The Washington herald., 1916-01-30
State Military Academies As
Preparedness Step Advocated
Joseph M Locke c. E., Former Army Captain Urges Ma
tional Defense Plan, Which, in Modified Form Was
Put in Limited Operation Years Ago.

governments. but 10 have such state laws
passed as would allow an Institution to
be established in conformity with the
FOREGOING enumerated plan. The COVER
nor was to be ex-ofhcio the president
OF the board OF visitors. furnish from
the State quota the required arms and
equipments for both artillery and In
fantry, issue academic degrees. etc.
Cows. J. d. Cox and r. B. Hayes both
taking upon themselves the securing Of
the PASSAGE OF said laws in the State OF
Ohio.
The citizens OF Dayton having made
the most favorable proffer of assistance
to secure the location OF the institution
in their vicinity. the legal required
amount OF library, scientific cabinets,
and physical laboratory equipments were
furnished by myself from those of the
late Prof John Locke, NJ ID. The reg
ula1ons we're kindly prepared at the
United States West Point Military Acad-
emy under supervision OF Capt Z. c.
Boynton. L. s. A, sdjutant. and other
officers OF that institution, and approved
by Gov. l. ID. Cox. thus completing the
full Ohio legal requirements for the or
ganization OF the institution, which had
previously been opened and cadets re-
ceived September 90, 1866.
The universal approval and growth was
beyond all expectation, so much so that
the income more than met all running
expenses, but the rapid growth was de-
nanding immediate increase Of quarters
and equipments. and admitting OF no de-
lay. Whereupon additional funds were
further drawn from my private resources
Success Killed system.
The enlargement of cadet corps eontin-
ued unabated. so marked as to impress
the Dayton guarantees that there was
no need for fulfillment Of their promises
even after being Informed by me that
having already crippled my personal sf-
fairs ] was unable TO make further sd-
vance. Consequently. while In the very
height Of success at the end OF the third
academic year. June %. 1855, the institu-
tion was closed. killed by a surfeit OF
its own success. Thereupon the Dayton
defaulting contributors rushed forward
with cash in excess OF their original
promises. pressing me to resume; but I
felt IL was extremely doubtful II the
enthusiasm inside and outside the acsd-
emy could again be aroused, and there
upon declined to make the effort
The three years working under the sys-
tenn clearly demonstrated that the en-
forcement OF strict details IN military re-
quirment and drill In no way was re-
pugnant to cadets. but, as expected. ere
sted a satisfactory physical development
and lsudable pride in military affairs.
subordinating organization and syste-
matte procedure in all matters OF detail
Since the days in which the foregoing
scheme was devised. the great changes
in army equipments and practice. / real
iZe require enlarged training of officers.
This has in no way diminished the
foregoing proposed scheme, but en-
hanced the same.
Two Glasses suREested.
Under existing conditions some change
Is desirable, to-wit: First the cadet
corps should be divided into two classes
as follows: Class A, WHO would pay In
full for all benefits from the institutions.
including uniforms. etc: Class B, a
definite number accepted by the State for
the entire course. including graduation.
the State paying a hxed sum for all eI-
penses OF each member OF class B. The
sum would be refunded by the cadets
to the State I'm case OF dismission under
charges. or failure to graduate, thus in
surfing at least the desired number Of