The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1916-12-07

industrial and commercial life Of the
nation who have had enough prelimin-
ary training to make them convert
ible by brief additional training into
officers. Should the United States
ever be called upon to meet great
military emergency a large army
would have to be sustained and sup
ported by a highly co-ordinated IN
dustrial system. There should therefore
be in the country at all times great
body of men trained as mechanics.
whose places in such an emergency
would be not in the ranks OF the night
ing forces but at the lathes and forges
from which the ammunition supply or
the army must be drawn.
Il venture to believe that II the
federal government were to establish
in a number of places throughout the
country schools preparatory TO the
military academy at West Point ana
the naval academy at Annapolis. In
which the rudiments of sound edu-
cation, the elements OF mechanical
skill, the principles of business CO.
ordination, and the beginnings OF mill
tary science were taught. these schools
would develop the natural aDtitudes
Of the students in sucn way as to
supply those fittest by temperament
and talent to pursue in the military
academy and the naval academy the
study of military science: and Incl
dentally these schools would furnish
great body of men returning to
civil life fitted by training either to
respond in an emergency to call
to the colors or to take their places
as civil soldiers in the service Of the
government in those industries and
undertakings fundamental to the sue
cessful conduct Of military operations.
THE suggestion here made ought
not perhaps to be further elaborated
in this report, but l think 1t will be
apparent on reflection that no ex-
pendtture in contemplation Of great
military emergency would be more
apt or helpful than one which gave
to $4,000 or 10000 young men the in
spiration of industrial education at
the hands of the government. in
doctrinated them with the spirit or
service to their country. and tabulated
them so that they would be always
available for either the military or
industrial service which their acad-
emic experience indicated most in ac-
cordanCe with their aptitudes."
Mr.. Baker calls attention to the
fact that he did not take office until
March 9. 1915, succeeding General
Scott who was secretary ad interim
after the resignation of Secretary Gar
rison. He reviews briefly the history
Of affairs on the Mexican border be-
ginning with the rail on Columbus,
New Mexico, and carrying 1t forward
to Nov. 20, the date of the report. On
that day. he says, tnere are still no.
900 officers and men of the national
guard on the border in addition to
approximately $4,000 members Of the
regular army.
Under the sub heading, The pres
ent situation" the report continues:
THE mere presence Of this enlarged
force has served to preserve peace
and protect life and property. Disturb
ances by outlaws and bandits in
Northern Mexico have continued and
rowing bands of various numbers have
moved through the territory, harrass-
ing Mexican forces and raiding Mexi-
can communities but they have not
ventured an attack upon the people OF
the United States. In the meantime the
militia forces on the border have been
drilled. their organizations perfected.
and their personnel accustomed to life
in camp in the performance of this
defensive duty"