Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1917-04-11
Universal Military Service and The Law

the states from invasion, and the federal
government, in 1892, had provided the ma
tional force already described To carry out
this purpose. BIT this force. n we have
seen, the states have permitted to die: and
in its stead each had created for its pro-
lection a little army Of it, own, called Il
national guard, and in 50 doing had taken
over from the federal government its "
defense, To be maintained at its own cost.
and had assumed The duty OF defending
the federal government. Thus had the fed
eral government and the states exchanged
places in their military relationship.
The consequences Of this surrender of|
military power by the nation are now seen
to he exceedingly hazardous To the nation
nj welfare, To be nearly insupportablc by
the states, on account of the heavy finan-
cial burdens involved, and To be ineqnitable
10 those who compoSc these little state ar-
mics. There j. therefore substantial
agreement among all who have studied the
subject that there must be brought about
the immediate adoption of Il broad and
equitable military system which shall be
wholly national in character.
A. the foundation of such Il system al
ready exists in the federal law, a. has been
shown above, it remains only for the ma
tion to build upon hat foundation a mod
ern democratic military structure. and 10
remove such legislatures restrictions as
prevent the ~compulsion of every man of
military age and fitness 10 serve beyond
the borders OF the United StateS-in Ger
many, for instance, ii need should there
arise-as he must now serve whiting his
own territory.
Universal liability To military service
being fixed IN the law, the question now
arises, shall we not train our Young men
IN such 4 manner that they will be the
more able % perform effectively the pa
triotic duty which the law has bound upon
them, with the maximum Of comfort and
safety for themselves!
The education of a youth TO become IA
%lteraie and useful citizen already is com
pulsory. Modern conditions of life de-
mand that he shall Dc made also highly
efficient IN physique, moral and discipline.
And the security of the nation requires
that he shall be taught to perform, with
ease and precision, ON land or sea. the
military service the law and national Sc
curity demand of him.
Experience and intelligent observation
have shown that this training should be
given not later than when the youth closes
ms cdinmon school career, and that ii
shouldt be treated as a finishing course in
physical development, character building.
the military sciences and patriotism.
Thus. universal military or naval train
ing should b. treated merely ~ IN extern
sion " a youths customary course Ill
studies, and IL should be given him III the
expense of the federal government, Ia
whom he ives allegiance. With his cloth
ing. keep. and instruction furnished him
gratis. his parents viii be relciyal oE his
cost Of maintenance during his training
probably for the first time IN hi life. When
a youth 20 trained steps from his train
ing camp or ship, he should be u strong.
straight, healthy, alert, and disciplined
man. well fitted to enter life. To such n
start every American boy i entitled. And.
what J. more important if we are Ia retain
our liberties, the American youth will thus
have become an efficient soldier or sailor.
In order To meet the requirements Of
our situation. therefore, two changes must
be made in our military system. The law
must extend the liability OF our citizens
for military service 20 that their service
shall not be limited by our borders and
i must inaugurate military training for
NIL young men.
In conclusion, ! cannot refrain from
quoting the war-wise words of that belov-
ed soldier of the revolutionary period.
light Horse Harry Lee: "A government j.
the murderer Of it, citizens which sends
them 10 the field uniformed and I'M
taught where they are to meet men NJ the
same age and strength. mechanizcd by edu-
cation and discipline for battle"
HENRY 4. WISE WOOD.
Chairman Conference Committee on Ma
tional Preparedness.