USA > Wisconsin > Walworth County > Lake Geneva > Catalogue, Northwestern Military and Naval Academy > Part 4
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tile and stucco. This building is new, heated and ventilated with modern equipment and is so arranged that contagious cases can be isolated. Students re- turning from vacations are given a daily examination for two or more weeks and as a result of this close supervision and superior equipment for caring for contagious diseases or other illness the Academy has been able to maintain throughout the year a sick record of less than one percent and without a single case of serious illness.
The unusually healthful condition of the school has called forth frequent expressions of surprise and satis- faction. No serious accidents have occurred during this time and even during the past year when contagious and epidemic diseases have proved so serious, those with which the school has had to contend have been comparatively light in form.
The Academy, while interested in the development of athletic teams representing the school, feels that the special stress laid by some institutions on this form of athletics has detracted most seriously from not only the proper physical development of the remainder of the school, but altogether too frequently from the moral. Northwestern has no athletes who are paid either directly or indirectly and all its games are clean, gentlemanly contests with no professional spirit allowed. Special attention is given at Northwestern to what might be called mass athletics-contests in which every student has his part. The aim is to develop in each and every boy not only an interest in watching the sport but in being an actual participant in the same. To secure these results the Academy has developed many unusual and interesting contests.
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Religious and Moral Training
W HILE the school is not conducted in the interest of any religious denomination, we believe that the moral and religious training of a young man has much to do with his success and happiness as well as usefulness in life; and it is designed that a strong religious influence shall prevail in the training and dis- cipline of the cadets. The faculty and their wives are all active Christian men and women, representing several churches, and they all unite in making the school life as much as possible that of a Christian home. The Bible is our principal guide book of moral law, and by its precepts we endeavor to have our cadets rule them- selves so far as possible. Truthfulness, manliness, honor and candor are appealed to, and these qualities, when brought to the front and developed, add immeas- urably to the character of a young man and render harsh discipline unnecessary.
Daily devotional exercises are held in the chapel, and all students are required to attend church services at least once on Sunday. Such service is usually held at the Academy. It is the aim of the institution to secure the services of men prominent in business and profes- sional as well as religious work to speak to the students at these times. Contributions are taken at these serv- ices, and the moneys so given devoted to such charity as the students may themselves select.
During the past year this fund was devoted to enter- taining nearly one hundred under-privileged boys from Chicago for two weeks at Lake Geneva. In order to carry out the plan successfully, a number of the gradu- ates and upper classmen gave also a large portion of their summer vacation to the work, and we feel that
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through this generosity of time and money all our stu- dents have not only given great happiness to these Chicago boys, many of whom had never seen the coun- try, but they profited greatly themselves as well, by getting a practical insight into the vital social problem that the world is facing. It is our belief as well as hope that from this experience they will realize more keenly as they enter life their responsibility to other young men of their age who are less fortunate socially and financially.
Government and Discipline
The government of the Academy is intended to be of a moral kind, addressed to the understanding and con- science, and every effort is made to develop in the cadet a sense of his responsibility as a citizen. When this fails, recourse will be had to temporary forfeiture of privileges, and if after reasonable effort he still shows no improvement or is the least corrupting in his influ- ence over others, he will be promptly dismissed. Much reliance is placed upon the intimate association of teachers and cadets for restraining vicious propensities and for encouraging and building up the better quali- ties of heart and mind. In short, every possible effort is made to prevent hasty, unjust and indiscriminate punishment, and to make the discipline of the school in the truest sense corrective. Our methods of life and discipline are not planned or calculated to trans- form a bad boy into a good one. We endeavor to instil into the cadets a desire to do right from choice rather than from compulsion. In this respect we hold Seniors, Cadet Officers and, in fact, all upper classmen and older students to a responsibility proportionate to their position and influence on others, especially on the younger boys. The school has no so-called "Punish- ment System." We believe that a boy should be taught that every act will have a consequence; and our aim is to take out of his mind the thought of punishment,
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and to instil therein the idea of the effect his actions will have not only on himself but on others. With this idea in view the student appears in court and personally answers, as do citizens in the great outside world, for any misconduct or neglect of which he may be accused.
As the development of good citizenship is a fundamental principle to be kept constantly in view in the education and training of students, every reasonable effort is made to develop the power and habit of self-government A Representative System was therefore adopted twenty- nine years ago whereby a certain number of cadets, part of whom are elected by their fellow students and part by the faculty, are made a committee to confer with the Commanding Officer and Faculty in matters pertaining to the privileges, regulations, etc., of the institution. The plan has steadily developed from year to year and not only simplifies discipline but at the same time develops in the cadets a keener sense of personal responsibility.
