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Show As Others Think j .1 Training Camps Make For Manhood Not Militarism. Application for admittance to the Citizen's Military training camps are 50 per cent ahead of last year and that is good. I The occasional criticism of the ! training camps does not reserve at- tention on intristic merit, but has to I be met because there are always some who will not give such criticism criti-cism its true value. What are these training camps? Hotbeds of militarism, say the pacifists. And that is about as true a description descrip-tion as to pay sunshine, pure water and outdoor air are bad ' for the hi'ntth. It id n sickly pem-rslon of the truth. It Is the child of fcur. It Is a complete nii-sri'inosi'iitalion of the facts. Tlieso triiinintf camps and militarism militar-ism simply haven't a tiling to do with each other. In the camps, yountr men aro training1 train-ing1 to tnko care of themselves if ever they have to be called to the colors. Instead of boinK plumped into in-to service untrained, raw, they would bo ready and fit at need, without unnecessary sacrifice of lives. It means better health among; our soldiers sol-diers should they ever bo called into the field ill their country's defense. Aside from the tenchnical training train-ing which is the primary purpose of the camps, they render service in Kivinff men physical training. They pive the young fellows a break from the dreary routine of work. They offer a splendid outdoor vacation. And they are one forco directly coun-teractinjr coun-teractinjr among- the young of the wild and lawless living1 which comes from lack of an outlet for youthful energy. On every count that means anything any-thing to a healthy, vigorous, manly man, the camps aro praiseworthy in the extreme. To every mother who wants Tier son to be a strong, upstanding man, shoulder his share of the responsibilities responsi-bilities of citizenship, they arc a godsend god-send offering wholesome recreation and strengthening the boy's morale. That the camps are appealing strongly to the young men of this nation must be cause for a deep sense of satisfaction among those who face life fair and square, and realize the merits of rugged citizenship. citizen-ship. Thank God that America is rich in youth, in young men fearless and strong and intelligent, able to take training for defensive service without with-out the slightest danger of turning into roaring, sulphur-breathing militarists. mili-tarists. Philadelphia Record. |