, etc 
 
 304 
 
 3 
 
 Geography 
 
 160 
 
 4 
 
 History 
 
 219 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 Constitutional and international law. 
 Aptitude and probable efficiency 
 
 General average 
 
 130 
 
 285 
 
 
 17 
 
 1.344 
 
 
 WtV 
 
 
 
 VI. When an examining board shall have passed 
 upon more than one candidate, the order of relative 
 merit of all candidates examined by the board will 
 be reported. 
 
114 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 VII. Boards for the examination of applicants 
 from civil life for appointment to commission in 
 the army will be appointed by the Secretary of War, 
 and shall consist of five commissioned officers, in- 
 cluding two medical officers. The duties of the 
 medical officers will be confined to inquiring into 
 and reporting upon the physical qualifications of 
 the candidates. 
 
 The proceedings of the board will be forwarded 
 to the Adjutant-General. 
 
 By command of Major- General Schofield : 
 J. C. Keltok, 
 
 Adjutant General. 
 
 By comparing the foregoing order with the cor- 
 responding one giving the rules governing the ex- 
 amination for promotion of meritorious soldiers of 
 the army to the grade of second lieutenant, it will 
 be seen that, practically, the mental, moral, and 
 physical examinations are the same. The only ma- 
 terial difference is that noncommissioned officers 
 are examined in drill and army regulations, and 
 candidates from civil life are not examined in these 
 subjects. The method of marking examination 
 papers and the averages to be attained are the same. 
 Therefore, in order not to make unnecessary repeti- 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 115 
 
 tions, the civilian candidate is referred to so much 
 of the examinations of noncommissioned officers of 
 the army as are applicable to his case. A list of the 
 questions asked by an examining board in 1891 is, 
 however, given for his information and guidance. 
 Many of the " points " suggested to candidates ap- 
 pointed to the Military Academy relative to their 
 entrance examination are also applicable in the ex- 
 amination of civilians for appointment to the grade 
 of second lieutenant in the army, and their atten- 
 tion is invited to them. It will also be noted that 
 competitors from the army are required to undergo 
 two examinations, while but one is prescribed for 
 the civilian candidate. 
 
 Manner of making Application. 
 
 Applications are made usually to the Secretary 
 of War or to the President of the United States. 
 An application should be in writing, should state 
 age, birthplace, residence, and qualifications of the 
 applicant, accompanied by such recommendations 
 of institutions of learning and prominent men as 
 are obtainable. 
 
 Should vacancies in the army exist after the as- 
 signment of the graduating class at West Point, and 
 of such meritorious soldiers as may have been duly 
 
116 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 recommended for promotion, the applications of 
 civilian candidates are considered at the War De- 
 partment. Successful applicants are then duly in- 
 formed, and directed to appear before an army 
 examining board, which is to determine their fitness 
 for the position of second lieutenant in the army. 
 
 Place and Method of Examination. 
 
 In past years the examining boards have met at 
 Washington, D. C, or Fort Monroe, Va., but they 
 may meet at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., or any other 
 suitable place. As civilians are at their own ex- 
 pense during examination it is customary to hold 
 it at some central point, and where army officers are 
 available. The examination takes place, as a rule, 
 in the fall of the year. 
 
 The board meets, usually, about 10 A. If. The 
 first day is given up to the physical examination of 
 the candidates, which, as already explained, is very 
 rigid. The candidates will then present such testi- 
 monials as to character as they may desire, having, 
 previous to the physical examination, tendered their 
 letter from the War Department authorizing them 
 to appear before the board. 
 
 Boards sometimes require candidates to write a 
 brief history of themselves from their fifteenth 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. Hf 
 
 birthday. The mental examination is then begun, 
 usually taking the subjects in their order. 
 
 In some cases the time for completing an exam- 
 ination is limited ; in others it may not be. This 
 rests with the board of examiners. 
 
 As soon as possible the examination papers are 
 passed upon by the board, and its proceedings, 
 which include its recommendations, together with 
 the examination papers of each candidate, are for- 
 warded to the adjutant-general of the army, who, 
 at as early a date as practicable, will inform each 
 candidate as to the result of the examination. The 
 successful candidates will receive their appointments 
 as second lieutenants in the army. 
 
 The examining board may or may not choose to 
 inform the candidates as to the result of their ex- 
 aminations, but it is usually the part of prudence 
 to remain silent on this point, as their recommenda- 
 tions may not be approved by the War Department, 
 and hence false hopes will have been entertained by 
 the candidates, which, to say the least, will not be 
 pleasant. 
 
 Hints to Candidates. 
 
 The difficulty of obtaining an appointment to 
 the army from civil life may be estimated when it 
 is known that where there is a vacancy for one ap- 
 
118 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 pointment there are on file at the War Department 
 at least one hundred applications for it. 
 
 Recently the sons of army officers, distinguished 
 graduates of military schools, and promising young 
 officers of the National Guard have received the 
 majority of these appointments. From 1884 to 
 
 1890 only two or three such appointments were 
 made, there being no vacancies in the army. In 
 
 1891 about twenty appointments were made from 
 civil life, due to certain legislation which caused an 
 unusual number of vacancies by the retirement of a 
 large number of officers disabled as a result .of 
 wounds received or exposure during the rebellion. 
 The probabilities of many such appointments being 
 made each year in the near future are not prom- 
 ising. 
 
