New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-10

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Major General Wesley Merritt reviewed u,
uniformed boys at the Hebrew Orphan Asylum
on Thanksgiving Day commented on their fine
appearance and compimented the INSTRUCTOR
The review was attended by many men who
are interested in the subject OF military instruc-
ton in the schools, and the fact was mentioned
that little or nothing is now being done in tina,
direction in the public schools Of Ncw-York.
The military organization in ST. Francis
Xavier School is in fourshing condition, the
Baptist Boys Brigade maintains its organiza-
ton, and the St. Georges Cadets work as faith
fully and attend to their military duties as con.
scientously as model guardsmen In speaking
of the cadets Captain Louis D. Downer, the in.
structor, who is a member Of the tenth com
pany Of the 9TH Regiment, sad:
we have two companies Of boys, ranging In
age from eleven to twenty-one years who drill
regularly once a week, qualify as marksmen Ike
National Guardsmen, go TO camp every season
and perform all the duties required of guards
man. They can be assembled in two hours, and
are proud OF their battalion and always ready
to work for its glory
1t was the hope Of many members OF the
Grand Army of the Republic that a similar or
ganization might be maintained in every pubic
school when the American Guard was fouhdea
a few years ago. Companies were formed Inc
members received uniforms, ana the ooy WIN
a fatigue cap decorated with the letters A. u
became a familiar object on the streets. But
the caps are rarely seen now ana the course oI
military instruction has been abandoned IN the
public schools Some Of the schools MADE
good showing with their companies until othcia
opposition put an end TO the scheme Inc Dat
talon formed by Edward II. Boyer Of PUBIC
School No 81 was in many respects the pest
and the solderly bearing and fine appearance
~ the bows attracted attention wherever they
were seen.
The teachers agreed that the military instruc'
tior did much 10 elevate the tone Of the schools
that the boys became more self-rcliant' were
manly and approciative Of the benefits OF as
oir,iro and the drills cid much toward lheh
nhvsical development The system although
had q short trial. did so much good that there
is a possibility of its being revived uhae' lhe
sunervision Of the Government. oIh having
haen nronarad for introduction in Congress CIV
ing the Secretary of war authority to designate
ARMY officers or retired officers as INSTRUCTORS
in public schools.
ohbJNNN
perintendent Of Schools. said that one OF 'ne
drawbacks was that all boys could not ahoFe
TO buy uniforms and equipments. and that 'hey
were consequently unable TO share the gioHes
Of membership in the school battalion with more
fortunate lads.
"A good way 10 do away with this objection
he said would be to make membership IN the
military organization reward for good stand
ing in school. and when boy Is found worthy
to become a member Of the body the cit! shoua
pay for his uniform"
This is a unique plan, and may meet WIN
opposition. but the fact that various ways 1'
being discussed by which the American Gu@fu
may be revived shows that interest IN il mas NV
died out. but whenever a plan has been decioea
upon it will be opposed by the people VINO hA''
always objected to military instruction ID 'n'
schools on the ground that it is wrong 10 put
weapons in the hands Of children.