Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-24

how many battles have been lost, how
many times the tide of conflict has changed
because the commanding oficer was ig-
norant of the real nature of alcohol, be-
cause he thought his brain would be clear
er. that his aim would be steadier, II he
fortified himself with the alcohol that par
alyzed his nerves. that muddied his brain.
that really untitled him to be the director
Of conflict. In our military and naval
schools are young men who are to be to
us We know not what In the future before
this country. We cannot today tell what
possible hour may como when our national
destiny will depend upon the clear, steady
brain of some officer who Is a boy today in
training in our military or naval schools.
1herefore.we ask that a law may be enact
ed which shall make the nature of alcoholic
drinks and other narcotics and their eff
fectS upon the human system, in cOnnec-
ton with physiology and hygiene. manda-
tory study for all pupils in our national
military and naval academies, and that
this branch shall be taught with suitable
text books in the hands of these pupils"
The law was passed. and has for twelve
years been binding upon all pupils in our
military and naval academies at West
Point and Annapolis. These Twelve years
past must have included the years that
Lieut.. Hobson was studfouS naval cadet
at the latter institution.
The writer is in possession of a letter
written in April, 1885, by Admiral Chen
captain) Sampson, who was at that time
superintendent of our naval academy at
Annapolis. This letter was accompanied
with an outline of the course of study pur-
sued in that institution. on the nature and
effects of alcoholic drinks and other mar
cotics upon the human system. Captain
SIMPSONS letter says Of it: THE whole
course is taught in Il thoroughly scientific
manner and by competent instructors
Aided by good men in committees on mil
itsry and naval affairs in Congress, a GER
tain American citizen has watched to see
that the text books en- this subject used
nv Ia
latest findings of modern science concern
ing the nature and physiological effects Of
alcoholic drinks and other narcotics.
Therefore, young Hobson had had def
mite and positive scientific instruction as
to the effect of whisky or of any drink con-
tanning alcohol in deadening sense rercep-
ton, impairing nerve control and muscular
precision and in clouding the judgment.
On that June night on the Caribbean sea,
off the coast of Cuba, an hour Of national
well as individual destiny was pending.
If ever men needed keen sense perception,
perfect nerve control. precision in muscular
action and cool judgmnt, these men did
then. and Hobson's knowledge that alcohol
binders rather than helps these rendered
the nation good service at that critical
hour. for the event shows that not nerve
or muscle of the eight men failed to do
it's essential duty then and there.
The craftsmanship of or naval cadets
at Manila has challenged the admiration
of the world. They, too, as graduates from
Annapolis, must have learned the same les
sons.
The pessimists who claim that i'll fol-
lowing the goddess of peace the spirit Of
noble daring, of courageous adventure, has
died out of the character of or people ere
mistaken. For unpretending self-efface-
ment, for skillful daring and achievement,
history has nowhere a record that out
ranks this noble deed of Lieut.. Hobson ard
his companions.
Our modern sea kings, with the blood Ct
the old Norsemen in their veins have shown
not only that they are able, We're their
ancestors. to conquer and outgereral their
enemies of the Latin race, but that, in ad
dition they are more intelligent masters
of themselves than We're their ancestors.
June 20, 1898. MARY II. HUNT.