 It will be noted that the last clause of the rules 
 for examination directs the examining board to 
 "inquire into the candidate's general qualifications, 
 aptitude, and probable efficiency as an officer of the 
 army." On this subject the board awards a mark 
 .which counts as much in determining the general 
 average as grammar or history. Hence attention 
 should be directed to this subject. The points that 
 will be considered in this respect are the extent of 
 the instruction the candidate has received outside of 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. H9 
 
 his mere mental examination on the subjects enu- 
 merated. Being a graduate of a college, military 
 training, or experience in army matters, or knowl- 
 edge of other matters that affect an officer's effi- 
 ciency, such as being more or less experienced in 
 the control of men, are all subjects that would add 
 weight to a candidate's examination. 
 
 In studying for examination there is but little 
 choice in the selection of text-books, as any of the 
 books used in modern schools treating of the re- 
 quired subjects will be sufficient authority. On 
 constitutional and international law the following 
 works are authority in the army, although many 
 others will answer quite as well : Cooley's Constitu- 
 tional Law and Davis's International Law. It 
 might be well to state the name of the author of 
 each text-book studied on the corresponding exami- 
 nation paper. 
 
 It is a popular belief that army officers have 
 nothing to do in time of peace, and that their time 
 is spent in ease and luxury. Some persons have the 
 impression that the average army officer is always 
 dancing and flirting. Others suppose he gambles 
 and is intemperate in his habits. 
 
 If the reader is desirous of entering the army as 
 an officer and is possessed of any of the foregoing 
 
120 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 opinions, and supposes that his fortune is made and 
 all work ended when he succeeds in getting a com- 
 mission, he will find that he is wonderfully mis- 
 taken, for idleness and intemperance are the excep- 
 tions, and not the rule. 
 
 Besides the usual routine garrison duties, such as 
 guard, drill, parades, courts, boards, etc., every post 
 in the army is a school. During the winter months 
 theoretical instruction is imparted in the art and 
 science of war, military topography, field engineer- 
 ing, etc., and each officer prepares and reads essays 
 on military subjects. Besides this, he acts as in- 
 structor at the various schools for noncommissioned 
 officers, where theoretical instruction is given in the 
 drill regulations, manual of guard duty, and firing 
 regulations. The summer months are spent in 
 camp, on the rifle range, and putting in practice the 
 theoretical knowledge obtained at school in winter. 
 
 Rigid theoretical and practical examinations 
 have to be passed by every officer prior to promo- 
 tion. Should he fail, he is given a year to prepare, 
 during which time he loses his promotion. Should 
 he fail at the second examination, he is dropped 
 from the rolls of the army. The examination covers 
 the art and science of war, military surveying and 
 topography, field engineering, military and inter- 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 121 
 
 national law, and laws of war, army, drill, and firing 
 regulations, and other service manuals. 
 
 Assignment to Regiment. 
 
 Officers appointed to the army from civil life 
 may be assigned to any arm of the service, but the 
 War Department appoints the great majority of 
 them to the infantry and cavalry, and unless par- 
 ticular personal reasons exist no single regiment has 
 any special advantages. The pay begins from the 
 date of acceptance of appointment, but a person 
 appointed from civil life is required to bear all ex- 
 penses incurred until he has joined his first station, 
 which is generally some large military post, not 
 necessarily the station of his own regiment, where 
 he remains for a few months to learn the prelimi- 
 nary duties of an officer. 
 
 If you wish, however, to be assigned to a par- 
 ticular regiment or arm of the service a letter to 
 that effect should be addressed to the adjutant gen- 
 eral of the army, at Washington, as soon as your 
 examination is completed, stating your reasons for 
 desiring such an assignment. 
 
 Many of the remarks near the close of Chapter I, 
 on Assignment to Regiment, apply with equal force 
 to the young lieutenant from civil life. 
 
122 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Immediately after the examination is concluded 
 each candidate should inform the adjutant general 
 of the army where mail matter will reach him, so 
 that he may receive an early notification as to the 
 result of his examination. 
 
 The successful candidates receive appointments 
 as second lieutenants in the army, and receive pay 
 as such from date of acceptance, but, as before re- 
 marked, all traveling and other expenses must be 
 borne by the candidate until he has joined his first 
 station. He is allowed thirty days' delay in report- 
 ing for duty, to enable him to procure proper uni- 
 form, equipments, etc. Uniforms may be obtained 
 from military tailors in New York city, Lancaster, 
 Pa., Washington, Philadelphia, and other cities. 
 The best uniforms are always the cheapest in the 
 long run ; but a lieutenant, on first joining, will do 
 well to provide himself with a fatigue coat and 
 trousers made from a little cheaper grade of mate- 
 rial for rough service, in addition to a fatigue suit 
 of the best quality. Dress coats should always be 
 made by first-class tailors, and from the best of ma- 
 terial. Equipments may be purchased from firms 
 in the large cities, and it is never good policy for an 
 officer to purchase anything in this line except it is 
 of superior quality. 
 
UNIVERSITY 
 
 FROM CIVIL LIFE. 123 
 
 Every officer should provide himself with one 
 full-dress uniform, one undress uniform, an over- 
 coat, helmet, shoulder knots, sword and sword knot, 
 dress belt, undress belt, forage cap, and a dozen 
 pairs of white lisle thread gloves. A cape, though 
 not a necessity, is one of the most useful articles in 
 an officer's outfit. The entire cost of these articles, 
 exclusive of the cape, is about two hundred and 
 fifty dollars. 
 
 Examination (Civil Appointments). 
 Arithmetic. 
 
