Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1924-09-05


within the lifetime of those who en-
roll for the Defense Test" on Sep
TENDER 70, 1924.
The defense test is held because we
can never tell just when we may find
an emergency upon US. IN 1914 no
one dreamed of war but that year
marked the beginning of the greatest
war of all history. In 1916 we were
convinced that we could preserve
neutrality but nevertheless, only
| few months later, we were drawn in
to the war, with no plans, no prep
aration, and no policy; everything
necessary had to be done in haste I'M
der pressure of the extreme necessity
of war. The million men ready to
spring to arms overnight" knew not
where to leap and plans to direct
their movements were lacking. The
Defense Test will correct this. In
crisis, those holding responsible posi-
lions will not find themselves at sea
and confronted with tasks with
which they are totally unfamiliar.
Plans will have been thought out
and tested. In the World War, plans
had to be formed and put into exc
cution without trial in the precious
moments when the fate Of the world
was hanging upon our speedy prep
aration.
In the many communities where
the plan will be thoroughly carried
out the benefit will be great both
the civilian population and the mill
tary profting thereby. Each will
learn how dependent it is on the
other. In communities where the
entire plan is not executed it is hoped
that it will at least be carried out to
such an extent that all will under
stand the general scheme and learn
something of our national defense
policy. In addition, the various gov
erment and army officials who will
be responsible for the effective work
ing of the various mobilization plans
in an emergency will have oppor-
tunfty to check the plans, learn of
any deficiencies, and revise and cor
rect them.
The Defense Test may be compared |
to a stockholders meeting where the
responsible executive officers of the
Government, acting in the capacity
Of board of directors, will give an
account of their stewardship to the
people of the United States who are
stockholders.
1t has been compared to the per-
iodieaI inventory made by all bust
ness men to determine just what they
have on hand and what their future
needs may be.
1t has been compared to a fire
drill We provide our school build
ings with the latest modern appli-
ances to insure the safety of our
children in the event of fire, but
these appliances are Of little value
unless the children are thoroughly
familiar with them and trained in
their use. 1t has also been compared
to a practice run made by a fire de-
partment to fight an imaginary fire,
and to an inspection of fire fighting
and hose periodically
made by all the fire companies.
The Defense Test is of just as
much interest as any other function
of a representative government.
The American citizen elects repre-
sentatives to make his laws and to
make his government, which guar
antees the safety, order and tran
guilty of his country and his home.
Therefore, that which concerns the
safety of his home concerns the av-
srage citizen.
The Defense Test gives the aver ]
age citizen an opportunity to express
lis approval of what, in the last ana !
ysis, is a guarantee of protection of
MS home and family. If he is of
age, he can register as
volunteer member of a defensive unit
or that day. If he has passed that t
lge; he can still play his part by par ]
icipation in the patriotic exercises &
md going on record as supporting S
rational defense. |
The ladies come in for their part G
Llso They can add their presence to
he assemblages and indorse the
raining and preparation of those )
Who might some day be their pro-
ectors.
NIL - rTorao