The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-10-18
PRIEST MAKES PLEA
FOR ARMY CAN TEEN
Chaplain Ferry of Tenth In
fantry, Recently in Rich
mond, Speaks.
w. c. T. U. is MISTAKEN.
DECLARES DISCIPLINE MAKES
SOLDIERS MORAL HOW 1T
COMES THAT SOLDIERS ARE
MISJUDGED BY CITIZENS.

Tenth Infantry, U. S. A, In Richmond,
during the recent fall festival, in a
manner interesting and instructive. In
discussing the topic the chaplain, who
counts most on his elbow work, re-
views the regular soldiers life as few
know it. He deals with conditions in
the army and says that the w. T. c. U.
in securing the anti-canteen legislation,
did more harm than good. The chap
lain said:
1.-The desire to be independently
stand upon ones own legs, SO to speak,
is innate in the human heart. Whether
individual independence is conserved
does not hinge upon the eternal law of
right, but upon the temporal conditions
of might. The criminaI at large is in
dependent SO long as he evades the
clutches of the law of the land. He is
mighty in himself, and hence retains
his Independence till one mightier than
he deprives him of his freedom. The
victim of circumstantial evidence,
though innocent of the crime charged,
is at the mercy of might when right
becomes it's serf. That might makes
right is an axiom which has had from
time immemorial the penediction of
men, though not of heaven. 1t is de
facto' rather than de jure' principle
among men. The question of it's mo-
rality, am sorry to say, is confined
within the sanctum sanctorum of the
theologian and his discipline. Other
individuals, seeking TO promote their
selfish interests, never fail to offer in
cense at it's shrine.
I'VE are all selfish beings-a all looking
out for No. 1. Self protection is the
first law of human nature 1t can be
sought whenever higher law is not
infringed. The more mighty the indi-
vidual the more certain and lasting his
independence.
"As with individuals, so with ma
tions. A nation depends upon it's
strength for protection. BY its might
alone it holds the respect of other ma
tions. The mercury of nations cali
Der of strength moves up or down &C
cording to it's resources. These re-
sources have value not solely in point
of quantity, but also in point of quail
ity. OF what comparative value are
5000 raw recruits or mutinous soldiers
or sailors compared with 500 we'll dis
ciplined and patriotic men? 1t is the
quality that counts in the long run, and
which eventually brings victory to the
national hearthstone.
l speak now of quality, viewed from
scientific point of view and not I'M
der the microscope of the moral law
quality begotten of the science of war
fare, which in turn engenders might
the scepter OF nations. If purely sci
entific quality can be the meat and
marrow of martial success, how much
greater the degree of success and last
ing It's effects when linked with moral
virtue. In other words, to what great
er heights of might will not a nation
soar which is borne on the wings of a
service not only of scientific, but in
trinsic, moral worth?
OF such worth is the American army
taken as whole. Look at it impair
TALLY with mind bent on statistical
research, with an ear deaf to calumny
and eye unblinded by prejudice.
Weigh them as a community of
1000, with any city or community of
number of inhabitants. and dare any
one say the army is found wanting
Does 1t not stand to reason that hum
an nature everywhere being weak,
there will be more strength of char
Rcter where discipline is mistress
Discipline in the army is what grace is
to the SOUL Grace can be rested
however, without telling temporal eff
fects, but not so army discipline. A
civilian unsupported by discipline is
weaker than he who is not. Discipline
makes man more receptive of morality.
since there is a growing character to
work upon I confess that there is
such thing as personal discipline, but
history and observation demonstrate
It to be more theoretical than practi-
cal. Discipline dealt out by authority
Is the more productive of good results.
Hence the community vigorously dis
ciplined according to justice is by far
morally ahead OF that depending upon
PERSONAL spasmodic disciplinary acts
of its individuals
II we make comparisons the truth
pf my assertion will become evident.
How many murders occur within a
community of 1900 or even less,
composed of men and women, than in
army of that number or men? What is
race suicide but murder pure and SIM
pie? The army's most caustic critics
Are oftentimes those who sin against
the natural law raised to sacramental
dignity. Seldom does the canker worm
of divorce find existence within army
circles If it does its CONSEQUENT evils
inevitably lead its patrons to the gate
way of dismissal. Honesty must be in
the military service. Only fool
would be dishonest In the army. In
ciyiIi life tHsSbpuaSty ran md oftan q,