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devised in our own country—which is so well adapted to its pe-
culiar wants and so eminently calculated to inspire a high de-
gree of true patriotism—may without impropriety be emphati-
cally denominated "The American Plan of Education." What
more beautiful illustration of the principles of our Federal Gov-
ernment than to see a band of youths preparing to maintain the
honor of their own State both in peace and war, and at the same
time rallying under the glorious banner of our common country.

In the various departments of civil life the graduates of West
Point have not been wanting in the performance of those duties
which constitute the useful member of society and the good citi-
zen. A record is kept and published by the Government which
shows how those who have retired from the service have
been employed. The Senate of the United States, the Supreme
Bench, the Foreign Legations, the Cabinet and the Church all
unite in bearing testimony to the value of this Institution. And
yet West Point never attained a high degree of excellence until
the General Government sent Col. Thayer to France to be edu-
cated expressly for the office of Superintendant.

The Virginia Institute has been made by employing graduates
of West Point, and any State may attain the same result by em-
ploying the same means.

A MARYLANDER.

January, 1856.