Bridgeton pioneer., 1917-04-19
The PHYSICAL
TRAINING LAW
Assemblyman Pierson Ex-
plains Measure.
HAS MUCH Value
Measure Is in Interest of Youth
and is an Economy
Measure.

Writing for the Pioneer, Assembly
man Arthur N. Pierson, of Union
County, presents an analysis of the
New Jersey Physical Training law,
which is now being considered by the
Bridgeton Board of Education:
Editor Pioneer:
In order that an intelligent under
standing may be had of the Act re-
Gently passed by the New Jersey Leg
1slature, which makes a course of
Physical Training a part of the pub
lie education of the State, | shall give
an outline of the history, scope, and
purpose of this Act, with some rea-
sons why this law is Of great econom-
ic and social value.
In the winter of 1915, because of
the utter lack of preparedness for de-
Tense on the part of our Nation. | in
troduced a bill in the Legislature,
providing for military training of
High School Boys; not with the idea
that this training would make SOL
dlers, but would be a step in the way
OF preparedness. The bill was not
favorably received by the Legislature;
consequently, in 1916, the bill was re-
introduced in an amended form, but,
on account of the agitation for a Fed
eral system of compulsory training
and CarVinn T 1af
fused to pass the bill, feeling that it
was unwise to enact legislation of
this sort until the Federal Govern
ment had determined their policy in
that matter. A Commission was ap-
pointed to investigate the subject,
and submitted carefully prepared
report to the last Legislature, which,
TO my mind, proved conclusively that
the making of an efficient soldier, or
a valuable member of society, must
have its beginning with the physical
training of the child in his early
school years.
What the Law Provides
The law, as it now stands, was
drafted to conform with the findings
of the report, and provides for thor
ough-going course of physical instruc-
ton and training for all pupils in
public schools. The course is pat
termed largely after the Swiss sys-
TEN, but revised to meet American
conditions. Such courses are COM
pulsory for all pupils, above kinder
garten age, who are physically fit.
The course is to be prepared and
supervised by the Commissioner of
Education and his assistants. The
standing of the pupil in this course is
a requisite to promotion and gradu-
alton.
The State Board of Education may
elect that the Physical Training
Course shall include formation and
military drill for the male pupils in
the high school, or, if the Board does
not include this feature as a part of
the course, the school district may,
by referendum vote, include military
drill as feature of physical training
course for high school boys. Where
the military drill is made part of
the physical training course, the Drill
Master must hold a certificate from
the Adjutant General as to his fitness
for such work. The matter of equip
ment, uniforms, ETC., together with
the salary of the Drill In structor. are
provided by school district in their
school budget.
Nothing could he farther from the
fact than the idea that this law is in
tended to make soldiers of our High
School Boys. The only possible rela-
tion that this plan could have to mill
tarism or soldiery, is that the Board
of Education may elect to include
military and formation drill, as a part
of the prescribed Physical Training
Course for High School Boys.
Report as to Physical Training
The report Of the Commission which
investigated this subject quoted some
very interesting yet startling figures
as to the physical condition of those
who applied for enlistment in the U.
s. Army, covering e period of five
years. These statistics showed that
only one in five applicants was found
to be physically fit for Army service.
The report gives the Surgeon Gener-