 1. Multiply % X %8 X '% X 2 % . Answer in 
 lowest terms. 
 
 2. Divide thirty-two and twenty-six thousandths 
 by fifty-seven ten thousandths. 
 
 3. Extract the square root of 73-344231. 
 
 4. Extract the cube root of 54-010152. 
 
 5. If 3 / 7 of an article is sold for what 3 / 5 of it 
 cost, what is the gain per cent? 
 
 G. A workman now earning $2.42 per day has 
 had his wages twice increased 10 per cent : what 
 did he get before the increase? 
 
 7. A square lot contains 2 1 / 2 acres : what is the 
 length of the side in feet ? 
 
124 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 8. The diameter of a circle is 65 centimetres : 
 what is the area in square inches ? 
 
 9. How much will it cost to carpet a parlor 18 
 feet square with carpeting 3 / 4 of a yard wide at 
 $1.50 per yard ? 
 
 10. A note for $470.66 drawn at 60 days is dis- 
 counted at a bank at 6 per cent : what are the pro- 
 ceeds? 
 
 11. In one year and four months $311.50 amount- 
 ed to $336.42 at simple interest. Find rate per cent. 
 
 12. A cubical measure contains 1% litres. What 
 is the length of an edge in centimetres? 
 
 Algebra. 
 
 1. Simplify 3a— \a-\-b — [a-\-b + c — (a -\- b 
 
 2. Multiply a 2m — a m y m -f- y 2m by a m + y m . 
 
 3 Divide |*3 + ^ rf8 _g^_ ^,3 by 
 
 4. Resolve into factors 3 x* — 6 x 3 -f- 9 x 2 . 
 
 5. Find H. C. F. of x 3 - 1, x 3 - 2 x 2 - 1, x 3 — 
 %z + l. 
 
 6. Find the L. C. M. of 6 x 3 - 11 x 2 y + 2 # 3 and 
 9^-22^/-8?/ 3 . 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 125 
 
 rfi 32 
 
 7. Find the quotient of — by inspection. 
 
 X A 
 
 8. Solve the equation (x — 3) (x -J- 1) = x 2 — 
 3a + l. 
 
 9. Three men, A, B, C, pay $1,000 taxes. B 
 pays four times as much as A, and C pays as 
 much as A and B together. How much does 
 each pay ? 
 
 10. A vessel containing 100 gallons was emptied 
 in 10 minutes by two pipes running one at a time. 
 The first pipe discharged 14 gallons a minute, and 
 the second 9 gallons a minute. How many minutes 
 did each pipe run ? 
 
 3 2/7 — 1 
 
 11. Simplify 
 
 a -f- 1 2 a 1 * 
 
 12. Solve the equation = a be. 
 
 Geometry. 
 
 1. Show how to construct a third proportional 
 to two given lines. 
 
 2. State what the area of a trapezoid is equal to, 
 and prove it. 
 
 3. In order that a triangle may be constructed, 
 how many parts must be known? Construct the 
 
126 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 triangle in the case where two solutions are possible, 
 explaining the limiting cases. 
 
 4. The length of the chord of a circular arc is 
 12 feet, and the height of the arc above the chord is 
 4 feet : what is the diameter of the circle ? 
 
 5. From an exterior point a tangent and a secant 
 are drawn to a circle : prove that the tangent is a 
 mean proportional between the whole secant and 
 the part without the circle. 
 
 6. Prove that the areas of similar triangles are 
 to each other as the squares on their homologous 
 sides. 
 
 7. Upon a given straight line show how to con- 
 struct a segment of a circle which shall contain a 
 given angle. 
 
 8. Find by geometrical construction the radius 
 of the circle whose area is equivalent to the sum of 
 the areas of two circles whose radii are 3 and 4 
 inches respectively. 
 
 Trigonometry and Logarithms. 
 
 1. (a) Explain the reason of the rule for finding 
 the characteristic (or integral part) of the logarithm 
 of a number. 
 
 (b) Show that (according to this rule) the man- 
 tissa (or fractional part) is always positive. 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 127 
 
 (c) In what cases is the logarithm, as a whole, 
 positive, and in what cases negative ? 
 
 2. Compute the value of j/ ^f^^j M by 
 
 T (64) 2 X 0-00651 J 
 
 logarithms. 
 
 3. Find the functions of 127° 10' from your 
 trigonometric tables. 
 
 4. Two sides of a triangle are 243 feet and 188 
 feet, and the angle opposite the second side is 42° 
 20'. Solve the triangle completely. 
 
 5. Deduce formulas for sine, cosine, tangent, and 
 cotangent of 2 a in terms of functions of a. 
 
 6. Prove that in any triangle a 2 = b 2 -{- c 2 — 
 2 be cos A. 
 
 7. Given cos A = sin (45° — % A). Find A. 
 
 8. For what values of x is the expression sin x -f- 
 cos x positive, and for what values negative ? Eepre- 
 sent the result by a drawing in which the sectors 
 corresponding to the negative values are shaded. 
 
 9. Two sides and included angle of a triangle 
 are 2,416, 1,712, and 30° ; and two sides and in- 
 cluded angle of another triangle are 1,948, 2,848, 
 and 150°. Find the sum of their areas. 
 
 10. A tower is situated on the bank of a river. 
 From the opposite bank the angle of elevation of 
 the tower is 60° 13', and from a point 40 feet more 
 
128 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 distant the elevation is . 50° 19'. Find the breadth 
 of the river. 
 
 Elements of Surveying. 
 
 1. What is surveying ? 
 
 2. Explain the different chains used in measur- 
 ing lines, giving their lengths, uses, etc. 
 
 3. Show how to measure a line, the end of which 
 is invisible from the beginning and intermediate 
 points. 
 
 4. State the use of verniers, and give the general 
 rule for reading a vernier. 
 
 5. What are the general uses of the transit or 
 theodolite, and explain the method of measuring a 
 horizontal angle with the transit or theodolite. 
 
