SUMMER MILITARY TRAINING AND NAVAL CRUISE URGED

The campaign for more student volunteers to attend the Plattsburg camps and join the Naval Cruise this summer was launched at a meeting over which Major H. L. Higginson '55 presided, in the Union last night. In his introductory talk Major Higginson declared that just as we come to the University to prepare ourselves for life, it is essential also that we go to Plattsburg to prepare to defend home and nation, and that it is every man's duty to learn to serve his country.

Commander Frank T. Evans said: "It is most important, in the formative period of life, to acquire the habit of defence of one's country. By accepting the privileges of American citizenship you accept also the responsibility of protecting your country. The time is bound to come when the United States must be ready to defend itself, and you are given the opportunity now to accomplish something concrete. You may not become an admiral, but one man who joins the naval cruise is worth to the Navy a hundred who have not been on board ship."

Professor W. E. Hocking '01 gave three reasons why the preparedness movement is not temporary: our personal and national interests have spread to all parts of the world and preparedness is necessary for their security; the soldier is always at the frontier where civilization is being built up; and military training affords the opportunity for the exercise of will which is lacking in our educational system. Military training can do for men by the thousands what athletic training can do for them by the dozens.

"The United States is no more prepared today, relatively speaking, than it was a year ago," said Captain Cordier, "but the people have been awakened to the necessity of preparedness. Training means everything. Nothing can be accomplished without it."

J. W. Farley '99 explained the purpose of the meeting and urged every man, on the grounds of duty, obligation, and opportunity, to go either to the Plattsburg camp or on the Naval Cruise.

P. D. Haughton '99, who was the last speaker, advised every man to investigate both propositions and see the significance of the plans for preparedness. In concluding the meeting, Major Higginson emphasized the importance of getting ready. "If you want a country," he said, "you will have to pay for it and protect it."