New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-16
TEMPER IN TRAINING CAMPS
What the "Cadet-Rookie" Produces by His
Infinite Provocation.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir. This is n bad year. No sooner had
the summer boarders driven the sharks out
Of the Adirondacks than we read oil the
army officer who swore at the Plattsoure
rockies. And the hay fever stories are sun
to come.
Not that the officer didn't relapse into good
Flizabethan on occasion He may have smoked
the sky Of Clinton County with wreatns OF
excellent birthstone; but he could not outdo
some rockies have heard. One IN particular
remember, prone in a mud puddle, with
scampering horse on the horizon. There are
degrees of audbility in the army as there
are Of visibility in the navy.
And there are degrees Of provocation' Inc
nth degree is provided by the Plattspurs
rookie. Hourly, infinitely. in the infinite va
rety of seven thousand minds, he provinces
il. For this is not the regular rookie pu'
the "cadet" species, who asks questions,
argues. even cross-examines, with entire goou
will and with all the native American Gu
riositv that constitutes our common herl-
tage. Gallery practice at the oihcerS WI"
bandoleers of question marks-that Is the
rockies real rife range.
To say nothing of his deeds OF valor' ohe
know who, in manevres, led his troop AT
the gallop TO certain death from infantry
fire" picking out with unerring accuracy
the one point in the compass that could
produce that result, and then inquired re-
proachfully wherein he could possibly nave
make a mistake. The tarantulas OF the Dor
der have nothing on the rockies AZ Lake
Champlain.
Yet in two years, with a hundred army
officers moulding ten thousand hobgoolihs
into near-soldiers, we hear of just one stray
unravelling of temper or temperament
one single shred awry. Assume Jove nodded
once. if YOU will, but don't multiply it-and
do give us rest from these rocking CHAIR
ouerulities about how terrible IL was. Inc
l. s army officer needs apologist his
name is standard the world over. A man ana
human. like the rest OF us, but Wnoie io'
manlier than some of US, his reputation
takes care of itself. II is good thing TOT
Uncle Sam that ten thousand OF US nave seen
him as he is-modest, capable, gentle man
in the best sense, and eternally on ms JOB
DESPITE a national neglect that mas become
criminal in its culpablity. The country Will
take its hat off to this man when 1t know
him and when it needs him. A few OF US do
so to-day-and there will be more. A man
"a known by the hearts of the men he com
mands. and a searching of hearts in the ranks
of the regulars will give you the same re-
action. Mr.. Sitandkick, if you can read what
is there.
No. the American army officer needs no
apologist. but August yarns breed commenta
tors. And would only say, Mr.. Heardandran'
that one swallow does not make summer
even though you are sure you saw the swat
low. or heard the "cuss word" You might
,banre the drill regulations, however. Let
tho officer ask his troop, "May | command
charge sabre?'" Let the troop respond IN
unison. "Pray do" Then let the officer lead.
There is precedent in "Pinafore" And that
would save your harred feelings.
HENRY II. CURRAN.
New York, Aug. 10, 1916.