Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1896-02-11
The Training OF Soldiers

Whilsthere are many disadvantages
connected with the Hfe of a eonwlon
soldier, there are some compromising
circumstances that the public rarely
takes into consideration. The common
soldier, when'he lives up to- army regga-
latfons, is so situated as to- enjoy every
needed condition I'M the way OF health
and fine physical Development. He also
has many mental and moral privileges,
provided he takes advantage Of them,
and is on the whole much better on
than is generally supposed
There Is great prejudice in the pub
lie mind against soldering, and ocea-
sional abuses have increased this feel
ing until it is not easy to, get good en-
listed men.
or course, the thought OF training
has its unpleasant side but ali the same.
they are necessary for the safety OF
their country and probably will be 20
the end of time, especially IL peace con.
crosses make no more headwaT toah
they are doing at present. Rifle prac-
tice, games Of an kinds, and athletic
exercises are part of the regular sm.
ployment.
1t Is now recommended that more
freedom be given to the mem in after
noon hours in order that they mary have
practice in bicycle riding and other
amusements, and may have more time
to themselves to follow theiiTOwn pleas
ures. There is tendency toward more
freedom in the intermingling Gf Off
GERS and men, and better state OF feel
ing between them than has hitherto
existed. Contests in athletic games are
suggested not only in the garrison, bat
between those at accessible points
Marches out through thee country are
proposed, not alone for" practice bat
for the purpose of takingsthe' mem Snto
new scenes.
Barrack life is exceedingly hum
drum and the men becomerestiess when
confined too long in one place.. Where
soldiers are CHARTERED near the. water,
it is proposed to supply racing shells,
boats and all necessary appliances for
exercise. Rubber heels are to- be at
tached to army shoes, experiments hav-
ing shown that the jar to the body is
greatly decreased and muchl fatigue is
avoided.
A review of the condition of the army
shows an unusual amount of intelli-
gence in the suggestions, Of those in
charge OF the various departments 1t
is possible to make the condition of the
common soldier much more comfortable
and agreeable without rendering the
service too costly, and this, according to
all indications, the war department is
inclined to do.
Napoleon in the Russian, 0axspaiEn.
Around the camp-fires there was, dur
fng the remaining months OF winter, a
passive endurance, mingled with some
murmuring about the horrors caused by
one mans ambition. The emperor set
his men an example OF accomplishing
cheerfulness. His health continued as
exuberant as it had BEEN for the year
past, and his activity, though no longer
feversh, lost nothing of its intensity.
Savary thought he outdid himself. ac-
complishing in one month. what else
where would have been, even for lini,
the work of three. Nine. de Remusat
remembered to have heard him say
that he felt better during those moutEs
than ever before or after. This vigor
of body, combined with the same iron
determination as of old, did indeed work
miracles, and this in spite of the fact
thar his interchangeable secEstary, Marer,
was long at the point Of death.--Life
of Napoleon" in the Century.