were held. In a similar manner in the third-class course lessons in conic sections were made to alternate daily with lessons in descriptive geometry, and like alterations in lessons were adopted for the calculus and solid analytical geometry. It is believed these changes have been of marked benefit to the students.

Another most important and wise change has been made in the department of mathematics. At the semiannual examinations of both the third and fourth classes, at the intermediate examination of the fourth class, and at the annual examination of the third class, those members of each who had shown proficiency in the series of written papers required of them during the general review of the subjects studied were not required to take these examinations. In other words, those cadets who had shown their proficiency in a series of searching daily written tests covering the entire course of study for the term were considered as requiring no further examination. Those cadets, however, who failed in the above tests were required to take the examination, and thus were given a final opportunity to establish their proficiency. This plan has worked with complete satisfaction. Under its application all the members of a class, with the exception at times of those in the higher section, are given the same test varied from day to day. Any given question is marked by the same instructor on the same scale from the top to the bottom of the class, thus eliminating from the mark the personal equation of the instructor; and as general review marks are of double weight, the class is graded practically by the work done during these daily tests. It is believed that no single examination covering the entire course and compressed within the limits of three or four hours can throw much additional light upon the question of proficiency or deficiency of the student, while it certainly does inject an element of chance which should not be allowed to enter where the relative standing of students is of such material importance as is the case at the Military Academy.

THE MILITARY ACADEMY LIBRARY.

The commodious and excellent library building has been completed and is now ready for occupancy. This fact calls for consideration of the library itself, and the War Department's interest and approval of the following project is requested in the belief that its accomplishment will add immeasurably to the value of the education of cadets, and will also greatly enhance the usefulness of the Academy to the country at large in the spread of military knowledge. The project will require the appointment of a librarian who should be well informed in general, scientific, and military literature, together with a somewhat larger appropriation for several years to supply military literature that is needed.

To properly meet its end, the library of the Military Academy should bear relations to (1) all the different departments of instruction at the Academy; (2) to the cadets; (3) to the officers on duty at the Academy; (4) to the library of the War Department and other national libraries; (5) to the post libraries of the Army; (6) to other libraries of the United States; (7) to foreign libraries.

It is desirable that the library should present the actual state of knowledge in all the branches at the Military Academy and in the related branches. The whole profession of the soldier should be covered by

its books, and it should offer every facility to cadets for general culture by reading.

In addition to exhibiting the complex profession of the soldier in its various ramifications in the arts and sciences, it should also do what the college library does for the college student. The military art grows and changes as rapidly as any other, and it requires constant effort to keep informed as to these changes and to obtain and keep the best and latest books on military subjects on the shelves of the library. The librarian here, accordingly, should be charged with important responsibilities that do not generally appertain to other libraries.

The list of books now in the library needs to be carefully examined and all important missing volumes on scientific and military subjects should be secured, if possible. The list of military periodicals should be made as complete as practicable, and also the histories of all branches of our service, so far as they have been published. Important books on all wars, modern and ancient, should be procured if missing, together with the fullest possible histories of our own wars. The library should be overhauled for duplicates of all kinds, and these should be systematically exchanged for desirable works from both American and European libraries.

Special bibliographies, to be accessible to everyone whether in or out of the military service, should be prepared of all matter relating to each of our wars, to every part of our army organization, to the service of military information, and to military maps. Everything relating to the history of the Academy and of the Army (albums, prints, drawings, etc.) should be put in the most available form for use and reference. In short, the library should be a museum of printed information readily accessible. Cadets should be taught by occasional lectures how to use libraries and how to search for information by means of bibliographies and indexes, and to extract and prepare in the most serviceable form the information when found.

The present library is far from fulfilling to the greatest degree the requirements demanded of it. Many of these requirements have been at different times partially attempted, but never systematically carried

out.

The library, now containing nearly 45,000 volumes of books and 6,000 to 8,000 pamphlets, needs to be overhauled, rearranged, and readjusted by a competent man of both scientific and general attainments, one with knowledge of and acquaintance with other libraries; he should also possess military information and knowledge of military aims and methods. These very desirable ends can not be brought about so long as the method that has been previously pursued at the Military Academy is continued.

It is also felt that with a properly organized library and a competent librarian-one who could devote his whole time to the work, one capable of making the library an important department of the Academy, as it is at other important institutions-it would be possible to inaugurate certain Academy publications, perhaps a quarterly journal of the Academy's work, which would be a great stimulus both to officers in the service and cadets at the Academy. Such publications would place the Academy into closer relations with other institutions of learning and with the country generally; it would be the basis, also, of a large number of exchanges with military schools throughout the world. The librarian, to fill his office properly, should be sufficiently informed

about and in touch with the departments of instruction at the Academy, so that he can at all times keep laid out for reference the most recent books relating to the subjects of study and other works which might be beneficially consulted by cadets in connection therewith. All periodical literature, especially of a scientific or military nature, should be mapped and indexed and made readily available for the use of cadets and others. Literature relating to important events of the world should also be so exposed as to bring it to the attention of cadets.

The works enumerated above would require able attention and a large amount of time, and to insure their accomplishment it is necessary to adopt a system totally different from that heretofore pursued at the Academy. The library should be given a responsible head, whose sole duty is to do library work and who is capable of bringing it to a modern state of perfection in the general directions suggested. The library is now under the general supervision of one of the professors of the Academy, who is able, of course, to give little of his time to it, as he has his regular academic work, which is heavy at all times. There is also an assistant librarian, a civilian, who is assisted by two enlisted men detailed for the purpose. In order to attain the ends desired and above outlined the librarian should be able to devote his whole time to the work, for which he should be specially fitted. It is hoped the project will appeal to the War Department and have its support, for it is believed no step can be taken of greater value to instruction at the Military Academy or that will do more to enhance the usefulness of the institution to our country in the spread of military knowledge.

PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION.

This instruction has been continued throughout the year along the lines mentioned in my last annual report. The amount given is only limited by the time that is available for it, but as far as possible every endeavor is made to perfect the military training of cadets in the elements of all the arms of the service and in surveying, topography, reconnoissance, and field engineering. In the department of tactics increased attention is being given to the general subject of the horsemanship of cadets, and a marked improvement in the knowledge of riding and the handling of horses, which is so essential in the equipment of our army officers, can be expected. As an aid to this end a number of ponies and flat saddles have been obtained, and as cadets individually become proficient in riding the playing of polo will be encouraged among them. the details of this particular work and for the other practical instruction that has been given attention is invited to the appended reports of the commandant of cadets and the instructor of practical military engineering.

For

On August 14 the battalion of cadets, numbering 353, and consisting of the first, third, and fourth classes (the second class being absent on furlough), was taken to the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo and remained in camp there for two weeks, during which time the regular routine of instruction was prosecuted as far as was practicable. The benefit to cadets of this experience in its broadening influences is obvious, as is also the benefit to the Academy in the opportunity afforded to diffuse through the public a better knowledge of the work it does.

EQUIPMENT FOR PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION.

The principal thing that is needed to complete the armament and equipment is a model seacoast battery. It is hoped Congress will supply it, and thus enable this most important instruction to be made more complete and useful than has been the case for some years in the past.

PAY OF CADETS.

I beg to again renew my recommendation of last year that the military cadet be placed upon an equal pay status with his brother cadet of the Naval Academy, and to invite attention to the excellent grounds justifying the recommendations which were set forth in my last report. The increase asked for is small, being but $69.50 a year. It will, however, relieve a situation which is frequently a difficult and embarrassing one both for cadets and the authorities.

SUPPLY AND SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENTS.

Attention is invited to the appended report of the quartermaster, commissary, and treasurer of cadets for the considerable work that is done in these departments. The quality of food furnished has been excellent, the quantity abundant, and endeavor has been made to have its variety pleasing as well as one conducive to health. The cost per cadet per day for messing, which includes the preparation and service of food, has averaged 55.5 cents, an increase over that of last year, but one satisfactorily accounted for by exceptional circumstances. The larger number of cadets provided for during the last year has taxed the mess hall and kitchen beyond their capacity, but this inconvenience will be remedied soon, as the work of enlarging both is now in progress, and when completed will afford ample room, and each will have an excellent equipment. Considerable improvement has also been made in the cadet laundry, and with the acquisition of some additional machinery, which has been asked for in the estimates, it will have an excellent plant.

CADET ACCOMMODATIONS.

The existing plant of the Military Academy is not adequate for its present needs. Cadet barracks are greatly overcrowded, and it is imperative that additional barrack room for cadets be provided in order to meet the demands of study and to give to each the air space health requires. Other buildings also necessary for their training must be enlarged, in order that the most efficient military instruction may be given. The matter was made the subject of a separate report last year, showing in careful detail the necessity existing in each case. It is hoped the War Department will again this year call the subject to the attention of Congress and recommend the expediency of so providing that any additions to or modifications of the present plant be undertaken on broad lines, so as to provide not only for present needs, but such as will permit of extension in case of any future increase in the number of cadets.

The adoption of this policy will avoid past makeshifts and inadequate construction, which is the most extravagant in the long run. The

development of the plant as an architectural whole not only will work for efficiency and economy, but it is demanded by the natural beauty of West Point, its great historic importance, and the dignity of a national institution.

DETACHMENTS OF TROOPS.

These, including Company "M," Third Battalion of Engineers, have performed their multifarious duties in a very satisfactory manner. It is recommended, however, that a small increase in the authorized strength of the army service detachment and the light artillery battery be made, namely, 25 and 10 men, respectively.

To the army service detachment falls the greater part of the labor of repairs on buildings and grounds and the policing of the reservation. It accomplishes this work at a much less cost to the Government than would be the cost if civilian labor was employed for the purpose. The extension of the line of quarters to the south has increased considerably the work of policing and keeping the grounds in proper condition. The greater strength of the corps of cadets also has increased the work in the public buildings, and the amount of repairs required by the many old buildings of the post is constantly increasing. The above makes it necessary that the organization on which this work falls should be increased in strength to meet the new demands and conditions.

The strength of the light artillery detachment is now 43 men. It cares for 78 horses and is required, in addition to its drills, to furnish its proportion of men for post guard duty. With the casualties that are constantly occurring through sickness, etc., it is found that the detachment is unable at times to furnish sufficient men for light-battery instruction for cadets, and this it is most important it should always be able to do. The addition of 10 men to its strength will enable the detachment to meet every demand on it.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.

The means which have been generously provided by Congress in the past few years have greatly improved material conditions at the Academy. The appended reports of the quartermaster and the instructor of practical military engineering will show the details of improvements accomplished during the past year. The other works provided for, but not yet completed, are under way and are progressing as rapidly as the work can be done to the best advantage.

WATER SUPPLY.

Owing to the unusual and copious rains of the past summer the serious deficiency of water which occurred last fall, and which was the subject of a special report at the time, will not be repeated this year. This fact, however, does not lessen the importance of the water-supply question, nor should it prevent the taking of immediate steps to increase the sources of supply. The problem has been most carefully considered, and its most logical and economical solution lies in the acquisition of Long Pond and its watershed, which will insure for the Academy and post an abundant supply of good water for all eventualities.