The morning call., 1895-02-09
GAINS In INTEREST,".
Military Training for Public
School Pupils.
Is INDORSED By PRINCIPALS.
The Movement Meets With General
Approval.
A CIRCULAR TO POST COMMANDERS.
All Grand Army Veterans Will Be Asked
to Aid the Patriotic Project
Now on Foot.
CIRCULAR TO POST COMMANDERS.

If the expressions of approval of the plan
to introduce military instruction III the
school are worth anything it seems to be
only question of short time when the
Board of Education will make that a part
of the course of study. In order to do this
the course as it now exists must be modi-
fed to some extent, but this in the opinion
of those who are friendly to the project is
of secondary Importance.
Colonel Cutler who is the prime figure
in this patriotic movement, and who has
been selected by Commander-in-Ch Chief
LAWYER of the Grand Army to take charge
of the work on the Pacific Coast stated
yesterday that he was in correspondence
with the national headquarters relative to
| the work. He had informed Commander
Lawler that the press of San Francisco was
| agitating the matter gallantly, and that
through its influence success was assured.
"My object" said he, ''is to have the
local Board of Education take official
views of several directors published in THE
CALL this morning that no serious diff
Guilty will present itself in accomplishing
| the purpose in view. The benefits to a
young man of military training cannot
be overestimated 1t makes a man of him
in more ways than one. Physically it is
great thing, and viewing military instruc-
ton from another standpoint it quickens
the perceptive faculties, and l believe
! stimulates the spirit of patriotism"
Colonel Cutler will confer with Presi-
dent Dodge of the Board of Education to-
| day, when it is thought some decisive ac-
| ton will be taken. If he succeeds in the
work in this city, the colonel will go to
Oakland, and then the smaller towns of
the State. He has also notified various
Grand Army posts of the work he has I'M
dertaken, and important action with refer
ence to it Is expected at an early day.
| The school principals are almost with
out exception in sympathy with the move
ment No objections to the plan have
been made, but there is an impression in
some quarters that the course of study
might suffer if military instruction is
added thereto. AT present the course is
quite full and occupies every moment of
| the school day.
81 cordially indorse the movement" re-
marked James It. Hamilton, principal of
the Lincoln Grammar School on Fifth
with success in parochial schools and do
not see why it should not succeed in the
public schools. The only difficulty that
| presents itself, in my opinion, is the ques-
ton of time. The course of study, as it
now is, would not permit the introduction
"
course might be modified, but the question
then arises, what should be eliminated and
what should be retained? That, of course
would be settled by the Board of Educa-
ton, and no doubt will be when that body
takes official action in the matter. AS far
as L am generally concerned [ believe in
| the project. There is nothing like good
military training to make men of our grow
ing youth. There is vein of romance in
| every boy, and what is more romantic to
the youthful imagination than great feats
in arms? 1t is a great stimulus to am
| bition, and every boy that has a we'll
directed ambition will necessarily become
good citizen. l would gladly see military
instruction become part CT the course of
study in the public schools of this city"
School Director c. A. Murdoch regarded
the movement as a highly important one
He said that every citizen whose heart was
in the right place recognized the value of
military training to young men. In case
of war at the present time well-drilled
young men would prove great power.
THE project has everything to recon-
mend it," remarked he, "and | believe the
Board of Education will adopt some
measure that will ensure its success. 1
will do all in my power to advance the
movement to successful issue"
| School Director Carew stated that the
project had many considerations to COM
mend it. Such an innovation would have
an excellent influence in promoting the
physical development of the pupils and
the discipline of the schools, and in addi-
| ton it would stimulate interest in the
| National Guard. It would also, in his
| judgment, provide large body of citizens
| familiar with military tactics and require
ments and would form an important mill
tary reserve in time of war.
A circular will be issued to the various
Grand Army post commanders of the
contains the following:
| The department commander desires to call
| the attention of all post commanders to the
| q part of the common-school education of our
| country.
1t is eminently fitting that the Grand Army
| of the Republic should again prove its patriot
| ism and devotion to the flag and the Union by
| giving its time and influence in carrying out
effectively the place they have occupied in the
past.
| The successful accomplishment of this will
| constitute perpetual monument of their de-
sire to assure the future of their country from
all possible aggressions. 1t will benefit the ma
! ton in peace as well as war.
The department commander would therefore
| earnestly impress upon all post commanders
that they should at once bring the subject TO
the attention of their respective posts and in
| duce them to take prompt and vigorous action
| toward influencing the school authorities of
their neighborhood to adopt and carry out the
/ system.
The circular will contain information
relative to the work at hand; but the prin-
cipal matter-that of detailing Instructors
will be decided by Colonel Cutler as the