 6. Show how to determine the latitude and de- 
 parture corresponding to any distance and bearing. 
 
 7. Suppose the length and bearing of a side of a 
 field are missing from the field notes : how could 
 you find them by use of the remaining field notes ? 
 
 8. What do you understand by magnetic declina- 
 tion or variation of the needle ? What is an agonic 
 line? 
 
 9. Show how the public lands north of the Ohio 
 and west of the Mississippi Rivers are laid out into 
 townships and sections, giving area of each. 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 129 
 
 10. Give a general description of the plane table 
 and surveyors' level and the principal uses of each. 
 
 Grammar. 
 (Time allotted : three hours.) 
 
 1. Define grammar. 
 
 2. Name and define the parts of speech, and give 
 an example of each. 
 
 3. What is gender ? Give the feminine form of 
 youth, emperor, czar, peer, viscount, tutor, and 
 friar. 
 
 4. Give plural of beef, radius, staff, valley, deer, 
 apparatus, court-martial, and mouthful. 
 
 5. What is comparison of adjectives? Compare 
 many, ill, much, front, and eastern. 
 
 6. Parse the words in the following sentence : 
 Terrestrial happiness is of short continuance ; the 
 brightness of the flame is wasting its fuel ; the fra- 
 grant flower is passing away its odors. 
 
 7. Correct the following sentences, and give the 
 reason for each correction : 
 
 He will maintain his cause though he loses his 
 estate. 
 
 If I was to write he would not regard it. 
 The work has been finished last week. 
 We hoped to have seen you. 
 
130 
 
 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 The account of these transactions were incorrect. 
 Which of all these patterns is the prettier? 
 The house is situated pleasantly. 
 Every person is accountable for their own con- 
 duct. 
 
 8. Dictation : Write and punctuate the follow- 
 ing : 
 The impenitent sinner whom mercy empowers, 
 
 Dishonors that goodness which seeks to restore ; 
 As the sands of the desert are watered by showers, 
 Yet barren and fruitless remain as before. 
 
 Spelling. 
 
 Apostrophe. 
 
 Battalion. 
 
 Penance. 
 
 Diligence. 
 
 Separate. 
 
 Mucous. 
 
 Abstemious. 
 
 Aeronaut. 
 
 Connoisseur. 
 
 Exhilarate. 
 
 Garrulous. 
 
 Hygiene. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 Isosceles. 
 
 Javelin. 
 
 Metonymy. 
 
 Naphtha. 
 
 Omniscient. 
 
 Referable. 
 
 Unctuous. 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 131 
 
 Geography. 
 (Time allotted : three hours.) 
 
 1. How are latitude, and longitude reckoned ? 
 How does a degree of latitude in latitude 20° com- 
 pare with a degree in latitude 80° ? 
 
 2. Define climate, and name three causes affect- 
 ing climate. 
 
 3. How is the land and water in the Eastern 
 and Western hemispheres distributed ? 
 
 4. Locate Penobscot Bay, Gulf of Bothnia. 
 
 5. Name three Asiatic rivers emptying into the 
 Arctic Ocean. 
 
 6. Bound France, and describe the courses of 
 three rivers of that country. 
 
 7. Locate Odessa, Sheffield, Vera Cruz, Mar- 
 seilles, Copenhagen, Belfast, Barcelona, Hamburg, 
 St. Petersburg. 
 
 8. Name the European states having possessions 
 in Asia. 
 
 9. Through what waters would a vessel sail in 
 going from London to Canton ? 
 
 10. Name the political divisions and govern- 
 ments of North America. 
 
 11. Name the States and Territories of the 
 United States. • 
 
132 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION". 
 
 12. Bound and locate the capitals of Ohio, Geor- 
 gia, South Dakota, Oregon, Massachusetts. 
 
 13. Name the waters in their order through 
 which a vessel would sail in going from Milwaukee 
 to Kansas City. 
 
 14. Locate the following : Wheeling, Duluth, 
 Lowell, Louisville, Bangor, Toledo, Santa Fe, San 
 Diego, Seattle, Des Moines. 
 
 15. Describe what is meant by standard time. 
 
 History. 
 (Time allotted : three hours.) 
 
 1. What were the early discoveries and explora- 
 tions made by England, France, and Spain ? 
 
 2. When and by what nations were the following 
 States settled : Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Massa- 
 chusetts, New York ? 
 
 3. Name the colonial wars in their order, and 
 state cause and result of each. 
 
 4. Name the original thirteen colonies in their 
 order, and give form of government of each at 
 Revolutionary War. 
 
 5. Why was the battle of Saratoga important ? 
 
 6. Name six battles of the Revolution — three in 
 the North and three in the South. 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 133 
 
 7. When was the present form of government 
 inaugurated ? 
 
 8. "Where was the principal theatre of the land 
 operations of the War of 1812 ? 
 
 9. How do the land and naval operations com- 
 pare in importance ? 
 
 10. When and where was the last battle of this 
 war fought ? 
 
 11. What Presidents died in office? By whom 
 succeeded in each case ? 
 
 12. What territory has been acquired since the 
 Revolution ? 
 
 13. Give the causes and the result of the Mexi- 
 can War. 
 
 14. Where was the theatre of operations of this 
 war ? Who were the principal generals in command 
 of United States troops ? 
 
