New Britain herald., 1922-01-27
WEST POINT LEADER
 SEES NEED OF ARMY
Commandant Daniord Says Train.
 ing Is Highly Desirable

Lieut.. Col R. N. Danford, com mandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point, was the speaker at the weekly meeting of the High school club of the Y. NJ, c, A. last evening His subject was: "The Academy at West Point"
 He said, in part. You boys are in the R. O. T, C. Why are you there? You are there for your country. That is a splendid thought. Some people say that there will be no more war and that there will be no need Of an army again. But the army does not cause wars. General Wood, In a speech in New Haven, said that the army Is the doctor for war: it doesn't cause war. He also said that when there is no further need for the doctor, the lawyer and the preacher the army can be scrapped; but not until then" .... ........
 The speaker said that he would like to see every boy try to go to West Point. West Point was founded in order to train men in the service of their country. Some day you may go forth to battle The leaders should be fine, capable men. Bows do not come to West Point to reform. Good boys come there to train for good men"
 He said that there is only one case in history where graduate of West Point turned his back in battle. That man was not himself. In the late war there was not one case where an officer was pronounced. guilty of wlllfully failing. That is partly due to the training which the government gives to the boys at West Point. The boys are proud of the academy: they uphold it's traditions. No one would think of dragging it's name in the dirt.
 Three Departments.
 The training can be outlined under three headings, he said Physical mental and moral.
 As for physical training, the value of athletics to the soldier was shown in the world war, he said. Athletics play part, not only in conditioning the soldier but also as source Of morale. The soldiers like to play games. The sportsmanship which is shown on the athletic field is the same as is needed in battle. The soldiers derive the never give up" spirit.
 'The boys in the academy partici pate in athletics one hundred per cent.,' the Colonel continued. Dur ing the first year they have a class in gymnasium work every day The course includes gymnastics swim ming, boxing. wrestling, fencing and | the regular setting-up exercises. In the fall and spring there are athletic periods. There are twelve com- panies, each company having about | 100 men enrolled. Each officer di- | vides his company into groups such | as football, soccer lacrosse squads | tennis, basketball, polo and golf squads. The men are given instruc- tion in the different sports, the season closing with an company com petition. At this time competition is very keen. The schedule is so ar ranged that the young man before he graduates, receives instruction in all | sports. The young men are keenly interested
 Course Is Hard One.
 The system of mental training is very difficult, but a bright, keen- wtted boy can successfully complete the course. He will have to work, About one-third of the boys fall by the wayside. This is due chiefly to preparation, arithmetic and English. A great effort is made to get the boys trough
 Colonel Danford then spoke of the splendid spirit of helpfuness which prevails at the institution. If a first year man is falling behind in his studies one of the older men is dele gated to coach the unfortunate one.
 He then spoke of the moral side of only clean boys are wanted. Any mates soon know whether he is the proper kind or not. e
 Those boys are going out to lead men and discipline is one of the most /: important things to be considered" the speaker said. Before the war people were inclined to shy at the word 'discipine.' But there is disci- pline in daily life. The traffic laws are form of discipline. In the army it means putting ones shoulder 0 the wheel and pushing in order to each one common end"
 The speaker said that there are two ways of inspiring discipline One is oy breaking or inspiring fear. This 'orm does not go in this country where he people are civilized In the South Sea islands that form would nave to be used, as the people are lot educated. During the war, dis