The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-10-07
AUSTRALIAN PLAN
TO TEACH SOLDIERS


In the Army Ii Over.
London. Oct. e.-.The nation which
makes the most rapid recovery after
the war in the pursuits Of peace. will
gain . commanding position in the
world" says Btshop Long in his mem
orandum on tho projected educational
organization for the, Australian i'm
periaI force. Bishop Long has been
recently appointed director Of edu-'
cation under the new scheme, and
has his organizing campaign. with.
1T is hoped. the full and sym pathetic
Incorporation Of the Australian gov
eminent, now we'll in hand.
Tho following il the general idea
/. To give to those men who have
no definite profession. trade, or occu-
patton the opportunity of resuming
their studies and Apprenticeships-
2. To give to those mes who have
no definite profession. trade or occu-
patton the chance OF selecting one,
and of undergoing preliminary
training.
8. To give to all men OF the force
what may be called an inspirational
and courses, and such other means
as will enable them to consider and
discuss topics OF the day. and all that
Is involved in good citizenship.
The two periods for whichc such
legislation will be necessary are:
! "a The period of war: and
| tb) The period OF rehabilitation
| 1t is essential during a protracted
war as Bishop Long points out. to
have agencies for keeping the men
alert and eager. Interesting courses
! of study. concurrent with the rou-
! tine of military duties. are helpful.
| incidentally, in making good soldiers
and in maintaining discipline. As [
will be apparent that this work leads
up to the wider repatriation scheme,
the preparatory stage while the army
remains a military organization will
be invaluable. The possibilities of
widely. During tn war period the
business of beating the enemy must
| be supreme. What can be accom-
plished during the war period, how
ever. is:
% Provisions OF simple apparatus
for lectures.
| 90 The provision of competent
| lecturers to conduct courses on gen
eral information on practical affairs.
| (3) A correspondence bureau for
the direction and oversight of special
reading courses.
| - Technical courses in agriculture
| and trades where favorable condi-
tions exist.
| The staff Of the education depart
ment will provide libraries, suitable
textbooks, teaching apparatus. sylia
buses of studies. supervision. direc-
ton and recording of results. But
1t is necessary here to emphasize the
fact that the serene will. during this
period. depend largely upon the spirit
Of volunteer effort among the mem
bers of the Australian imperial force.
The Canadians and the English home
not originate with Australia, have al
ready experienced a wide readiness
on the part OF capable volunteer
sssr1serA 11ss y. ~ G. A. has prom
@4 aHHD - ~ Un<tG' of %uiid-
fas11 aond o4oagssnA ~. Ve33e the
IAssanss65ka RDd oEsaA haod1 Of the
ehapfalnf departments, and all other
welfare organizations will cooperate
with them In rendering all assistance
possible.
The second period, that Of demo-
bilization, includes the probable pc
Rod of inactivity which may inter-
lvene between the cessation of hostil
tiles and the withdrawal of the forces
to their own countries. In the event
of an international conference being
convened, for instance, the armies
would be maintained in the field with
little or no military functions to per
form. In such a case 1t would be
necessary to have planned and ready
for instant execution an organization
for diverting their natural activities
into useful channels. strongly appeal
ing to their self interest and to their
patriotism.
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