 15. Explain the Electoral Commission, Dred 
 Scott decision, Missouri Compromise, the Trent 
 affair. 
 
 16. What battle terminated the invasion of Penn- 
 sylvania in 1863 ? 
 
 17. Give the names of the commanders of the 
 opposing forces, and state which army was victori- 
 ous, in the following battles: Vicksburg, Chica- 
 mauga, Nashville, Port Hudson, Missionary Kidge, 
 
134 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Chancellorsville, Malvern Hill, Knoxville, and An- 
 tietam. 
 
 18. In what States did slavery exist ? How was 
 it abolished ? 
 
 19. Name an important event in connection with 
 Anthony Wayne, Eli Whitney, Henry Clay, Roger 
 Williams, George H. Thomas, Alexander Hamilton, 
 George Bancroft, 0. H. Perry. 
 
 20. What is meant by the English revolution of 
 1688? 
 
 21. What is the difference between the English 
 Constitution and ours ? 
 
 22. What changes have taken place in the 
 French Government since 1789 ? 
 
 23. What important territorial changes have 
 taken place in the Italian peninsula since 1850? 
 
 24. Name four important European wars since 
 1850, and where was the theatre of war in each 
 case? 
 
 25. Give the important political questions now 
 (1891) receiving attention in the following coun- 
 tries : Great Britain, Brazil, Italy, Chili, Russia. 
 
 Name the books you have studied on history. 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 135 
 
 Constitutional and Internatio7ial Law. 
 (Time allotted : three hours.) 
 
 1. What were the Articles of Confederation? 
 By what were they replaced ? 
 
 2. What are the co-ordinate branches of the 
 Federal Government? Name one subject over 
 which each has exclusive control. 
 
 3. What is the legislative power, and in whom 
 vested ? 
 
 4. Describe the veto power. 
 
 5. Over what subjects do the States retain juris- 
 diction ? 
 
 6. Over what subjects does the Federal Govern- 
 ment have exclusive jurisdiction ? 
 
 7. How may the Constitution be amended ? 
 
 8. How are new States admitted into the 
 Union ? 
 
 9. In whom is the appointing power vested by 
 Congress ? 
 
 10. By what department of Government is the 
 validity of law determined ? 
 
 11. What is an unconstitutional law? 
 
 12. To what do the thirteenth, fourteenth, and 
 
 fifteenth amendments refer? 
 10 
 
136 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 13. What is a city of the United States accord- 
 ing to the Constitution ? 
 
 14. How is the President elected, and how suc- 
 ceeded in case of death or other disability ? 
 
 15. How are Senators and Representatives chosen, 
 and what does each class represent ? 
 
 16. Over what portion of territory does the 
 United States exercise exclusive control ? 
 
 17. What is impeachment? Who may be im- 
 peached? Who impeaches, and who tries an im- 
 peachment ? 
 
 18. What are territories, and by whom created ? 
 
 19. What are the provisions of law on the sub- 
 ject of quartering troops ? 
 
 20. Can the Government create religious estab- 
 lishments? 
 
 21. What is international law — public and pri- 
 vate? 
 
 22. What is the territory of a State ? 
 
 23. What are the high seas? Over what por- 
 tions do States exercise control ? 
 
 24. What is meant by naturalization ? 
 
 25. How is the national character of an individ- 
 ual determined? 
 
 26. What are consuls, and what are their 
 duties ? 
 
FROM CIVIL LIFE. 137 
 
 27. Give some methods less severe than war by 
 which international disputes may be adjusted ? 
 
 28. Define neutrality. 
 
 29. What is contraband of war ? 
 
 30. What is extradition ? 
 
 What books on constitutional and international 
 law have you studied ? 
 
APPENDIX 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 COURSE OF STUDY AND BOOKS USED AT THE 
 
 MILITARY ACADEMY. 
 
 (Books marked thus * are for reference.) 
 
 First Year — Fourth Class. 
 
 Mathematics : 
 
 Davies's Elements of Algebra. 
 Davies's Legendre's Geometry. 
 Ludlow's Elements of Trigonometry. 
 Davies's Surveying. 
 Church's Analytical Geometry. 
 
 Modern Languages: 
 
 Keetels's Analytical and Practical French Gram- 
 mar. 
 Keetels's Analytical French Reader. 
 * Spiers and Snrenne's Dictionary. 
 Whitney's Essentials of English Grammar. 
 
142 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Hart's Manual of Ehetoric and Composition. 
 Abbott and Seeley's English Lessons for English 
 
 People. 
 Abbott's How to Write Clearly. 
 
 * Webster's Dictionary. 
 
 History, Geogkaphy, and Ethics : 
 
 Lectures in Ethics, and in Universal History. 
 
 Drill Regulations of Artillery and Infan- 
 try: 
 Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Sol- 
 dier, Company, and Battalion. 
 
 * Blunt's Firing Regulations for Small Arms. 
 Practical Instruction in Artillery. 
 
 Use of the Sword, etc. : 
 
 Instruction in Fencing and Bayonet Exercise, 
 and Military Gymnastics. 
 
 Second Year — Third Class. 
 
 Mathematics : 
 
 Church's Analytical Geometry. 
 Church's Descriptive Geometry, with its Appli- 
 cation to Spherical Projections. 
 Bass's Introduction to the Differential Calculus. 
 Church's Calculus. 
 Church's Shades, Shadows, and Perspective. 
 
APPENDIX. 143 
 
 Johnson's Treatise on the Method of Least 
 Squares. 
 
 Modern Languages : 
 
 Keetels's Analytical and Practical French Gram- 
 mar. 
 
