New York Military Academy - Shrapnel Yearbook (Cornwall on Hudson, NY)

Page 111 text:

For several years the troopers have been adorned with innumerable accouterments in the form of white belts, cords, brass buckles, and furred busbies. VVith all this aclornment, the cavalry at dances, hops, and social functions outshone the infantrymen, who unluckily were not the proud possessors of such added attractions, and who were unable to get girls to recognize them. Such a state of affairs could not go on, and have successful dances and drills. The troopers, although they were able to corral an uncountable number of femmes, decided that they didift want to supply the whole school. The poor dough boy with his drab and un- becoming outht was at a loss what to do, but the troopers came to the rescue. It was decided that the troopers themselves needed no adorn- ment other than their own good looks and that there was A no further necessity of artiii- ,jk . 1 ciality in regards to trimmings. So accordingly they adopted a more conservative and incon- spicuous uniform. The bus- bies were discarded for natty, snappy, little caps which are hung gracefully on one ear. The white belts and trimmings were thrown aside and now the trooper appears in a plain blue uniform, with a blue cap and a brown sabre belt. This constitutes his outlit. 109

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X Oh! The infantry for slavery, The cavalry for grit. 'l he field artillery for cosmoline, Oh! The in fantry, the infantry, NV1th grime behind their ears, Q Could never touch the cavalry, - , .. - - ln a hundred thousand years. if J 4 Ak E V V' .W ' ' lf.-i ii ' zlti I I .V - V ,ll The medical corps for pip. fl W , anwl- - myrlc M i mrunp as an Quality and not Quantity is our motto. As you can see from the roll call, we are a small organization, but don't forget that we are a select one. To be a member of our most exalted organization, one must be approximately one hundred per cent. efficient, and we all are. For a long time the Troop has been regarded by the remainder of the battalion as a small boy who is continuously naughty and infringing on their precious rights. To be perfectly truthful, we do at times. At parade, for instance. The dough boys are supposed to get the line each time, but alas! once more our efficiency looms to the front and the lines go to us, much to the chagrin of the infantry. Of course this is only a just and rightful re- ward for long and diligent training. As it is not the practice of the troop to brag, we will not dwell on such things any longer, but let us call your at- tention to the uniform of the troop. Contrast us with the dough boys, as we swing into line at parade, and then look at the infantry as they drag along over the ground, foot- weary and dcjected. Is there any comparison? The troop- ers with heads high, sabres flashing and mounts prancing 'to the music. feel as if there is no room for any doubt on the question. V- In , A , ' T. - te As 108

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The question may be asked, Did this material change affect the troopers F By no means. VVe really think that the change added to, instead of depreciating our appearance. The fem- mes still Hock our way. We certainly sympathize with the poor unfortunate dough boy and hope and pray for better luck for him in the future. VVe might also add that in the past all horses and equipment have been fur- nished by the government. VVe are now proud to say that we are the glad owners of our mounts and equip- ment. For years back the troop has been known as a l.usty Youngsterf' As you can judge for yourself, it is now a full- grown man and is approaching what is known as the Giant Type. So, with modesty and without boasting we earnestly believe it to be by far the most efficient and well drilled, as well as the handsomest organization in the battaliong and so from hard work and earnest endeavor we claim this position, which comes only to sons of a sturdy stock. OVTTT' ia. A ' - liii iv., . I 7 l r'1S - Ab , flksl ineuleuqvd' Henry of n6aaIp'D 7-1 ulwfyf n.i'ea.ce wkem -Padres an fresefrt 110