Along in December, when we felt confident of graduating the next June, we began to discuss what we would adopt as our “Class Ring.” Jewelers in New York, Philadelphia and other cities, knowing that it was customary for each class at the Point to adopt a certain handsome ring as its class ring, submitted samples to us. Upon receiving about twenty samples we held class meetings, and after much discussion part of the class wanted to adopt one of the designs while the rest wanted to adopt another one. Finally we agreed to abide by a majority vote, but when the ballots were counted there was a tie. Then we agreed to take two pieces of paper of the same size, and to write the maker’s name of one of the two rings on one paper, and the maker’s name of the other ring on the other paper, to put the two papers in a cap, shake them up, hold the cap above the head, and to let T⸺r draw one paper which should decide the case. This was done and ratified; the ring adopted was a gold ring with a large setting; there were thirteen stars around the setting, and on one side under the stars there was an eagle with one wing spread; on the other side under the stars was a helmet on crossed rifles with the last two figures of the year of our graduation in the lower angle of the cross, and from here around to the eagle was a chain. It was agreed that each member of the class could select his own setting, and some selected amethyst, some topaz and others blood-stone or onyx. It was also agreed that each member could use his pleasure about having the “Class Motto” cut into the setting. A Latin motto was suggested, but many of us opposed it, because the Academic Board had not made Latin a part of the course of study at West Point, but after much deliberation, my class, by a close vote, decided to add Latin to our course, and that “Omnia pro Patria” should embody the entire course of Latin for our class, and for fear that we might forget it we adopted it as the motto of our class. We then agreed that the motto, when cut in the setting of the class ring, should be put on a ribbon, partially enclosing the last two figures of our graduating year. I now remember my Latin course better than any other course of study, for I have never forgotten that “Omnia pro Patria” means “All for Country.” About this time we also selected the photographer that should make our Class Albums,[60] but left it to each member to make his own selection of pictures for it. There is an official photographer now. As each cadet had to pay for his own ring and album, it was agreed that he could buy them at his pleasure, but early in January nearly every one in the class was wearing his class ring and in May the albums began to arrive.