The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1915-07-22

recently undertaken to conduct sum
J mer camps which are of undoubtedly
great value in giving military knowl-
edge, but the time does not permit the
development Of much military habit
The object of the writer is to present
a plan Of military training in actual
use for ninety-fve years, and TO sug-
gest that some adaptation Of it be
accepted, as far as may be, by our
collegiate institutions generally.
In 1919 Captain Alden Partridge
founded at Norwich, Vt, the 'Ameri-
can Literary, Scientific and Military
Academy an institution later incor-
porated as the Norwich University.
The charter in outlining the duties Of
the board of trustees states that the
said board shall be required to furnish
at said institution constantly course
of military instruction, both theoret-
ical and practical Captain Partridge,
former West Point superintendent,
had great faith in the military habits
of the American people, directed by
the technical military knowledge Of a
few, as a means Of defence, and the
college was founded as one of chain
to extend across the country. 1t is the
only survivor; but the original plan
has never been lost and Norwich to-
day still offers the course of military
instruction, both theoretical and prac-
teal
To a visitor the college presents
somewhat the appearance of a mill
tary post. The cadets-'gentlemen
cadets as Captain Partridge called
them-in well fitting uniforms, attend
ing classes, drill or other duties at the
call of the bugle; one group practicing
riding, or playing polo, another on the
range learning to shoot; the football or
baseball team working on the athletic
field; all offers an unusual impression
of college and post combined. The
military spirit is prevalent. Soldierly
bearing is required at all times. The
administrative work is carried out in
due military form. Leaves, passes, re-
ports, sick returns are of prescribed
character. Even punishments are
awarded by court martial.
"On entering college cadet enlists
in the First Vermont Cavalry and be-
comes member of troop A, B, c or d
of the first squadron, the official name
of the college as part Of the State
militia organization. He remains an
member until discharged at
the time of leaving college. In no case
is discharge granted unless academic
and military conditions are complied
with.
The question, what time is left for
adequate preparation of academic
work ? is fair one; and is answered
n a degree in the words of the found
n, as follows: "A third defect in our
system is the amount of idle time
allowed the students; that portion of
he day during which they are actually I
in reeitations Il
but small portion of the d
Whole; during the remainder those d
hat are disposed to study will i'm 5
rove at their rooms, while those who
re not SO disposed will not only not 0
improve, but will be very likely to r
ngage in practices injurious to their p
institutions and destructive to their d
lorals.'
"This is rather dark view of the :
sndencies Of uncontrolled young man. =
ood, but it is at least partially true. :
he student whose presence is requir- "" ""
4 in the class room sixteen to twenty .
ours a week, who is absolutely free ,
, do as he will at all other times, "
ill very easily develop habits of pro- -
which oftentimes even
le danger of failing cannot break. " '"
nd procrastination is only a negative -
d habit which gives time for the n,
owth of many positive vices. Here, ae
en-, was his solution of the problem. ~ -.
We sufficient variety Of work so it ~
ay become interesting, yes, even re- - -
eative, but allow no idle time. -
"This plant has required modifica- ~
IN with the years, but is essentially :"
operation to-day. Reveille, calls %
enics, breakfast, police of quarters I'm
ardmount, chapel, recitations, take CT
9 time until noon. Drill, laboratory
rk, field work, riding, consumes un-
Ais in the afternoon. From then Fiji
til retreat at six all cadets are free.
7;30 study hours begin and contin- '
until taps. During spare periods in i
r..