The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-10-01

complete political liberty. The antipo-
dean II as jealous of his rights as the
range rider of the western United States,
yet he submits to discipline to serve his
AS the pioneer nation favoring uni
versal service, Australia found many
difficulties in her path. In the first
place, her area was. great. about
100000 square miles, Inclosed In a coast
line OF more than 1900 miles (the
United States coast line L. 1000 miles
and continental area 3,616.0O0 square
miles). Over this area population of
nearly 100000 was unequally dis
tributed, the greater portion living
within 800 miles OF the eastern, SOUTH
ern, and western coasts OF the island.
with more than one-third OF the aRgre-
gate inhabiting the FIVE principal cities
Of the commonwealth The United
the same type, but on q highly exag-
gerated scale.
The system OF training brought into
force In Australia was no radical de-
parture from what had gone before. II
was the simple extension OF the exist
ing militia and cadet system TO include
all those who were physically ht In
stead OF limiting membership to yolun-
teers. From this seed. which had been
terminating for twenty years. grew up
the present successful plan.
Training Period Short.
The Australian defense act of 1909
largely amended. imposed a system OF
compulsory training. on all Mt males,
beginning with cadets OF twelve "a
eighteen years Of age, followed by one
year In the citizen forces as recruits
after which the men remained as SOL
diers for seven years Liability ceases
sixth year, but men are expected "a
join the rifle clubs which are estab-
lished all over the island and keep W
their shooting. The actual period OF
military training is exceedingly short
The time required OF the young citizen
soldiers from eighteen to twenty-six
years being only sixteen days in each
year. or this period eight days must
be passed In camp In continuous train
ing.
Compared with European require.
ments. this Is excessively limited, but
because of the ardor OF the cadets. and
the fact that shooting Is q national
pastime in Australia. the ends arc Out
of all proportion to time expended.
The whole country is divided into re-
cruiting districts. ninety-two In mum
Der, OF approximately equal popula
tion. each district providing one infan'
try battalion When the SYSTEM is ~
full operation II In estimated thet tn,
total number OF men under training vii
be 10000 cadets and 10000 citizen sol
diers. Antedating the outbreak OF wal
in 1914. the Australian militia totalec
so. 900 In all ranks. In addition TO these
there were 5000 undergoing training nj
senior cadets. Also about $1,000 were
registered In the rifle clubs.
Militia Merged in Citizen Army.
The former militia and voluntee'
units were gradually merged into the
new citizen army When complete thi.
will consist of twenty-three infentr,
hrigades tninety-two battaiionsl, IS regi
, ments of light horse. forty-nine fielt
! and seven heavy batteries -four gun,
each), and fourteen companies Of en-
gineers with the necessary department
tai troops. In the event OF attack
about half OF the force would be requir
cd TO garrison and defend the port,
while the remainder would form n mo
bile operating army.
When the plan In In full working
order. after eight or nine years. It Il
expected the cost will be about SIS,
600
Such in brief is the Australian
scheme. I,
CThe second OF the series will appeal
tomorrow