The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-21
SECRETARY ROOTS ADDRESS
ON THE WORK OF THE ARMY

YIN 1hE WORh VI lhE AKIN
Secretary Of War EIihu Root. who has
personally devoted much time and labor
to the development Of the project. was
the next speaker. He said;
Not TO promote war but 90 preserve
peace - Intelligent and adequate pre-
paration to rcpeI aggression. this insti-
tuition is founded. 1t is a growth and not
a new departure. IL is q natural and
necessary development with the views
with which General Grant established the
artillery school at Fort Monroe. General
sherman established the infantry and
cavalry school at Fort Leavenworth, and
Gen. Sheridan established the school OF
application for cavalry and light artil-
lery at Fort Riley. Following the same
policy an engineers school Of apli-
cation. a school of submarine defense.
and an army medical school we're after
ward established. All OF these institu-
tions were practically suspended during
the war with Spain, and in the Philip
pines.
When the time came for their estab-
lishment il had become evident that not
merely restoration. but an advance and
enlargement of military education was
demanded by the enlargement of our
army. the advance and greater com
plcxity of military science, the increased
proportion OF officers who had not the
benefit of West Point education. and
the wider range of military problems
which the possibilities of our national
growth forced upon our attention. The
growth Of separate institutions had
reached a point where their efn-
cheney could be increased and the
results of their work could be util-
lied best by bringing them into relation
as parts of general system of military
education under the inspection and
supervision Of a single co-ordinatfng and
controlling body. and by experimenting
their work with a post graduate course.
which should carry their best men on
ward along the lines OF research and Of
thought by which experience and theory
combine 10 the making of skillful COM
manders Of armies.
The War College Board.
Such a system the army is now put
ting in force as rapidly as possible. The
controlling and directing body is the
War College Board. consisting OF 1--WE
officers OF rank specially detailed, and
tiIlery. the superintendent Of the West
Point Military Academy, and the COM
mandant Of the LeavenwOrth School. al
under the presidency OF the gallant. OK
perienced and able soldier. Major Gen
Samuel B. NJ. Young. Under their III
rection the school at Fort LeavenwOrth
has been re-established and re-organ-
lied as a general service and staff col
lege, with the school at Fort Riley as an
accessory school of application. The
special service schools have been re
established. system OF schools has
been established at the principal posts
and is being extended to all consider
able posts Of the country, under which
a compulsory course. following pre-
scribed curriculum, is required from all
junior officers.
1T is the design Of the board. al
ready provided by general orders. that
the best men from the post schools shall
be graded up to the Leavenworth Col
Iege and the Special Service Schools;
that the best men from the .Leavenworth
college and the Special Service Schools
shall BE graded up to the ost-graduate
course OF the War College. there TO
study and confer upon the great prob
lens OF national defense. OF military
science. and Of responsible command
The sources of instruction in all the
schools at all stages are IN the, high
est degree practical as we'll as theoreti-
cal. and military aptitude tested by the
exercise Of actual command. Will hold
a leading place in the determination OF
merit.
Opportunity for Good Men.
ITO the men thus sifted out from the
great mass Of officers by the demonstra-
tion OF superior Intelligence and devo-
tfon TO their profession the commander
in-ehief will naturally turn for details
for important service and promotion TO
higher rank. Membership in the War
College viii mean honor and opportuni-
~. In its confidential archives will be
Karnered the results Of the best thought
OF the army and the continuous exist
ence OF the institution. always changing
in its elements as men come and go. but
remaining itself unchanged will be
found continuity OF knowledge. Of
thought. and Of military policy always
available for practical men under the
supervision OF the general stan. Of
which the War College Board will form
. part.
1T Is a common observation. and a
true one, that practical qualities in a
soldier are more important than a
knowledge OF theory, but this truth has
often been made the excuse for indo-
Ience and indifference which. except in
rare and gifted individuals destroy
practical efficiency. II is also true that.
other things being equal. the officer who
keeps his mind alert by intelligent exer-
else, and who Systematically studies the
reasons OF action and the materials and
conditions and difficulties with which he
may have TO deal. will be the stronger
practical man and the better soldier
The same considerations which have