THE NEW SPARTANISM

The tremendous regulation and difficult schedule at West Point, detailed elsewhere in this issue, has always amazed civilians. The fact that the cadets rise at six in winter, at a little after five in summer, must be ready at any time for inspection, take military exercises in the afternoon, must be in bed at ten, must fill literally a thousand requirements--make the life hard. West Point takes justifiable pride for that. Exacting selection of men to enter the academy, sternest possible training after they enter, and ten weeks' freedom in four years' time--it brings to mind almost the mortification of the flesh by Christian monks and the ideals of feudal chivalry.

The question often arises: is that the only way to produce vertebrate men, men with backbone and genius, leaders, generals? College students and cadets are different sides of the same coins. The Harvard theory of civilization and culture contrasts greatly with the West Point theory of civilization and development. Each produces results in its territory. West Point has a single purpose, to produce the highest type of soldiers for the country in time of war. And these West Pointers seem to glow in the spirit of militant service of their country.