Morning journal and courier., 1883-08-21
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 Thompson aimed st making soldiers citi- gems and citizens soldiers. The situation of the soldier WAS to be rendered pleasant, his pay Ias to be increased, his clothing ren- dered comfortable and even elegant, while all liberty consistent with strict subordinR- ton was to be permitted him. Within, the barracks were to be neat and clean and without, attractive. Reading, writing and arithmetic were to be taught, not only to the soldiers and their children, but to the chil- dren of the neighboring peasantry. He drained the noisome marshes of Mannheim, and converted them into garden for the use of the garrison. For the special purpose of introducing the culture of the potato he ex- tended the plan of military gardens to other garrisons. They were titled, and their pro- duee was owned by non commissioned officers and privates. The plan proved completely successful. Indolent soldiers became indus trious, while through the prompting of those on furlough little gardens sprang up every where over the country. Bavaria was then infested with beggars vagabonds and thieves, native and foreign. These mendicant tramps were In the main stout, healthy and able bodied fellows, who found life of thievish indolenee pleassnter than 8 life of honest work. 'These detestable vermin had re- course to the most diabolical arts and the most horrid crimes in the prosecution of their infamous trade" They robbed, they stole. maimed and exposed little children so as to extract money from the tender. hearted. All this must be put an end to. Four regf- ments of cavalry were so cantoned that every village had it's patrol. This disposition of the cavalry was antecedent to seizing, as a beginning all the begRars in the capital. The problem before him might well have daunted a courageous man, but he faced it without misgiving. He brought his schemes to clear definition in his mind be- fore he attempted to realize them. Pre- l. ~S- 4g,~ to establish habits. Reversing the maxim that people must be virtuous to be happ9 he resolved on making happiness step ping stone to virtue. He had learned the importance of cleanliness through observing the habits of birds. Lawgivers and found CTS of religions never failed, he said, to rec ognize the influence of cleanliness on mans moral nature. ''Virtue never dwelt long with filth and nastiness, nor do I believe there ever was person scrupulously ateen- tive to cleanliness who was consummate villain" He had to deal with wretohes coV- cred with filth and vermin, to cleanse them, to teach them, and to give them the pleasure and stimulus of earning honest money. He did not waste his means on hne buildings, but taking deserted manufactory he re- paired it, enlarged it, adding to 1t kitchen, bake-house and workshops for mechanics. Halls were provided for the spinners of flax, cotton and wool Other halls were set up for weavers, elothiers, dyers, saddlers. wool sorters, carders, eombers, knitters and seams tresses. In the prosecution of his despotie scheme all men seemed to fall under his lead. To relieve it of the odium which might ac. crue if it were effected wholly by the mili- tary, he associated with. himself and his field officers the magistrates of Munich. They gave him willing sympathy and aid. On New Years morning, 179O, he and the chief magis- trate walked out together With extended hand beggar immediately accosted them. Thompson, setting the example to his com panions, laid his hand gently upon the shoul- ders of the vagabond and committed him to the charge of a sergeant with orders to take him to the Town Hall. At the end of that day not single beggar remained at large.