Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1878 [PAGE 165]

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165

CLASS II* MILITARY SCIENCE.

A class is taught in military science and art, as far as is requisite for officers of the line. From this class are selected the officers of the several companies, for which they act as drill sergeants and instructors. The military instruction is now under the charge of Major W . A. Dinwiddie, an experienced officer of the regular army of the United States. A full supply of arms and ammunition is furnished by the war department, including 300 cadet rifles and accoutrements, two pieces of field artillery, 1,000 fixed cartridges and 1000 blank cartridges annually for target practice, with 200 rounds for artillery. N"o student is eligible to the military class till he has reached the winter term of the second or sophomore year, and is in good standing in all his studies. The course of instruction is confined strictly to two years, terminating always with the first term of the fourth or senior year. No student will be permitted to retain a command who does not maintain a good standing in conduct and scholarship. The instruction and exercises occupy two hours each week, arranged as far as possible so as not to interfere with any other courses of study, to allow the members of other courses to enter this. Students must be careful, however, to ascertain, before entering the military class, that the proper studies and exercises of their chosen courses will not be interfered with. Commissions.—The governor of the state commissions as captains in the state militia, such students of the military class as complete the course thoroughly, and obtain the necessary experience in command, and whom the faculty of the University recommend for their high character both as students and as gentlemen. University Uniforms.—Under the authority of the acts of incorporation, the trustees have prescribed that all male students, after their first term, shall wear the University uniform. The University cap is to be worn from the first. The uniform consists of a suit and cap of cadet gray mixed cloth, of the same color and quality as that worn at W e s t Point, and manufactured by the same establishment. Students can procure them ready-made on their arrival here. The University cap is ornamented in front with the initials I. I. IT., surrounded by a wreath. Students will always wear their uniforms on parade, but in their rooms and at recitations may wear other clothing. T h e University library contains books on military science, military history and engineering. Gymnasium.—The drill hall is furnished with a full set of gymnastic apparatus, and classes in gymnastic exercises are organized in the fall and winter terms under careful leaders. Fee $1.00. Telegraphy.—In connection with the military department there is a telegraph office in the new University building with accommodations for learners, and connections with the mechanical and military building, the dormitory and several private houses, making about three miles of telegraph lines. The students form an association or class, and the members join the University main line, using their own instruments in their rooms. The class appoint their own officers, inspectors, etc., and pay a small contribution for maintaining batteries, etc. At present there are twenty-seven instruments on the line.