Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-15
Vast ask to Build
Great Cdntonme nts
for Nelu Draft Army

sary In every well-organized modern
settlement.
The result of these complete plans
perfected not only by regular army
officers. but by sanitation and city plan
ming experts, is that dangers arising
from Ill sanitation are reduced to a
negligible factor.
Drink and immortality have been the
hane of soldiers camps in all countries
This is fact that army officers have
| always regarded in selecting sites for
camps, and although the majority Of
the environments have been carefully
placed away from cities. nevertheless
there has been appointed Federal
commission on Training Camp Activi-
ties to safeguard the morals of men in
the camps
1t is also planned to withdraw the
attention of the soldier from rigid re-
strictions by organized recreation and
enjoyment
Experts in recreational activity and
relaxation methods have been named
to the commission. Raymond b. Fos-
dick. the chairman, previously made a
special study OF conditions on the Mex
lean border for Secretary Baker. Other
members are DR.. Joseph e Raycroft
professor Of hygiene and director OF
physical education at Princeton Uni
Versity; Joseph Lee, president of the
fairgrounds Association OF America:
John r. Mott. OF the International Y.
NJ. c. A.: Lee +. Hemmer of the Sage
Foundation; Charles r. Neill. of Wash
ington; Thomas ]. Howells, of Pitts
burgh; Malcolm l.. Mcbride. OF Cleve-
land. and Major Palmer L. Pierce, Of
the United States Army
To GUARD MORALS
OF MEN IN CAMP
The commission has two distinct
functions: First. to keep Secretary
Baker informed as to conditions in the
training camps and the zones sur
rounding them; second. to coordinate
the different agencies seeking to serve
tho soldiers.
we are operating as clearing
house." said Chairman Fosdick, ito
eliminate the waste md competition
of overlapping organizations, at the
same time stimulating recreational ia
cilities.
Our first function is aimed, of
course, to do away with the evils that
have been too often associated with
army life. not only in America, but in
Europe Our boys are to be drafted
into service. We cannot afford to
draft them into a demoralizing, envi-
ronment The responsibility is doubly
obvious In view of the measure of
CONSUMPTION. a man might volunteer
for service and run his chance with
vicious surroundi gs. but when con-
scription comes into play the govern
mcnt must assume the responsibility
oil n n
Mr.. Fosdick believes that too MANY
of the evils surrounding camp life are
traceable to lack of adequate amusc-
ment and rational recreation for the
soldier. Our commission" he remark
ed does not intend to apply idealis-
tic standards that are impractibale. We
shall be dealing with a fine lot of
healthy red-bloodtd men and we must
have healthy FLOODED forms of re-
creation. My point Is that there must
be plenty of it to absorb the surplus,
energies OF the soldiers during their
hours of relaxation"
In connection with the work of tho
commission which will be under di-
rect control Of the army. will be in
stitute' a system of athletic sports
apd &srnes such as are now carried
out In England under the Aldershot
plan and which have. been built up to
n great extent In Canada.
ATHLETIC GAMES
ONE OF FEATURES
These games are built up on the
inter-unit system. their ideas being to
develop the competitive instinct in
the soldier. Boxing, wreStling. bayo-
net exercise and all forms OF hard
physical games Will be introduced.
Everybody must take part. Squads
will compete with squads. companies
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