Bridgeton pioneer., 1917-04-19

ais opinion that most of the defects
were what could be classed as cor
rectable' Or at least "preyentable.
had proper attention been given to the
applicants physical condition in ear
lier years.
Reports of college physicians and
medical inspectors of schools are cit
ed as showing that an alarming pro-
portion of those who attend our
schools and colleges have physical de-
fects which are durable, with proper
supervision and training. From those
who have made careful study of this
subject, we learn that the vicious and
inefficient classes of society are al
most entirely composed of physical
detectives.
Value of Physical Training
Statistics from Germany snow that
under Physical Training, in connec-
tion with school life, the chest meas
ure of the German youth has increased
an average Of three-quarters of an
lnch, as against shrinkage of three
eighths of an inch for the same period
IN the. youth of England. In Switzer-
land, the number of youths unable tc
pass physical examination for milf
tary service decreased fifty-four per
cent in five years under school train
ing. In 1912, 80 per cent. of the boys
in Switzerland passed the test for
Army service.
From these, and many other indis-
putable proofs, it must be concluded
that the American youth should be
given greater instruction in hygiene
and physical training than ne hereto
fore received, in order that he shall
be a valuable and efficient member of
society, and that the happiness and
welfare of future generatione be not
impaired.
1t is unquestionably true that the
greatest asset of the Nation is tne
child, and for us to neglect the prop
erl and highest development of this
asset would be to sanction the great
est economical waste.
Besides the waste of untold millions
that must be figured as the result of
preventable inefficiency, of those who
struggle in tne battles of life, must
be added the attendent misery and un-
happiness which go hand in hand with
such conditions.
The Economy of the Measure
As this problem analyzes itself to
the present financial problems of ed
ucation in New Jersey, | feel that it
is fair to argue, as one of the points
in support of the present program for
physical training in our schools. that
the average term for public school
instruction under present conditions
is twelve years. By supervision and
physical training, the pup5l ,Would
complete the course in eleven years
with the added result Of having a
more liberal and effective education,
because of reasonably normal ply
sical condition. If one year in twelve
can be saved, over two million dollars
can be fairly estimated as the annual
monetary saving to the public of New
Jersey by the operations of this law
To this should be added the produc-
tive power of the pupil in the year
saved in his education.
In studying this subject, | have
been impressed with the tremendous
economic waste that is being counte-
nanced in the present system and con-
sequently, find myself most enthusi-
astic advocate of a thorough system
OF physical training as an indispensa-
BILE feature of public school work.
To my mind, the Military Drill for
the High School boy will prove a fit
ting climax for his physical education
and training, that he may be quick
thinking, quick-acting, discfiplinedl
and trained to coordinate his facul-
ties TO a common end.
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