The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-07-29
Physical Training for tho Militia.

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The plan which has long been under con-
sideration for establishing periodical ath
letic competitions in the National Guard OF
New York has at length taken practical
shape, the difficulties encountered when 1t
was first presented having been overcome.
The opening series Of contests for brigade
championships Is to be held in September,
tho athletes Of the First Brigade meeting at
Van Courtlandt Park. those OF the Second at
Creedmoor those OF the Fourth Mt Buffalo.
and those OF the Third at places yet to be an
nounced. There are to DO seven compete
tions, and while the entries IRE voluntary.
any National Guardsnan who reaches the
standard In four OF tho seven gets badge as
n qualified athlete. to which each subsequent
years success adds bar; while those who
reach the standard In all seven may COM
pete for tho ail-around brigade champion
ship. These competitions ore the 1OO-yard
dash, quarter-miie run, half-milo run, mile
run, high jump, broad jump, and putting tho
shot. The half-mle run Is to DO done in
light marching order, with rifle and equip
ments, haversack, canteen, and the over
coat rolled and slung.
These new competitions arc based on the
general plan of the rifle contests, except that
they ara In all respects voluntary. The
honors OF success and the privilege OF wear
ing the athletes badge, corresponding to
the marksmans badge. will be stimulus
enough. while the purpose OF the State is to
increase the agility, strength, aud endur-
ance OF its soldiers.
Attention to physical training Is a marked
feature of modern military methods 1t is
true that with the introduction OF firearms
combatants were brought more to n COM
mon level in the matter Of muscular prowess.
and that the tremendous feats Of strength
and activity priced in the days OF knight
hood became no longer relatively so impor-
tant. And as arms OF precision gained in
range the proportion OF actual hand
to-hand fighting diminished. SO that
the contrast between the days OF the
sword, the spear. and the bow and
tho days OF the breech-loading rifle
and magazine gun has become still moro
marked. Yet the very deadlincss OF modern
weapons destroyed the old battle tactics.
and thus increased the Importance of the
individual soldier. The open order OF forma-
tion and the great part which skirmishing
plays require that each man should be
better able to take charge OF himself than In
the time OF FREDERICK the Great. with its
masses moving shoulder to shoulder.
We now see great care taken OF the phys
ical condition and athletic abilities OF tho
soldier. In our regular army, besides the
strict conditions as to bodily soundness in
enlistments. we find gymnasiums and bowl
ing alleys at different posts. games OF ball
going on, and frequently on holidays ath-
letic competitions OF various sorts. But this
tendency Is even more to be encouraged
among the militia, and especially the mill
tia OF cities, large portion of which
is composed OF young men whose duties
in shops and counting rooms are not OF
the sort to harden them for the exigences
Of campaigning. or to make them muscular
ly powerful. These citizen soldiers are re-
lied upon for the suppression OF riots and
the enforcement Of law. The Tennessee mi
itia, If sent into the mountains to subdue the
miners, might have an experience OF hand
| to-hand fighting with stalwart opponents,
In which bodily strength and alertness
would be Of the greatest Importance. The
same is obviously true OF militia contcnding
with a city mob.
| 1t is fortunate that among the National
Guard OF New York and some other States.
for several years. Gymnastc training has
| been greatly In favor. Athletic associations
have long been tlourishins in many regi-
ments, and competitions have been held an
nually or sem-annually, Mt which their men,
bels have competed both with each other
ant with all Corners. These competitive
sports have n definite influence In build
ing up the membership and tho spirit OF
companies and regiments. rs we'll as In max
| ing the men more fit for military duties.
What the State now does is to recognize
this important element In its citizen SOL
diery, and to encourage and direct IL. The
competitions thus far selected are nearly all
in running and jumping. but the programme
can easily DO modified. II advisable, for other
military uses. The great gain. us in tho
rifle competitions. will DO In tho training OF
the average National Gunrdsmnn to como
up to tho standard required for a badge.
rather than in tho exceptional performances
OF few experts. II judiciously supervised
and managed, tho now athletic system
should add to the efficiency OF the National
Guard OF the State.