Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 117, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1918 — Athletics Will Make Youths Fit for Service Calling for Strength [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Athletics Will Make Youths Fit for Service Calling for Strength

By JOSEPHUS' DANIELS,

Secretary of the Navy

Nothing cdiil Jffiefter prove the falsity of the widespead notion, prevalent before. the war, that Young America, lacked the sterner virtues of the Paul Keverqe and Nathan Hales than the readiness with which they flocked into the army and navy when war was declaredTheir patriotic zeal made thein so insistent to begin training at once that it taxed the country to provide the [ facilities demanded. Colleges set the pace in sending no, in witnessing—the entrance of their choicest spirits into those camps and stations and cantonments and ships I where they could be most quickly trained for military

service. Young collegians who had been trained in athletics were seen to possess an incalculable advantage over their associates who had permitted delving in Greek roots to deny them time to develop their muscles. As the war goes on, the army and the navy must increase as rapidly as the industrial plants can equip them and tonnage can be supplied to transport them to France- Most colleges have added military instruction, and this training, coupled with college athletics, will make the youths fit for the service calling for strength and ability to endure hardships. Softness is incompatible with efficient military service. In every branch college men are proving that in modern education a sound body must go with a sound mind. How will the younger men be made ready for what they will shortly be called upon to do ? Colleges will answer that question by encouraging college athletics, and emphasizing those games which insure that all the student body will be benefited by them. Intercollegiate games stimulate interest and should be encouraged. The stimulus of athletics, both in an improved morale and in an improved body, is everywhere recognized. Let it be emphasized more now that the need for youths of sinew and stuff is more felt than ever before.