Iditarod pioneer., 1916-05-13
PREPAREDNESS

The American ideals of government preclude the possibility of the United States ever becoming mlll- tarst nation. But with nations as with individuals, ideals are not always realized That the hue and cry being raised at present against military program that shall call for large standing army and an lm- mense navy are based mainly upon the fear that a large martial equipment may breed arrogance and eventually lead to unnecessary strife quite appar- ent. But that there IS need for increased armament there apr ears to be general agreement It IS coming 10 be generally recognized that the nation winch would maintain its own sovereignty and command respect must be able to maintain its rights by force ot arms. The question before congress, winch at pres ent is IF such chaotic shape is to how extensive our armament IS to be. The attempt of some poll- ticians to make partisan issue of the matter will ta as 1t should, and eventually when public oplnlon IS sufficiently settled, a plan will no doubt be agreed upon which, while furnishing the nucleus of national defense, to be supplemented by citizen sodlery, W not necessitate the withdrawal of immense bodies ot men from useful avocatons and the maintenance ot a military system which may Tn tune become men ace to the liberties which 1t IS intended to protect
 No matter what the outcome of the present aglta- ton may be- it IS bound to have good effect The military system of the United States as at present constituted IS an anomaly in republic. It IS one which foreign military men cannot comprehend - that the defense of the nation should be lntrusted a most entirely to hired army It IS coming to be more and more evident that the time IS coming when every citizen of the republic will be subject to mill tary duty in some form just as he Is subject to jury duty and to his share of the national expenses Repusive as anything which smack5 of militarlsn1 may be to our people, 1t looks as though out ot the present disturbed state of the worlds affairs and the agitation for preparedness at home, such sys- tenn may ultimately be evolved as will assign to each citizen his place in the national defense. The plan most talked of IS suggested by the S"lss system ,yhich in brief IS as follows:
 Every male of the Swiss republic liable to military
 duty the of 20 and 5O and officers " the age c the ages 10 and Is the Swiss boy receives courses of gymnastics casthncs the public schools and after the named age the law requires him with his gymnacs and to make beginning at muketry Rifle shooting national
 sport practically every boy belongs rifle clubs that un der national auspices The first line called the ete consists of
 those from 20 to 32 ncsive the second or lanwehr of those from B to fl incusve the third consists of a others from l7 to years of age When recruit reports he is fitted with his uni form equipment and rifle all ot winch must be taken him and remain his custody until the end o ls l tary Recruits instructor from sixty to ninety days depending upon their of the service For the te
 repetition of from fourteen days held every year Sergeans and higher officers serve ten re In the andwehr repetition course o eleven days takes place four for all the different arms All work m field and the target Universal service and the be- ginning the public schools the most prominent elements of the Swiss system.
 That marvellous military genius Napoleon, IS quoted as saying: 50 long as people have soldiers whom they pay, they say: It IS for them to defend us A hired army Gas opposed to conscrlpted army) destroys the national energy and depryes the state of the resources which, in the face of necessity would be found in the courage of its citizens. And further Compulsory service IS the fairest kndest and most democratic means of raising men.
 Americans will not lelsl, the terms compulsory service" and "conscription' But universal military service and liability to participation in the defense of the republic, under whatever name it be designated would appear to be the logical outcome of the pre- paredness" program.