The San Francisco call., 1905-04-22
CADETS HEAR
JOYFUL NEWS

BERKELEY, April 21.-News that
brought delight to all the university
students who are compelled to drill
in military fashion was received by
President Wheeler from the War De-
partment at Washington to-day, the
information conveyed being that here
after neither juniors nor seniors shall
be required TO drill. Drill will be held
three days each week, however, begin
ming with the drill in August.
This order Of the War Department
IS understood to be the result Of con-
certed action by the land grant col
having united last fall IN a petition
10 the Government asking that the
drill regulations be modified and made
less onerous.
President Wheeler went East last
month and presented the university's
side Of the question in person to Sec
retary Of War Taft. The military men
are 10th, apparently, to see the regu-
lations under which the military de-
partments Of colleges operate modi-
fed, but IA Difference to the united
petition ofthe institutions affected the
order just received by President
Wheeler was promulgated.
So strong was the feeling in army
circles over this matter that the last
number Of the Army and Navy Regis
ter devoted a lengthy editorial to q
criticism of President Wheeler's stand
IN the matter. declaring that the War
Department was not likely to take any
step which would lessen the drilling
or other features Of military instruc-
ton in colleges that receive Govern
ment aid. Military mems ideas of the
affair are understood TO be mirrored
in the editorial, which is in part as
follows:
II the professor standing at the head OF the
University OF California, Benjamin 1de Wheel
er, has been correctly quoted by reporters of
the San Francisco papers, he is cherishing the
notion OF material modification OF the re-
ouIrenlents adopted by the War Department,
after considerable consideration Of the subject,
for the government OF those colleges and uni
versities in all parts Of this country where are
on duty military officers IN the capacity of
war. That college functionary has been in
Washington and has appeared at the War De-
stitution weh as Of others Of the same
class, among the faculty Of which more or
posed by the general stan for the conduct OF
the military departments of those educational
institutions This objection, Of course, is
is expected by the War Department. and that
the Students Of the colleges are required. in
drills IN The military department
The official reports from the army officers
who have Inspected these colleges and the con-
ditions existing there have indicated that
these objections were firmly rooted and would
appear q somewhat effective block TO the
scheme OF the general staff for the encourage
nlent Of the military spirit in the college stu-
dent body These colleges. as has been repeat
ecly pointed out. manifestly benefited by
the existing conditions. The laws Of the coun-
Try give them very material favors in the way
Of annual allotments from the public funds and
tie gratuitous service OF army officers TO act
ss instructors. II was considered that in re-
turn for these advantages the colleges should
90 something toward establishing and main
tanning in this country among its youth an ap-
preciauon OF loyalty and some familiarity with
military devices. This expectation on the part
OF the Government was not prompted by
ample return in time Of emergency for the
income given 10 colleges and for the free
detail OF army officers Tor the maintenance OF
the military departments.
Now, IL appears that the colleges are un-
willing 70 assume their share In the respon-
sibility and TO yield anything like q just re-
turn FOR the advantages which have been theirs
without cost trouble The whole subject
has evidently been reopened since the crfti-
from college sources have gone more be-
fore the general stan There will naturally be
considerable interest in the result OF course
Il may appear from the information which has
reached the War Department that the exist
ing rules. hitherto considered reasonable and
possible Of execution, are not practical when
applied 70 college government. II Will sup
port the impression formerly reached in vari-
quarters. that II the military depart
the detail or army officers TO college duty
should be discontinued and the allotments
made 10 the colleges should be reduced. II not
cancelled.