It is intended to combine discipline with easy and instructive intercourse between teachers and pupils so as to secure at the same time family influence and the benefits to be derived from system and order.
The formation of correct habits of study; the develop- ment of character; the cultivation of sound principles of truth and honor, and the ingraining of right ideas as to what is worth attaining in this life are estimated as of first importance. The typical American boy is versatile, but he needs encouragement and constant personal supervision during his formative years. The world has an abundance of ordinary men, but there are always places for those who have been so trained that the ability to perform the maximum of work in the minimum of time is a far more valuable attain- ment than the acquisition of knowledge alone. The one is the end, while the other is but the means to the end.
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Each cadet is expected to conduct himself as a gentle- man, whether on the grounds of the Academy or in public. Prompt and unquestioning obedience to and respect for all in authority will be required at all times, and any cadet whose conduct or example is injurious to the school or his fellow students will not be allowed to remain. The school puts forth every effort, even to the extent of sending a representative frequently a long distance, to investigate the character of an appli- cant before accepting him. We find that this expendi- ture of time and money is well worth the results and we urge parents not to enter boys when there is any probability of expulsion; such action is not only unpleas- ant and unfortunate for all concerned, but proves an actual financial loss to the school far in excess of many times the amount of the year's board and tuition.
Neatness in person, dress, and care of rooms is at all times insisted upon, and every cadet is required to attend to all of his duties unless officially excused by the proper authority. Cadets are forbidden to have in possession or to use intoxicants or tobacco, weapons of any kind, or to borrow or lend money or contract debts; in fact, the discipline is exacting without being harsh. Morals, manners and health are carefully guarded, and the Superintendent feels he occupies the places of parent and the faculty older brothers to the boys entrusted to their care.
Cadets leave the Academy grounds only on written permit, and such permit, when granted, will state a specified time, and at its expiration the cadet reports his return to the officer in charge.
Cadets who leave the institution before the end of the academic year, without the consent of the faculty, or at any time without a clear record, or contrary to regu- lations, cannot be granted an honorable discharge, and no financial refund or reduction of the year's charges can be made.
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Military Instruction and Training
T HE cadets form a military organization and are instructed by an officer appointed by the Secretary of War from the United States Army, assisted by a number of tactical officers who are specialists in their respective fields.
Cadet officers are appointed from among themselves. The promotion of a cadet to an office in the school being considered as an especial honor conferred upon him for faithful work in all branches and for straight- forward and gentlemanly bearing among his fellow students. For appointment and promotion of cadet officers, an eligible list is made, based upon the standing in Scholarship, Deportment, Drill, Class and Service. The cadets selected from this list for officers are those best fitted to instruct and lead others, and whose daily efficiency records show them to have been the most soldierly and faithful in their subordinate positions and loyal to their superiors and their school.
After appointment these officers are held to a strict dis- charge of all duties imposed upon them, whether on drill or in the observance and enforcement of the regu- lations of the Academy. Failure of an officer to per- form his duty is followed by a deprivation of his privil- eges as an officer; and persistent failure in duty from want of the high character an officer should have, or from incompetency, will necessarily cause him again to be placed in the ranks.
But none of these duties, either naval or military, are ever allowed to encroach upon the academic work of the school. They have a place distinctly their own, and are intended to develop the better qualities of the boys, and at the same time to give a life and exercise which will be constantly beneficial, rather than the
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life which the present-day youth too commonly spends idling, or in some even more detrimental way.
In the fall term the military instruction consists of The School of the Soldier, and Squad and Company Drills in Close and Extended Order. During the winter the exercises are conducted as far as possible out-of- doors, but in bad weather in the drill hall, and consist of Manual of Arms, Bayonet Exercises, Bomb Throw- ing, Manual of the Sword and Military Calisthenics. In the spring, Battalion, Automobile and Signal Drills with Trench Fighting, Bayonet Combat, Guard Mount- ing, Battalion Parade and Reviews constitute the chief military exercises.
The Academy was one of the first units of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps to be established and since then has maintained a high rating with the War Department, being designated annually as one of the ten Honor Schools of the country after most rigid inspections.
Due to the efficiency of the school's work, the Govern- ment has been exceptionally generous in supplying it with a full equipment of small arms, tentage, field pieces, an annual issue of ammunition, etc., and it was selected as the first school in the United States to receive armored tanks. These two modern military imple- ments are the latest design and of the Renault pattern and were issued the school as it is especially equipped to train students along mechanical lines, having had since 1894 a unique corps of automobiles and bicycles equipped for military purposes.
