Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 February 1911 — SOLDIERS KEPT IN TRAINING [ARTICLE]

SOLDIERS KEPT IN TRAINING

High Standard of Efficiency Cannot Be Maintained in Army Unless ■ Drilled Constantly. There Is glamour ■' and romance about war that appeals to the heart of every young man worthy of the name in this country. This is as it should be. We ‘are a nation of sol* diers and sailors it is true, but many a blood-soaked field can bear witness that we are" soldiers. When we have the right man to lead us. A weapon, however, that is left too long in its scabbard is apt to rust therein. This was the stste in which we found our country’s sword when the fiery cross was sent out in 1861. We had not been at war for many years before this and even .many of our generals had forgotten all about the art, says a writer in the National Tribune. Hence the terrible muddle and mismanagement witnessed in the war of the rebellion. - Our poor fellows were sent off as empty-handed as if going to a grand promenade, -or a soldiers’ picnic. Indeed, but for individual courage and good luck the event would have ended in national disaster and disgrace for - us. I have no desire to dispel the romance that surrounds as with a halo the noble and necessary art of war; but I think every young fellow should know that to be a real soldier it is necessary for him to be not only a fighting man and a brave man in the field, but a perfect camp man also; and he can never learn to be so in barracks —but only on the tented field in times of peace. In the present generation our hideous sacrifice of soldiers in the war of ’6l and ’65 cannot be understood by senators and representatives in congress. “In time of peace prepare for war." What may happen again unless a high standard of administrative efficiency is maintained? This cannot be attained unless the necessary departments are practiced in their duties during times of peace. There was an old saying in the army: “You old flint-lock, what do you know about war?” the young soldier, of today tS&lutes us: “You old ram-rod, what do you know about war?” The boy is right.