Should the performers attempt to “consume time,” or the enthusiasm of the audience be kindled to such an extent as to create apprehension for the safety of the building, the services of the Fire Department, under the able management of its efficient “Chief Engineer,” will be called into requisition—(provided the nozzle can be found.) MANAGERS: S. W. FOUNTAIN, R. A. WILLIAMS, E. M. COBB, A. H. RUSSELL, A. E. WOOD. The semi-annual examination commenced right after New Years and when the class standing[39] was announced, about thirty cadets were found deficient, and discharged. At least half the deficient ones were in my class, and the balance in the other three classes. Those near the foot of my class, who passed, but about whom doubts had been entertained as to their ability to get through, were now furnished with warm cloth overcoats of the regulation cadet gray. The sections were rearranged according to the standing determined by the examinations, text books for the next five months were drawn, lessons assigned and studies resumed. Shortly after our class standing had been published, the class was sent to the Library, where we again took the oath of allegiance, and in due time afterwards each fourth classman received his “cadet warrant.” The plebes now began to make the best show they could both about their rooms and in their personal appearance. Those who could do so procured curtains[40] for the windows, alcoves and clothes presses, all turkey red, of course, as that was the regulation color. When they got new clothes, they were particular about the fit, especially of the dress coats, as their waists had grown more shapely, caused by wearing close fitting clothes and belts, which required the chest and not the abdomen to be used for breathing. They had their old dress coats made smaller in the waist, too.