The daily morning journal and courier., 1904-05-09
JAPAN'S OFFICERS
SYSTEM OF MILITARY EDUCA-
 HON IN THAT COUNTRY.

Ahe DtstAict 1fTpaidtOsS Sthools 'u
 Which ,hs Cadets ReceIlc Their First Technical ns'ruction-IIIs'rIbutI"
 cf the Newly Graduaied Men Through Inc Iariars uraaeI,c- nf the
 Sersicr-rost CIaduafe Conrses at ToIlo.
 -..s question of the education of army officers has been so much before the public of late years that a glance at the military educational institutions of Japan and the system of training officers may be of interest.
 The officers of any army have a pest ton to fill the difficulties of which are not always, realized by the public, which expects much from them and is prepared to give little in return. The hard work and patience which it takes to turn out the finished product the trained soldier from often indifferent raw material are, as rule, overlooked by civilians, who are only too ready to criticise failing on the part of officers and to condemn the unsuccessful. In Japan, where the whole population is imbued with martial spirit, the result of ages of civil rebellions and an old fashioned chivalry which has stamped it's mark even at the present time on the customs and language of the coun- try, the task of the army officer is com paratively easy. The whole national life of the Japanese is mixed up with discipline and respect for authority, which makes it a simple matter to train soldiers, and which gives the profession of arms the most honorable position in the country.
 EUROPEAN MODELS FOLLOWED.
 The military instructional institutions of Japan have been modelled after careful consideration of the best in- stitutions of the kind existing in Europe. The army is considered a highly technical profession, which ne- cessitates a special training from earli- est youth, combined with sound general education. As in the case of the British navy officers are enlisted young and their training is commenced at an age most impressionable to habits of military discipline. Education is commenced in the military district preparatory schools of which there is one situated at six of the principal towns in Japan, with accommodation for 15O pupils each. The students at these schools are selected from aspir- ants for the position of officer of the army, and the age of the entry is be- tween thirteen and fifteen years. The course lasts three years, and is intend- ed to impart to the boys a general edu- cation sufficient for military require ments, to encourage them in a martial spirit, and to train them for the Central Preparatory School at Tokio. These schools are under the manage ment of a military commandant, assist ed by an adjutant and a so-called in speetor of students, the latter of whom is mainly responsible for the main- tenance of discipline. With regard to entrance, sons of officers who have died on active service and of Govern ment officials whose death was caused by illness incurred in connection with their duty, and other special cases are considered as privileged students, and are maintained and educated at Government expense; also sons of junior officers of the army or navy are admitted at half rates.
 At the conclusion of the three years course, the commmandant, under the orders of the inspector general of mili- tary education, holds a graduating ex- animation for admission to the Military Central Preparatory School. This in stitution, the course at which lasts twenty-one months, is intended to pre- pare the students now between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years for the positions of officers of all arms of service. Here their general education is continued and they receive a prelimi- nary training in military subjects. in cuding. The students are divided into companies for discipline and work, un- der officers of the regular army. The discipline is exceedingly severe, and work is practically continuous from morning till night, with breaks only for meals and the afternoon hot bath. As in the case of the Military District Preparatory Schools, special privileges are allowed to sons of deserving off, cers. The students are divided into three classes, namely, those who have all their expenses paid by the Govern ment, secondly, those who are boarded free and are supplied by the Govern ment with part of their clothing; and thirdly, those who are entirely self-sup- porting. Students may be dismissed from the school for want of capacity, frequent breaches of discipline, general bad behavior, or unfitness through ill., health. At the end of the course an- other graduating examination is held, and the successful candidates are then sent to serve for six months in the ranks with regiment, before joining the officers school.
 DISTRIBUTION OF THE GRADU-
 ATES
 With regard to the distribution of the cadets through the various branches of the service the following points are specially considered in order of import ance: (D The wishes of the cadets themselves as to the branch they pre- fer; (2) the requirements of the service; (3) equal distribution of cadets of superior scholarship; (4) cadets who excel in mathematics are sent to the artillery, engineers, and railway corps.
 The final training necessary for off, cers of the lowest grade of all branches of the army is given during a twelve months course at the officers School of Tohio, Candidates admitted to this institution are of one of the following