The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-12

Inspector General Breckenridge is at
work upon a detailed statement concerning
his recommendation that apprentice bat
talions be established in the army on the
lines OF the apprentice system now in use
in the navy.
General Breckenridge asserts that such
battalions will furnish the army with
plentiful supply Of well-driTed and disci-
plined young men for non-commissioned
officers, and even. from among some Of the
most intelligent and best fitted, in times Of
war, well-equipped commissioned officers.
In a recent report on the subject General
Breckenridge says:
"A decade has passed since ! first en-
deavored to draw attention TO the desira-
bility OF establishing system Of appren-
tice battaliOns in connection with the
army, such as has been in practical and
successful operation IN the navy for years.
The subject awakened a lively interest at
the time, and was favorably discussed by
such well-known officers as Generals It'd
ball, Frank and Sanger, and Colonies
Greenleaf and Woodruff, Of the Medical
Department and many others; and the
system proposed received the common
dation and approval of both the Secretary
OF War and the Major General Command
ing the Army.
The proposition was to enlist lads not
younger than sixteen nor more than eight
cen years OF age. and give them a course
OF military instruction. as well as the rudi-
ments Of an English education. One or
two Of our unoccupied military reserva-
tons could readily be used for this pur-
pose.
They are Of very Httue use 10 the
country in their present condition. but
may. in the way proposed, be made TO sub
serve a valuable public good. At the end
OF their term Of enlistment these youths
could either enter regularly into the army
or go back to the walks Of civil life. In
any event. the instruction. and military
training which they receive will be Of in
calculable benefit, not only to the country
by making them loyal and patriotic citi-
zens, capable OF taking care Of Them
selves and properly defending the COun-
tTy's cause. but to the army, by furnish
ing superb material and TO the boys them
selves by intoxicating correct principles
when the mind is most receptive, which
will form a solid foundation to success in
whatever business they may pursue
Boys take readily to military life, and
doubtless large per cent would prefer to
remain in the army. The Gordon Boys
Home. at West End Gotham England
workings Of a battalion Of boys, about 60
per cent OF whom enter the army. But II
is not so much a matter Of Importance that
the apprentice shall enter the regular army
at the close OF his apprenticeship as that
We should have distributed throughout the
land trained and educated soldiers ready
and willing TO rally to the defenso Of their
country when necessary. This really con-
stitutes our strength as a military nation
and is our main reliance.
II certain number OF apprentices were
designated by each Representative. We
would be sure Of getting youths above the
average mental. moral, and physical
capacity. and absolutely AmericaniZe our
army, and their influence upon the rank
and file certainly would elevate its mill
tary tone The requirements Of the army |
with its modern tactics and appliances are !
exacting. and fair degree of education and /
technical knowledge is presuppOsed for all /
subordinate positions.
we need just such trained young men /
as proposed for nonCommissioued officers |
whether line or staff, and they also could. |
and doubtless would win commissions. In |
ducements are. therefore not lacking to |
attract boys Of good character
1T Is earnestly recommended that steps
be taken for the establishment Of an ap- |
prentice battalion for each arm Of the SER !
vice. and II IL meet your approval, I would !
suggest that a board OF officers be appoint |
ed to arrange preliminary details. An act /
OF Congress is really not necessary for the /
organization of such battalions. The en- /
listment OF minors is already authorized by |
law, and their assembling al designated /
posts for purposes Of instruction is a mat
ter Of administration The main idea is
TO get TIE plan started and perfect il aft
erwards as may appear most practicable
and feasible
"A trial will cost little or nothing. and
the plan once started is bound &c grow in
popularity and prove OF as great Jeneft to
the army as to the country and to the /
young men themselves. The navy has
illustrated both the method necessary and
the benefits secured with naval apprentices.
and TO ignore such an excellent system is
simply to cling to inferiority."