 Borel's Grammaire Francaise. 
 
 Bocher's College Series of French Plays. 
 
 Roerner's Cours de Lecture et de Traduction. 
 Vols. I and II. 
 
 * Spiers and Surenne's Dictionary. 
 
 Drawing : 
 
 Topography and plotting of Surveys with lead 
 pencil, pen and ink, and colors ; construction 
 of the various problems in Descriptive Geom- 
 etry, Shades and Shadows, and Linear per- 
 spective and Isometric projections ; practical 
 surveying in the field. 
 
 * Reed's Topographical Drawing and Sketching, 
 
 including Photography applied to Surveying. 
 
 Drill Regulations of Artillery, Infantry, 
 and Cavalry : ' 
 
 Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Sol- 
 dier, Company, and Battalion. 
 
 Practical Instruction in Small Arms Target 
 Practice. 
 
144 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 * Blunt's Firing Eegulations for Small Arms. 
 Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry. 
 
 Third Year — Second Class. 
 
 Natural and Experimental Philosophy: 
 Michie's Mechanics, third edition. 
 Michie and Harlow's Practical Astronomy. 
 Young's General Astronomy. 
 Michie's Elements of Wave Motion relating to 
 Sonnd and Light. 
 
 Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology : 
 Bloxam's Chemistry, seventh edition. 
 Tillman's Elementary Lessons in Heat (revised 
 
 edition). 
 Tillman's Essential Principles of Chemistry. 
 Brown's Eclectic Physiology. 
 Thompson's Elementary Lessons in Electricity 
 
 and Magnetism. 
 Dana's Manual of Mineralogy and Petrography, 
 
 fifth edition. 
 Le Conte's Elements of Geology. 
 
 Drawing : 
 
 Free-hand Drawing and Landscape in black and 
 white. 
 
APPENDIX. 145 
 
 Constructive and Architectural Drawing in ink 
 and colors. 
 
 * Reed's Topographical Drawing and Sketching, 
 including Photography applied to Survey- 
 ing. 
 
 Drill Regulations of Artillery, Infantry, 
 and Cavalry: 
 
 United States Army Artillery Tactics. 
 
 TidbalPs Manual of Heavy Artillery Service, 
 U. S. A. 
 
 United States Army Cavalry Tactics. 
 
 Upton's United States Army Infantry Tactics. 
 
 Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Sol- 
 dier, Company, and Battalion. 
 
 Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry. 
 
 Practical Military Engineering: 
 
 Practical Instruction in the Construction of Pon- 
 toon Bridges ; in laying Gun Platforms ; and 
 in the preparation and application of Siege 
 Materials. 
 Practical and Theoretical Instruction in Military 
 Signaling. 
 
146 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Fourth Year — First Class. 
 
 Civil and Military Engineering, and Science 
 of War: 
 
 Wheeler's Civil Engineering. 
 
 W^heeler's Field Fortifications. 
 
 Mercur's Mahan's Permanent Fortifications, edi- 
 tion of 1887. 
 
 Wheeler's Military Engineering (Siege Opera- 
 tions and Military Mining). 
 
 Mercur's Elements of the Art of War. 
 
 Mahan's Stereotomy. 
 
 * Eoyal Engineers, Aide-Memoire, Parts I and 
 
 II. 
 
 Modern Languages: 
 
 Knapp's Spanish Grammar. 
 Knapp's Spanish Headings. 
 
 * Seoane's Neuman and Baretti's Dictionary. 
 
 Law : 
 
 Davis's International Law. 
 
 Cooley's General Principles of Constitutional Law 
 
 in the United States. 
 Winthrop's Abridgment of Military Law. 
 General Orders, No. 100, A. G. 0., 1863. 
 
APPENDIX. 147 
 
 History, Geography, and Ethics : 
 
 Swinton's Outlines of the World's History. 
 
 * Labberton's New Historical Atlas and General 
 
 History. 
 
 Practical Military Engineering: 
 
 Practical Instruction in the construction of Pon- 
 toon, Trestle, and Spar Bridges ; in the prep- 
 aration and application of Siege Materials; 
 and in laying out Field and Siege works. 
 Practical Instruction in Military Mining. 
 Practical Instruction in Military Eeconnaissances ; 
 in Freld Telegraphy, Night Signaling, and 
 the use of the Heliograph. 
 
 * Ernst's Manual of Practical Military Engineer- 
 
 ing. 
 Natural and Experimental Philosophy: 
 Practical Instruction in Astronomy. 
 
 Drill Regulations of Artillery, Infantry, 
 and Cavalry : 
 
 Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Sol- 
 dier, Company, and Battalion. 
 
 Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry. 
 
 Ordnance and Gunnery : 
 
 Metcalfe's Ordnance and Gunnery. 
 Practical Ballistics. 
 
148 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 FORM OF CONDITIONAL APPOINTMENT TO THE 
 MILITARY ACADEMY. 
 
 War Department, 
 
 Washington, , 189 . 
 
 Sir: You are hereby informed that the Presi- 
 dent has conditionally selected you for appointment 
 as a cadet of the United States Military Academy at 
 West Point, New York. 
 
 Should you desire the appointment, you will 
 present yourself for examination before a board of 
 
 officers at , on the day of 
 
 , 189 . If it be found that you pos- 
 sess the qualifications required by law and set forth 
 in circular herewith, you will be admitted to the 
 Academy upon reporting in person to the superin- 
 tendent at West Point on the day of 
 
 ,189 . 
 