Our automobile corps was one of the first organized in the world and the Charles Duryea three-cylinder auto- mobile on which there was mounted a Colt automatic gun in 1897 has the reputation of being the first auto- mobile gun carriage ever constructed. In 1901 two large steam machines, both mounting Colt automatic guns, were built in the Manual Training Shops of the Academy, the work being done by the students. In 1909 there was added to this equipment a four-cylinder Cadillac 30, and in 1910 two additional Cadillac 30's
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were purchased and equipped as balloon destroyers. They made the 2,850-mile trip of the 1910 Glidden tour from Cincinnati to Dallas, Texas, and back, and at the finish of the run in Chicago, were two of the nine to complete the run with their original engines, of the thirty-eight which started. This was one of the most severe tests in the history of the automobile industry and showed clearly not only the sterling quality of the automobiles used, but reflected great credit on the student operators. Two years later two additional Cadillac 30's were procured and equipped with tele- scopic masts for wireless work. These two cars also mount Colt automatic guns and have powerful electric searchlights with heliographic shutters.
In 1915, five eight-cylinder chassis were purchased and special bodies constructed as follows:
One officers' reconnoissance car, an eight-cylinder stand- ard Cadillac chassis, equipped with seven-passenger touring body, khaki top and seat, pigskin trim. This car is equipped with map tables and instruments for making road and contour maps; a dictaphone is cleverly suspended in the tonneau, and with this instrument, descriptions of the road can be rapidly taken. Two Ross rifles are arranged for quick use, if necessary.
One Radio car constructed on a Cadillac eight-cylinder chassis: This car has a khaki-covered top and is equipped with a special Northwestern designed tele- scopic mast mounted on the running board, but which can readily be raised by the crew from the top of the body. The Dayton Engineering Laboratories Com- pany has constructed a special generator for this car which enables us to secure a one-kilowatt, six-cycle, 110-volt A. C. current. The wireless instruments are cleverly built into the car, the switchboard being mounted directly below the driver's seat. Attached to this car is a Warner trailer that can be quickly con- verted into an officers' field headquarters.
One Military Field Kitchen: This is a khaki-covered body, constructed on an eight-cylinder Cadillac chassis
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of 145-inch wheelbase. This car is also equipped with a special Delco generator, mounted above the engine. With the current from this motor, a fireless cooker is operated. Coffee boilers and general kitchen equip- ment complete what to certain cadets is considered the most important car in the corps.
One Military Field Hospital: This is a car very simi- lar to the field kitchen in construction and is also mounted on a Cadillac eight-cylinder chassis of 145-inch wheelbase. There is installed a Betz equipment of special operating tables, X-ray apparatus and a com- plete outfit of surgical instruments for field operating. A special Delco electric generator furnishes extra cur- rent also on this car. Canvas extensions can be made in either side of the car whereby operations can be performed with plenty of room on one side of the car, and on the other an ample space for patients awaiting operations. By special request of General Leonard Wood this car was sent to the army maneuvers at Plattsburg, N. Y., in August, 1915, and later took a prominent part with the other cars at the different training camps.
One Armored Car mounted on a standard eight-cylinder Cadillac chassis: This machine is armored with 15-100 hardened steel, having openings for rifle fire. It mounts a Colt automatic rapid fire gun, and is pronounced by experts to be one of the best designed and constructed armored cars in existence. By special request of General Leonard Wood this car was also sent to the army maneuvers at Plattsburg, N. Y., in August, 1915, and was in constant demand at New York City and other points for demonstration and preparedness dur- ing the war.
In June, 1915, eight of these machines took a long cross country trip from Lake Geneva, traversing the historic country along the Lincoln Highway, through the Rocky Mountains to San Francisco, thence south to San Diego, California. Aside from the interesting as well as educational outing this gave to some thirty students of the Academy, it proved many of the claims which
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Northwestern has made since 1898, as to the practica- bility of certain types of automobiles. Daily records were carefully kept and at the request of the War Department, a complete detailed report was sent to Washington.
Northwestern was probably the first military school in the United States to avail itself of the services of officers who had been at the front in Europe, and during the war all instruction in bayonet work, bomb throwing, trench construction, etc., has been the most modern. Northwestern was also the first organization in the United States to be equipped with gas masks.
Instruction in rifle practice is given throughout the year by the range officer. Cadets are not allowed to prac- tice, however, during the absence of the instructor. The Academy is not only equipped with indoor ranges, but an excellent outdoor range up to 300 yards is in course of construction.
During the last year the Rifle Team, shooting under the auspices of the National Rifle Association, took second place in competition for the National Trophy, losing to the winners by only 39 points out of a possible 6000. In competition for the Astor trophy, under the rules of which the best five out of ten targets were to be selected, the team made six perfect scores, or in other words, over 100 percent. In the shoot-off of the tie with three other schools they made seven perfect scores. The cup was won by another team with eight perfect scores.
