The Washington times., 1920-02-06
us. NEEDS TRAINING
BILL, SAYS BAKER
Secretary of War Indorses Mill-
tary Education for Youths
At College Meeting.

That America needs an army pre-
pared under universal military train
ing was the declaration OF Secretary
of War Baker last night before the
dele gates OF the Association OF MIL
tary Colleges and Schools OF the
United States.
Secretary Baker emphasized the fact
that mind Is master over matter, but
said that a physical power is essential
in this country now ito execute the
high ideals of right-thinking men and
women" As means of accomplish
ing this result he advocated the adop-
tion OF a universal military training
program that will make of the Amer
lean army an educational institution
as well as a military force"
After all is said and done" de-
clared Secretary Baker the mind de-
pends upon physical power. There
must be power to execute the high
ideals of right-thinking men and
women"
He warned that America must not
ihdulge-in an idle dream of peace
while less civilized powers were arm
ing 10 the teeth. He said that these
uncivilized powers must not be al
lowed to go armed to the teeth while
the civilized world disarms in the be-
lief that danger of aggression and OPP
preston has been forever removed.
The fear of our becoming mil
itary nation exists no longer" as
serted Secretary Baker.
THAT idea was dissipated by the
war. Now we find ourselves con-
vinced that this country does not
desire a military policy, strictly
speaking. but a policy of defense that
will always enable us to render the
greatest resistance to oppression with
the least sacrifice.
Universal training has large
value. aside from it's military fea-
lures. 1t is an education in itself
and we have ceased to regard the
army as an alien institution. Our
own sons in future will understand
it's attitude better and appreciate its
qualities under a system of universal
military training"
Record OF Army.
Secretary Baker urged that tech
nical branches of the army be de-
veloped and that military colleges
and schools create laboratories that
will find the United States better pre-
pared "if the test comes again. He
mplimented the military educators.
who have. he said. contributed so
much to the success of the army In
war and peace. The American col
leges more than shouldered their part
of the war, he asserted.
The speaker warned that the United
States has neglected the physical
training of men. He praised the rec
ord of the army America sent to
France, declaring that it came back
untouched by the evils OF war. al
ways the-~greatest scourge to be
feared.
Secretary Baker recountcd in
stances of the ming CLING of troops from
different sections with the citizens OF
far-away States. He said this inter-
course OF ideas during the war has
proved most helpful to the nation.
Describes Educational Work.
Fifty-four per cent of the men in
the army today are going to school,
according to the Secretary. He de-
clared that Immediately upon the
signing of the armistice the mind of
the doughboy turned to books. In
struction in all trades and sciences
is being administered in branches of
the service now, Secretary Baker said.
Senator Wadsworth stressed the
features of the bill he
proposes for the universal training
OF youths upon attaining the age Of
eighteen years.
Gen. William Verbeck, president of
ST. Johns Military School at Man
Illus, N. Y, was the toastmaster.