 Should you be found disqualified for military 
 service at an annual physical examination, deficient 
 in studies at the semiannual or annual examina- 
 tions, or should your conduct reports be unfavorable, 
 you will be discharged from the military service, 
 unless otherwise recommended for special reasons 
 by either the medical or the academic board, but 
 
APPENDIX. 149 
 
 will receive an allowance for traveling expenses to 
 your home. 
 
 Your attention is particularly directed to the 
 accompanying circular, and it is to be distinctly 
 understood that this notification confers upon you 
 no right to enter the Military Academy unless your 
 qualifications agree fully with its requirements, and 
 unless you report for examination at the time and 
 place above specified. 
 
 You are requested to immediately inform the 
 department of your acceptance or declination of 
 the contemplated appointment upon the above con- 
 ditions. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Note. — No cadet who is reported as deficient, in either 
 conduct or studies, and recommended to be discharged from 
 the academy (military), shall, unless upon recommendation of 
 the Academic Board, be returned or reappointed, or appointed 
 to any place in the army before his class shall have left the 
 academy and received their commissions. (Sec. 1325, Revised 
 Stat. U. S.) 
 
 Any cadet dismissed for hazing shall not be eligible to re- 
 appointment. (Act of Congress approved March 31, 1884.) 
 
150 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT AND OATH OF CADET, 
 UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. 
 
 Each candidate who shall have passed in a satis- 
 factory manner the examination by the board, shall, 
 as soon thereafter as practicable, with the consent 
 of his parent or guardian, if he be a minor and if 
 any he have, sign an engagement for service in the 
 following form in the presence of the superintend- 
 ent, or of some officer deputed by him : 
 
 I, , of the State [or Territory] of 
 
 , aged .... years, .... months, do hereby 
 
 engage (with the consent of my parent or guardian) 
 that, from the date of my admission as a cadet of 
 the United States Military Academy, I will serve in 
 the army of the United States for eight years, un- 
 less sooner discharged by competent authority. 
 
 In the presence of 
 
 And the cadet shall then take and subscribe an 
 oath or affirmation in the following form : 
 
 I, , do solemnly swear that I will 
 
 support the Constitution of the United States, and 
 bear true allegiance to the National Government; 
 
APPENDIX. 151 
 
 that I will maintain and defend the sovereignty of 
 the United States, paramount to any and all alle- 
 giance, sovereignty, or fealty I may owe to any State 
 or country whatsoever ; and that I will at all times 
 obey the legal orders of my superior officers, and 
 the rules and articles governing the armies of the 
 United States. 
 
 Sworn and subscribed, at , this day 
 
 of , eighteen hundred and 
 
 , before me 
 
 Upon having fully conformed in all respects to 
 the requirements set forth in the preceding para- 
 graph of this article, the candidate shall be admitted 
 as a cadet of the United States Military Academy, 
 and shall receive his warrant as soon as practicable. 
 
 FORM OF OATH AND ENLISTMENT PAPER OF A 
 MAN JOINING THE REGULAR ARMY. 
 
 The United States of America. 
 
 State of | 
 
 City or Town of \ ss ' : 
 
 I, , born in , in the 
 
 State of , aged years and 
 
 11 
 
152 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 months, and by occupation a , 
 
 do hereby acknowledge to have voluntarily . .enlisted, 
 this day of , 189 , as a sol- 
 dier in the Army of the United States of 
 America, for the period of Jive years, unless sooner 
 discharged by proper authority ; and do also agree 
 to accept from the United States such bounty, pay, 
 rations, and clothing as are or may be established by 
 law. And I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I 
 will bear true faith and allegiance to the United 
 States of America, and that I will serve them 
 honestly and faithfully against all their enemies 
 whomsoever ; and that I will obey the orders of the 
 President of the United States, and the orders of 
 the officers appointed over me, according to the 
 Eules and Articles of War. 
 
 : seal. : 
 
 Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this 
 day of , a. d. 189 . 
 
 Recruiting Officer. 
 
 I certify that I have carefully examined the 
 above-named man agreeably to the General Regu- 
 
APPENDIX. 153 
 
 lations of the Army, and that, in my opinion, he 
 is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity 
 which would, in any way, disqualify him from per- 
 forming the duties of a soldier. 
 
 Examining Officer. 
 
 I certify that I have minutely inspected the 
 
 above-named man, , previous to 
 
 his . . enlistment, and that he was entirely sober 
 when enlisted ; that, to the best of my judgment 
 and belief, he is of lawful age; and that I have 
 accepted and enlisted him into the service of the 
 United States under this contract of enlistment as 
 duly qualified to perform the duties of an able- 
 bodied soldier, and, in doing so, have strictly ob- 
 served the regulations which govern the Recruiting 
 
 Service. This soldier has eyes, 
 
 hair, complexion, is 
 
 inches high. 
 
 : SEAL. 
 
 Recruiting Officer. 
 
154 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 FORM FOR THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF A 
 RECRUIT. 
 
 Name, ; age, ; occupation, 
 
 ; birthplace, ; resi- 
 dence, ; height,* ; weight,* 
 
 ; chest measurement — expiration, .... 
 
 ; inspiration, ; nationality of 
 
 father, ; of mother, 
 
 Have you applied for enlistment at any other ren- 
 dezvous ; and, if so, where ? 
 
 What sickness have you had, and at what age? 
 
 If either parent has died, state cause . . . 
 If brother or sister has died, state cause, 
 
 Have you given up any occupation on account of 
 your health or habits ? 
 
