Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-09-18
GIVE OUR BOYS A
FIGHTING CHANCE
Nv MN. MrinleY. Jr.

BY VIM. wrisley, Jr.
How fortunate il would have been
had VIC adopted universal military |
training 1--WE or ten years ago. 1t
would have meant much in the pres
ent crisis-it probably would have
kept us out of the war. But it's no
use 10 cry over split milk. The ques-
ton Is, what shall we do now? Every |
thoughtful man must feel that ma
ti.T unable TO protect itself promptly |
II blind TO the tragic possibilities OF
It's heedlessness. War comes unex |
pectedly and, as in our own case, IL
is sometimes forced upon an limo
cent bystander" For three years We
submitted to insult and injury, until
forbearance ceased to be a virtue ana
there was nothing left for us but to
assert our rights and to defend them.
No country in the world hates war
mote than We do. Only extreme
provocation would induce us to take
up arms. Experience shows abund-
antly that a peace-loying nation is
not safe because OF that fact. Bel
GUM and some of the Balkan states
are evidence Of It.
AS the world is constituted, and
has been through thousands of years
OF strife, there is only one safe plan,
and that is to follow the advice of
Washington-in time of peace, pre-
pare for war. II we had done this
few years ago, we would have saved
billions of dollars and tens of thous-
ands OF lives. II Is common knowl.
edge In military circles that trained
lien, by knowing how to take care OF
themselves in camp and in the field,
reduce the mortality and casualties ct
least two.thirds, and, what is even
more vital, MEN OF SPECIAL
TRAINING ONLY CAN BE USED IN
MODERN WARFARE.
Nationally, we need a little fore.
sight, keener appreciation of the
necessity for providing for future
contingencies. We cut ice in the
coolest sort OF weather when nobody
wants ice, for we know 1t will be
demanded a few months later; so VIC
prepare in mid.winter for our com
forte during the heated period of sum
mer.
Ihc plan OF universal! military
training as outlined in the Chamber
lain Bill would make available at all
times, millions of young men who
have had sufficient military training
to enable them to become excellent
soldiers with a few weeks of add
tional training. This would safe
guard the nation and prepare 1
against any contingency that woulC
probably arise, and II one should never
arise, the training and discipline
would be the very best experience
that any young man could have. Il
would make him stronger physically
more alert mentally, quicker 10 SEE
and to act. Also, 1t would increase his
earning capacity and give him bettel
chance TO win success in his life work
Our boys appreciate this. | think the
majority o fthem would be glad tC
take the training
War is a calamity beyond descrip
ton. We arc sorry that any OF GU
young men should be compelled t
engage in It, but there are som,
things worse than war, and one woul'
be to have our country dominated b!
foreign poverty a rule of ruth
less militarism that counts war az
regular business.
Since the boys may at any tim,
be called upon to defend our countr!
and our flag, we owe II to them L
provide them with careful pre-
training so that they may perform
this important national function botr
efficiently and as safely as possible
We must not be aslecD "a: the switch
The responsibility is up 10 the Ameri
can citizen and the voters OF this
country to demand the passage of tn,
Chamberlain Bill or some similar
Measure by congress at its next ses
sion. II has already been postponed
too long. It's time now for action.