Military drill is universally conceded today to be not only a valuable but a most necessary part of every young man's preparation for life. The few minutes drill of the high school has its value, but if the greatest good is to come, it must be by a systematic life and discipline throughout the twenty-four hours of each and every day, and never has there been a time when discipline and system were more necessary for the car- rying on of any successful work than now. It further- more cultivates a manly and erect bearing, scrupulous neatness in dress and personal appearance, gentlemanly
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and respectful behavior, and that important habit so valuable not only in business, but elsewhere, of un- questioned response to and co-operation with proper authority. Northwestern is distinctly military. We make no apologies for adopting this method of life and believe that unless the work is carried out in such a way that the student respects it, a large portion of its value is lost. On the other hand, the Superintendent would not have it understood that the military exercises are allowed to encroach upon the regular work of the Academy. Our aim is to impart a sound, practical edu- cation and we find our military life a distinct aid in doing so.
Although recognized by the War Department as an essentially military school since 1896 the Academy has always lived very strongly to the ideals of its founder in making the school one of quality rather than quan- tity, feeling confident that not only is the limited school apt to develop a larger percentage of its enroll- ment into the right type of citizens but through this very thoroughness and careful direction of the indi- vidual it is enabled to make a better type of officer for the Government should their services ever be needed.
The Academy as well as being recognized by both the War and Navy Departments of the United States, is an established Post in the Wisconsin National Guard, its Commanding Officer being appointed by the Gov- ernor with the rank of Colonel of Infantry, and with a staff of tactical officers and assistants with the rank of Captain. All these officers are subject to service in the National Guard of the state at any time. Officers on duty at the Academy and other tactical members of the faculty give training to such officers of the National Guard as the Adjutant General designates to attend the Academy from time to time for this pur- pose. The law establishing the Academy as a Post also authorizes the Governor to commission such students as are residents of the State of Wisconsin and who have shown special aptitude in military science and tactics as Second Lieutenants in the Wisconsin National Guard on the recommendation of the Commanding Officer.
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Naval Instruction
I T IS not intended that the naval work of the school shall be carried on as a distinct department but, rather, fitted in with the military work, thereby breaking the monotony by adding a feature which has been especially beneficial to the student, physically as well as in other ways. Aside from the knowledge of the handling and care of boats, ropes, block and tackle, etc., there is an activity called for in naval work which appeals to the wide-awake boy. The government has shown its approval of Northwestern's work in this respect by authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to issue to the school six large naval cutters, completely equipped with both sails and oars, each boat mounting a Hotchkiss rapid fire or gatling gun. These boats are built for use in salt water and are especially seaworthy in every respect, giving that most important factor-absolute safety.
A full equipment of sextants and other navigating instruments, signal flags and codes, combined with two large launches owned by the school, give a naval equipment, equal, if not superior, to any school outside of the Government Naval Academy at Annapolis.
The Academy has always believed that what is worth doing is worth doing well, and it aims to make its military and naval departments second to none, feeling that in so doing it will, on the one hand, aid the academic work, and on the other, be of direct benefit to the student and to the nation. Many a young man regrets today that he did not have the benefits of a thorough military training and education while at school.
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A LECTURE AT YERKES' OBSERVATORY
Amusements
W TE believe that it is fully as important for a boy to be interested in and busy at playing during play hours as that he should be interested dur- ing duty hours. The surroundings of the Academy provide more than the usual facilities for all kinds of outdoor sports. Not only are ample playgrounds arranged for but opportunity is offered for the safe enjoyment in the warm season of the year of swim- ming, hiking and boating, and during the winter months for all the winter sports, including cisco fish- ing. All athletics are under the supervision of experi- enced officers and the danger of accident is far less than the student would meet in his every-day life. We aim, furthermore, to teach the boys how to enjoy genuine outdoor life. The school has regular organized teams under experienced coaches in football, basket- ball, baseball, tennis and all the other games; but there are many young men who do not care for and some who are not able to enjoy these sports and for them we try to open a new insight into life by acquainting them with the interesting wonders of nature.
The faculty, their wives, and the cadets form, as it were, a large family, and the new buildings which have just been constructed are planned in such a way that this family life is emphasized. At the dining tables, in their intercourse with invited guests, at school entertainments and at all times cadets are constantly brought in touch with the elements of a refined and cultured life. From time to time during the year, trips are made to near-by points of interest. And while we readily concede that every school has its advantages we feel that there are very few, if any, that have such a rare combination of all that goes to develop the best there is in the boy, especially as there is at Northwestern a strong tradition against any conduct immoral, rowdy- ish, dishonorable or unbecoming a gentleman. The stu- dent body guard very jealously the enviable reputation they have earned by many years of thoughtful, gentle- manly deportment, both at the Academy and in public.
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