Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-12
Commander Tells Busi-
ness Men in Military
Camp Army Only
Asks for Square Deal.
Citizen Soldiery at Plattsburg
Hears Stirring Appeal by
Former Chief of Staff for a
Military Force Large Enough
to Fight Invaders.
Fron . gtar corrc.pordcnt.

from q Std0 Correspondent
MILITARY INSTRUCTION CAMP,
Plattsburgh, N. j., Aug. ia stirring
plea for system of military training
among the citizens of this country, that
might be just thorough enough to insure
an adequate defense In case Of attack by
prepared nation, was delivered by Gem
,eral Leonard d. Wood before the 1900
business and professional men, gathered
here for a months military training last
night 1t was the feature Of the events
at the camp to date, and made a great
impression on the men.
You men have been here lust long
enough" the general said, ITO realize
the absurdity of the assertion of those
who say we could raise an army OF
million men between sunrise and sun
set, and thoroughly to appreciate the
problem that lies before us, in order
that we might have even a sporting
chance, should we be attacked by pre-
pared nation.
81 do not mean that we have anything
to fear from small nations, comparatively
unorganized, and to whom we may have
to carry war, but those who may carry
1t to us, and who could be ready to do
SO by tomorrow afternoon, IL necessary.
We do not want to become a military
nation, but we do want to have a mill
tary organization. The least we must
have is something, perhaps on the or
der of that of the Swiss or the Aus
tralians.
A. CAMPAIGN OF EDUCATION
81 hope. that having observed the prob
lens that confront those In charge of a
comparatively small organization such as
this, you will, when you go home, try
to impress the Importance of organization
upon those who were forced to stay at
home at this time, for one reason or an
other. When you do argue the thing,
fairly and squarely, in way that will
appeal to persons of intelligence, don't
bother about trying to interest the ignor-
ant.
Convince the former, and in that way
we will get the necessary legislation that
will enable us to get the task done In the
way 1t should be. Try to Offset the argu-
ments of the old women who are talking
80 much. by bringing home your knowl-
edge of the necessities to what men we
have left in the country"
General Wood also brought arguments
to show that the volunteer apathy in the
United States has been. and would be
again greater than was generally sup
posed He pointed out the folly of re-
lying on a possible enthusiasm that has
never materiahzed in the past. He COM
plimented the men at the camp on the
work they had donet jim the two days, and
expressed his confidence In their being
able to cover ground in a month which
would require garrison with enlisted
men about five months.
PICTURESQUE SCENE,
The general spoke to the men In the
twilight Immediately after the mess
They formed in each company street,
marched to the drill ground and formed
in a great semicircle At the conclusion
of the talk General Wood was greeted
with an applause that was prolonged for
several minutes.
The address was the feature OF day
that for hard work outbd even the open
ing day About eight hours in all were
consumed in drill of one sort or another
The morning hours were devoted to the
arranging of companies according TO
height the appointing of the various tenn
porary noncommissioned officers and fur
ther steps of organization that had not
been completed the preceding day.
Mixed IN were frequent periods OF drill
in formation and the manual OF arms.
ROLLING PACKS.
In the afternoon the would-be soldiers
were taught how to roll their packs.
Their packs weigh when complete about
30 pounds, and are worn on the back OF
the men on the march. They include
tent, blanket a poncho. underwear
eating kit and food. 1t is a strenuous
load for any one not used to 1t, and many
of the men when they finally got II
strapped 10 their backs could do little
more than move.
At least half the camp turned out for
swim before evening mess.
It was the first time the idea caught
on. 1t was further, the strangest slsht
that could be imagined, certainly me
waters of Lake Champlain never saw the
like. There was no bathing costume IN
,,"s,,,a and the appearance was altogether
mat of a. penguin island. Much Charle
Chaplining on the tiny pebbles that hurt
the feet, cruelty heightened the eHecl'
The swim lasted about 80 minutes