1900. ] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 563

During the present session of 1899-1900 there are in
attendance one hundred and forty-one students, classified
as follows: Seniors, twenty-one (21); juniors, twelve (12);
sophomores, thirty three (33); freshmen and special stu-
dents, thirty-six (36); and there are in the preparatory or
sub-freshmen classes thirty-nine pupils.

It will be seen that ill e number of collegiate students
has, in spite of the financial depression of the past years,
steadily maintained its general average, while the num-
ber of pupils in the Preparatory Department has some-
what decreased, owing to the fact that the standard for
admission to this school has been raised.
Military Department.

In addition to the above report, I would call the at-
tention of your Honorable Body to the Military Depart-
ment of the College, which is in a very efficient condi-
tion, and at present under the direction of Major W. A.
Thompson, of the U. S. Army, (retired, ) lately detailed
for the position.

The course of instruction is both theoretical and prac-
tical, and occupies one hour per week for theoretical, and
four hours per week for practical instruction.

All the students are required to take part, (unless pre-
vented by physical disability, ) in the formation of the
battalion of cadets, and to receive instruction in military
drill and tactics.

This branch of education is regarded by the college
authorities as the most efficacious method of imparting
to young men and boys lessons of obedience, reverence,
patience, manliness, neatness and punctuality.

At the outbreak of the recent war with Spain many of
the alumni and students of the college found, the value
of their instruction when enlisted for active service, and
took a prominent part during the conflict.

A number of students, under Prof. B D. Pusey as
Captain, formed Company A, First Maryland Volunteers.

It is estimated that during this war, two alumni held
commissions in the U. S. Regular Army, thirteen students
and alumni held commissions in the U. S. Volunteer
Army, fourteen students or alumni were non-commis-
sioned officers, and fifteen served as privates. Total en-
gaged, forty-four.