The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1927-08-05
OTHER POINTS OF VIEW

are not militaristic. They find it
impossible to understand the fear
and distrust of this country which is
felt by some other nations. We can
see clearly the complete freedom
from hostile intent of policies which
to citizens of other lands appear
ominous.
Since their Interpretation of the
facts is more powerful in influencing
peoples actions than the facts them
selves, it is important for us to un-
derstand what other people think OF
us. Such understanding is neces-
sary to avoid increase of distrust
and fear, and, eventually, war.
What is sometimes thought of this
country is illustrated by speech in
the French Chamber of Deputies:
1.-THE Americans talk of disarma-
ment while they double their land
forces. Their Navy is estimated at
three billion of dollars, while sc
cleverly worded was the Washington
convention that it permits them to
build light cruisers and submarines.
They have 1900 military aviators,
and periodically mobilize their coun-
try, militarily and industrially.
This year on one of those days OF
military preparation, 100000
men were called up. l am glad
chat France is being invited to dis
arm, but l should like the invitation
to come from a nation giving an ex-
ample of disarmament, not con-
contrary one"
Although M. Cachin, the speaker,
is a member of one of the most in
significant of the many political part
les of France, his speech was ap-
plauded by the entire Chamber OF
Deputies, because he said what they
were all thinking. Wise Americans
must try to understand this extra
ordinary view of our country, and
seek to correct it.
One part of the American policy
which is a great source of misunder-
standing is the policy of including
military training under Wer Depart
ment officials in American universe
ties and colleges. When this train
ing is made compulsory, as it is in
several of the most prominent uni
versities, the foreign observer con-
,ludes naturally that the United
States is building up a tremendous
| fighting machine.
In Japan a system like ours is be-
ing established. Mr.. Gilbert Bow
les; an American citizen long resi-
dent in Japan, and frequently con-
| suited by Japanese and American
Statesmen, writes from his long ex-
lperience:
81 have no hesitancy in stating
that the rapid development of mill
tary education in America is respon'
sible, at least to very large degree
for the following, first, the intro
duction of compulsory military
education in Japan in all the schools
of Middle Grade (the American High
ISchool Grade) and above, and sec
ond, for the very rapid and extern
sive organization of volunteer train
ing corps in all parts of the country
and third, for new and added EN-
phasis upon the Importance OF mill
tary training in general,
In reference to item number one
it should be explained that although
Japan has had for many years mill
!ary training in the Middle Schools
This training has been given by Re
tired Military Officers responsible
directly and only to the school au
thorities, while the present plan re
1uires officers in active service re
sponsible to the War Department.
In addition to the above ont
should add that Japanese in ofticia
md private life who visit America
frequently report back to Japan OF
the extent OF military training IL
America. This is an illustration O.
what is after all the most serious
phase of this subject, and that i
he effect upon the thought life Of
he Japanese people in reference tt
The future policy of America and the
outlook for the future of the Leagpe
lof Nations and the proper course fol
Japan to pursue"
The editor of the Social Reformer
of Bombay, India, Mr. Nataraja
writes:
"Of late years there has been g
| movement in this country supported
w influential men to make military
training compulsory in our universe
lies. Many of our Universities have
passed resolutions in favor OF so do
ng, and the example OF America has
,een cited in the course Of the dis
cussions as lending support to the
view.
X. Nataraja, Bombay Social Re
| former
Another source of fear and dis
trust in all lands is the agitation
constantly carried on for larger arm
es and navies. AS the Reverend
| Leyton Richards. of the Carr's Lane