The National tribune., 1898-01-20

thorne did-sneaking out of that duty
when the country was calling in agony
for her young manhood to save her.
PATRIOTIC TRAINING IN THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS.
Commander Shaw, of the Department
of New York, GAR, and his efficient
Committee on Public Schools have been
doing an excellent work in awakening an
interest in military instruction and pat
riotic teaching. One of the plans, which
meets with considerable favor from the
press and the public, is contained in the
report of Col. II. II. Adams, as follows
Moral Development.-The committee fully
concur in the fact that patriotic exercises inn
prove the student morally, stimulate his in
tegrity of character, impress him with the
responsibility of coming citizenship, and ele-
vate his ideas of manhood.
Intellectual Development. The records of
such schools as have given most attention to
the matter of patriotic exercises show that the
students of these organizations stand the high
est in scholarship, and that under thorough
discipline marked development in method,
exactness, tenacity of purpose, and kindred
qualities are conspicuous results.
Physical Development-The 'setting-up"
drill is a blessing to any boy, be he scholar
in the public school or otherwise 1t is
noticeable fact that on entering schOorOom
Of boys who are under military training you
find them sitting erect and most attentive and
respectful The pupil who is uDaccustOmed
to this discipline, when asked to recite, half
rises or stands In STOPPING posture, sup
ported by his desk, and in an inaudible tone
responds to the CALL whereas, with the boy
under training, he rises quickly, stands erect,
and in prompt manner, with clear enuncia-
ton, gives his recitation. These facts are
derived from the records Of several of the
prominent schools in New York City and
from schools i'll the country from Pennsyl-
vania, Connecticut, and other States.
Method Your committee would, there
fore, recommend that in the fifth year-or.
in other words, in the year next to the gradu-
ating year of the grammar grade-military
instruction should be introduced and main
tanned, embracing the ''setting-up'' drill
and that instruction should be given by Off
GERS of the State militia at such times and
places as can be made convenient
Uniforms.-Your committee would recon-
mend that no uniforms be worn by the stu
dents of the public schools so organized.
Use of Armory.-YOur committee further
recommends that proper efforts should be
made to obtain the use of local armOries
for the purpose of drilling at stated periods
during the week, after school hours, of the
pupils of the public schools of the State,
when accompanied By militia officers. And,
further, that the Endorsement Of the Legis-
lature of the State be obtained for measures
embracing military instruction Of some kind
in the public schools Your committee fur
Their suggests that military instruction in the
public schools shall not be made c0mDuIsorp
Grades That there shall be one or, at the
most, two grades, as above indicated, which
shall receive military instruction.
Arms.-Your committee suggests that the
drill with arms be entirely voluntary and
under such restrictions as may be exercised
by the principals Of the schools.
Graduating Class.-Your committee finds
that the graduating year of the grammar
school boy is one in which the student is re-
quired to use his entire time in perfecting HIM
self in his studies Having passed through
the experience and discipline incident TO mill
tory instruction, he should he freed from all
duties interfering with his last years gradu-
ating work.
Drill Masters-Your committee further
recommends that the State be asked to fur
nish such commissioned or non commissioned
military officers as may be available to give
instructions in the setting up" and other
forms OF military evolutions at such times
during the week as will meet the require
ments Of the schOolboys and make available
the service of the military officer
Maj. Stowits, of Buffalo, submits
report to the Commander in regard to
public celebrations. He says that " our
short existence as Nation, from Colo
MES to States, is fruitful of what can be
woven into a clear and entertaining
ritual for the everyday interest and
profit of the children in our schools.
Teach the history of the flag, it's changes,
and final adoption by Congress, June
II, ltI, ana named the cambridge
flag, with its beauty of unexcelled and
striking splendor. Our literature, mod
ern as it is, teens with patriotic senti-
ments and soul-stirring expressions, en-
nobling in their character, as testimony
of pervading reverence for our flag
and country" He would have these
printed sentiments memorized, burned
into the minds and hearts of the millions
Of children, companionship for their
active and meditative hours"
SENATOR THURsTON has pOne over