Omaha daily bee., 1909-07-04

desertion less frequent; the people would
become more accustomed to the uniform
and would learn to respect 1t. Moreover,
the sight of military exercises and maneu-
vers. accompanied by music. would have
a tendency to bring about greater sym
pathy than now exists between the citizen
and the soldier. and which in turn would
act as an inducement for many young men
to Join the army.
Making the army a school for general
instruction would in no way Interfere with
the work of training the soldier. On the
contrary, this work would be facilitated
through the greater interest manifested by
the man, feeling, as he would, that some
thing is being given him outside his mere
pay. The thought that he is acquiring in
struction In useful branches, habits con-
ducive to health, a useful course of physi-
cal culture, with an opportunity of seeing
much OF his own country and some OF its
colonies, would be certain to awaken in
him greater interest, which in turn would
make his instruction as a soldier more
easy. 1t is only the man that is docile
to mental acquisition who can be disci-
plined. The young man more often needs
~ ANb~NA NAA@A N~ NNN
usually engenders soldering"
Men returning home after serving a term
in the manner proposed. would spread the
liking for things military among those who
are in a position to profit by them and
be the means OF persuadlng young men to
try a short service in the army, thus
enabling the government to secure re-
cruits to fill the places OF those whose en-
listments have expired. This effect would
become more and more noticeable as the
number OF reserve soldiers increases; the
system leads to its own development.
In creating this reserve force 1t will be
observed that no provision has been made
for retaining the men for further service
in the army. In Germany, and in France,
a soldier on completing his training and
entering the reserve still belongs to the
army and is liable at any moment to be
called again into active service. This could
not be done under our volunteer system OF
raising armies. The soldier on leaving the
army after his short term OF service again
becomes entirely free. His services in case
Of war can be obtained only as a volun'
\teer, or, in extreme cases, as a conscrip'
like others of the population. The ques
ZION OF THESE llC NOlullANttl h6 d5eAlA h0s
be safely left to the men themselves. They
would no doubt be forthcoming like many
others in case OF war. AS a recognition
of their greater value the government
could we'll afford to offer a special bounty
in order TO secure their services. The mair
point is to have trained men in sufficient
number in the country.
. Many are the influences that would caus'
men who have served a term in the army
to re-enlist In time OF war. Public atten
ton would naturally turn toward them a!
beng the most qualified for taking a lead
ing part in the defense. and this would
act as a powerful Influence in determin
ing them to volunteer. Moreover, as thei
number grows they would no doubt form
associations, which would have the effec
OF keeping UP a military spirit. not onl!
among themselves, but also among thei
ncighbors. When sufficiently numerous
they might be organized into skeleton mill
, tary bodies and their officers selected from
: those qualified TO hold commissions. Tn
: government could as we'll encourage asso
> Citations Of reserves for wars to come a
IL has veterans for wars that have been
| 1t would be hopeless 20 expect a radica
change In public sentiment under presen
l conditions In regard to the manner OF rails
} ing armies I'm case Of war. Until event
> bring the people TO realization Of ia
dangers OF the present system and 20 a
. understanding OF the fact that our isola
ton Is a source OF weakness as well a
: Of strength only palliative measures can b
: taken, and the foregoing suggestions shoUl
: be looked upon as OF this class Nue.