The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-03-31
RITCHIE
IS FOR
TRAINING
Insists United States, Like
France, Wouldn't Become
Military Nation.
GREATEST PEACE GUARDIAN
Army Life Changes-Old
Time Element of Tough
ness Eliminated.

Jamestown, N. D.. March 31.-Cap-
tain David Richie of Valley City, one
of the most popular officers who went
with the North Dakota regiment to
the border, delivered an interesting
and instructive address to the Y. M.
c. A. here, on the subject Of the Y. NJ.
c. A. at the border, and gave some
timely and instructive information to
q large audience on the matter of mill
tary training for young men. He paid
high tribute to the North Dakota
boys who went to Texas, and said that
they were the best regiment on the
border, clean. intelligent, and a credit
to the state.
Captain Richie gave some timely
sidelights on the routine military
training that was given the boys
when they arrived in Texas and its
progression through every stage Of
training to final efficiency. The soldiers
at first were soft and unused to the
rigors Of camp life. so that the hiking
commenced with a little walk Of four
miles, which was increased daily until
the boys were able finally to tramp
twelve miles with full military equip
ment more easily and with less fatigue
than they were able to walk four miles
at the beginning Of training,
Efficient "Y" Work, Fl D..
the army Y. M. C.. A. He told how
each state regiment had a separate
building with reading and. writing
rooms, auditorium, stage. and complete
equipment, and that the privileges of
the organization were accorded to
each soldier absolutely free. The men
had an opportunity to write home,
everything was furnished and the idea
was driven home in a practical. pleas
wfs "a
at least once a week to his mother of
family.
The secretaries of the association
also brought in big men to, lecture and
some excellent talent was offered to
the soldiers absolutely free. The audi
forum was always open for entertatn-
ments staged by the soldiers. and the
secretaries were able to find material
in the different companies for pro-
grams Of vaudeville.
The North Dakota building in
Brownsville was located in the corral
grounds, and was furnished complete
with many conveniences, including a
photograph which did active work.
The soldiers gave many evening en-
tertainments and were furnished with
the opportunity of clean. wholesome
amusement. Reading matter Of
wholesome nature was supplied, and
many of the men away from home
spent their evenings in the Y. M. c. A.
headquarters.
Always on the Job.
Not only were the soldiers in the
towns provided for, but patrols in iso-
lated places were furnished with read-
ing matter, sent a great distance by
Y. M. C. A. secretaries. When the boys
were on a march the secretaries Of the
Y. M, c, A. filled knapsacks with writ
ing material and stamps and went
along with the troops. When the COM
pany camped for the night the secre-
taries would circulate among the SOL
diers and furnish necessary supplies
for the home letter, and then collect
the mail, and acted as postmen. The
speaker said it was a fine example of
human service to see these men en-
dure the hardships of the regular hike
in order to be Of assistance to the