Palatka daily news. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1919-1994, 1922-06-20
WEEKS IS GLAD A
SENTIMENT EXISTS
FOR WAR SCHOOLS
Creates a Security, He
Says, Nothing Else
Can Guarantee
'O0ES NOT FOSTER WAR
But Gives Men Clearer
Insight Into Nation
and Its Needs

Lexington, Va, June 2O.-Secre-
tary Weeks, speaking here today to
the graduating class at the Virginia
Military institute, hailed as a "good
sign" the increasing number of mill
tary schools in the country. The in
crease, he said, must be a "great
satisfaction to those believing in ade-
quate military preparedness"
II do not mean preparation for
war; the secretary continued. can
education at such a school does not
create passion for war. In fact,
my experience has been that those
who know most about war are the
ones most desirous of preventing it.
We cannot be unmindful of the fact,
however, that in order to survive a
nation must possess a military force
sufficient to defend it from the en-
emy without and within to make Sc
cure its sovereignty and secure en-
forcement of it's laws.
"The fedora government, especial
ly the war department, places great
reliance on the results of the educa-
ton and training at this institution.
believe that other things being
equal, in addition to his capacity to
serve his country in time of need,
man who has received military
training is better equipped to meet
the problem of life than the man who
has not had the benefit of such train
ing. The training given in the stand
ard military schools of our country
is a great asset to the young man
about to undertake career and the
of citizenship. 1t
gives him poise, a disciplined mind
and body, a decisiveness of action,
of the advantages of clean
and living, and high sense
Of honor.
II appeal to you, therefore, what
ever may be your vocation after leav-
ing this institution, to devote some
part of your time to the affairs of
your country. 1t is not necessary for
YOU to hold public office, but it is es
sential that you give to your country
the benefit of the training and edu-
cation you have received here. Re-
sist all attempts to turn from the
form of government
created by the constitution and take
an active interest in the affairs of
your community to the extent of see
ng that only wise, trustworthy and
men are elected to public
office. This is the duty of the good
citizens and unless we can obtain
from such schools as this and the
multitude of schools maintained
the country men capable
If performing the important duties |
# citizenship, then we must face the
of failure of popular
government.
"You have been trained to lead
nen. Should your country become
Engaged in war i twill be your duty
o command your fellow men in the
lefense of the nation. Let me urge
rou to keep yourselves prepared for
Efficient service to the nation in the
went of such an emergency by join
ng the national guard or the organ
zed reserve. If you do not wish to
,ecome connected with military or
.anization, at least take an active in
crest in the military establishment
md determine that your country will
ave the best-trained and most eff
lent military force it is possible to
Ievelop and that it shall be of suffi-
lent strength to meet the require /
nent of the nation" Ii