 Are you subject to dizziness? ; to severe 
 
 headache ? ; to pain in the breast? ; 
 
 to fluttering of the heart ? ; to shortness 
 
 of breath ? ; to colds in the head ? ; 
 
 * Note height and weight stripped, unless rejected for 
 some absolute disqualification in preliminary examination. 
 
APPENDIX. 155 
 
 to coughs ? ; to diarrhosa? ; to 
 
 piles ? ; to rheumatism ? 
 
 Do you believe you are sound and well now ? 
 
 Have you had sore eyes ? 
 
 Have you had running from either ear ? 
 
 Have you had fits ? If so, how frequently ? 
 
 Do you have any difficulty in making or holding 
 your water ? 
 
 Have you had stricture ? 
 
 Have you had gonorrhoea, and when ? 
 
 Have you had a sore of any kind upon your penis, 
 and when ? 
 
 Have you had any swelling about or of your testi- 
 cles? 
 
 Have you had a boil near the anus (fistula) ? 
 
 Have you been ruptured ? 
 
 Do you drink intoxicating liquors? If so, to what 
 extent ? 
 
 Have you had the " horrors," and when ? 
 
 Have you been hurt upon the head ? Answer fully 
 
 Have you had a sprain? ; a stiff joint? ; 
 
 a bone or joint out of place? ; a bone 
 
 broken ? 
 
156 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Are you subject to sore feet ? 
 
 Mention carefully any other injuries or any surgical 
 operation you may have had in any part of your 
 body, especially burns, cuts, severe bruises, etc. 
 
 * Have you any one dependent upon you for sup- 
 port? 
 
 Have you ever been convicted of a felony, or been 
 imprisoned in a jail or penitentiary ? 
 
 Note. — The foregoing questions are asked by the surgeon 
 before the applicant is stripped for examination. 
 
 t 
 
 Applicant. 
 
 GENERAL RECRUITING OFFICES, UNITED STATES 
 ARMY. 
 
 Albany, N. Y., 513 Broadway. 
 Baltimore, Md., 303 South Sharp Street. 
 Boston, Mass. (M. S.), 75 Beach Street. 
 Boston, Mass. (G. S.), 30 Portland Street. 
 Bridgeport, Conn., temporary branch. 
 
 * If answered in the affirmative, recruiting officer before 
 accepting applicant should endeavor to satisfy himself that 
 there is no probability of application being made for the 
 man's discharge on this account. 
 
 f Applicant will sign here to the correctness of above 
 statements. 
 
APPENDIX. 157 
 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., branch, 61 Fulton Street. 
 Buffalo, N. Y., 94 Niagara Street. 
 Camden, N. J., 310 Market Street. 
 Chicago, 111. (M. S.), 10 South Clark Street. 
 Chicago, 111. (G. S.), 82 West Madison Street. 
 Cincinnati, Ohio, 166 Plum Street. 
 Cleveland, Ohio, 142 Ontario Street. 
 Concord, N. H. 
 
 Davenport, Iowa, 124 West Third Street. 
 Davids Island, New York harbor. 
 Detroit, Mich., 110 Woodward Avenue. 
 Evansville, Ind., First and Locust Streets. 
 Fort Wayne, Ind., Bass Block, Calhoun Street. 
 Greensborough, N, C, 115 West Market Street. 
 Harrisburg, Pa., 443 Market Street. 
 Indianapolis, Ind., 82-J- East Washington Street. 
 Jefferson Barracks, near Columbus, 0. 
 Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo. 
 Knoxville, Tenn., 140 Prince Street. 
 Louisville, Ky., 504 West Jefferson Street. 
 Milwaukee, Wis., 445 East Water Street. 
 Minneapolis, Minn., 119 Nicollet Avenue. 
 Newark, N. J., 275 Market Street. 
 New Haven, Conn., 153 Church Street. 
 New York City (M. S.), 11 Abingdon Square. 
 New York City (G. S.), 146 Park Row. 
 
158 THREE ROADS TO A COMMISSION. 
 
 Philadelphia, Pa. (M. S.), 939 Spring Garden Street. 
 
 Philadelphia, Pa. (G. S.), 1316 Filbert Street. 
 
 Pittsburg, Pa., 915 Penn Avenue. 
 
 Providence, R. I., 24 North Main Street. 
 
 Rochester, N. Y., 200 East Main Street. 
 
 San Francisco, Cal., 1504 Market Street. 
 
 Springfield, Mass., 231 Main Street. 
 
 St. Louis, Mo., 1126 Pine Street. 
 
 St. Paul, Minn., 34 East Seventh Street. 
 
 Terre Haute, Ind., 672 Wabash Avenue. 
 
 Washington, D. C, 419 Tenth Street, N". W. 
 
 Waterbury, Conn., temporary branch. 
 
 Wheeling, W. Va., 1131 Main Street. 
 
 Wilkesbarre, Pa., Laning Building Public. 
 
 FORM OF OATH TAKEN BY ALL COMMISSIONED 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 Oath of Office. 
 
 One to accompany the acceptance of every commissioned offi- 
 cer appointed or commissioned by the President in the 
 Army of the United States. 
 
 I, , having been appointed a 
 
 in the military service of the 
 
 United States, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I 
 will support and defend the Constitution of the 
 
APPENDIX. 159 
 
 United States against all enemies, foreign and do- 
 mestic ; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to 
 the same ; that I take this obligation freely, without 
 any mental reservation or purpose of evasion ; and 
 that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties 
 of the office on which I am about to enter : So help 
 me God. 
 
 Sworn to and subscribed before me, at 
 , this day of 
 
 189 . 
 
160 
 
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m 48085 
 
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