The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-27
Discipline Needed.
= ECRETARY LINDLEY NJ.

received the representative Of
THE SrN in his office in Wash
ing;on, although he was far from en-
ihuslastic over the idea OF submitting
20 an interview.
What. interviewed by a woman on
the subject of war" he exclaimed. and
for a moment the novelty OF the situa-
ton seemed to overcome his usual grav-
n.y.
And why not by a woman, Mr.. Sec
rotary? Who could be more vitality
Interested in this question than the
women" Noting the changed express
sion on the Secretary's face, THE SUNS
representative continued: at IL their
sons who would be called upon 20 take
up arms in defence OF the country
should the occasion arise"
The Secretary did not reply. but he
was all attention, and it was apparent
that n responsive chord had been struck.
Continuing. the reporter said:
is It advisable, or even feasible, to
inaugurate compulsory military educa-.
;!on In the public schools of the United
States?"
Il have always been an advocate of
peace" replied Mr.. Garrison. "neverthe-
less, | stu maintain that the Father Of
our Country summed up the whole stu
alton in few concise words, when he
said; In time of peace. prepare for
war;
u do not feel. however tina: this may
be the most opportune time 10 express
private opinion on a subject which
takes on the gravest aspect when a
vas. part of the civilized world is en-
gagged in the act OF awful and devastat-
ing war. Blu; as YOU are bent on get
ting my views on the subject. ] shall
suggest a few thoughts for your con-
sderation and let you form your own
conclusion.
I'm my judgment, there are three
phases of the matter which must be con-
sdered, and most seriously too, II we
are TO hearken TO the wise admonition
Of the far seeing Washington.
"First-The youth of the country mus,
be subjected TO discipline There is
no escaping this very evident but I'M
r!ca:aa: situation. No serious am-ri-
can should slight II or. to lull his senses
TO repose. pass 1t by, If only for one
brief moment.
"Second-The deep seated self-con-
hdence of our people, and especially
our youth. must be overcome once and
for all. However innocent and harm
less this attitude may SEEM it Is at the
same time deeply fraught with danger
Yes, il is clearly apparent In the mind
OF our youth that as Americans pure
and simple We are quite invincib,e. and
! most earnestly urge that this attitude
and spirit must be removed from US
and the thought totally eradicated.
"Third-Our youth must be taught
the reality of physical hardship TO
enable them to cope successfully with
the stern rigors of war conditions. such
as will he met with in active service,
when the nation is face to face with
battle and all that the word truly signi-
fes"
In discussing the subject OF disci-
pine the Secretary said:
Il know OF no better way of illustrat-
ing my meaning than by referring to
situation which came under my OBJ
serVation a short while ago when | was
addressing some recalcitrant pupils of
a military school.
"I found that a number OF these
Youngsters We're imbued with the idea
that they We're all sufficient unto them
selves and that they thought they knew
much better than their superiors In
authority the real significance Of the
word discipline
Boys told them. If you We're
playing football you would never think
OF questioning any orders YOU might
receive from your captain, but would
follow blindly whatever directions he
might give. having entire confidence
In his superior wisdom and being buoyed
up 10y the hope of ultimate victory TO
be won only by a strict adherence To
discipline and the complete subordina-
t!on Of your individual wishes and
preferences.
You all readily admit this to be
true, for il is your common experience
and YOU have come TO regard the pro-
cedure as a matter of course. Now, if
THIS is the case in "A matter of sport
where victory is but a trivial thing at
t"et. how much more important and
even vital does it not become in "A situa-
toH involving the very life and welfare
e. % ration?'
Yes, it is very evident that youth is
de-. I.1lV agotiStipal nDtnrallV | gn1-