 | University of Virginia record October, 1916 |  |
FOR THE NEGATIVE.
I. Such an elaborate system of training men is unnecessary.
(a) There is no need for as many men as this system would provide.
(1) Because of our geographical position.
(2) Balance of power protects.
(3) Commercial importance makes other nations dependent
on us.(4) Freedom from entangling alliances.
(b) We are not in a position to handle the number of men this
system would provide.(1) Finances.
(2) Present equipment.
(3) Scarcity of officers.
2. The system though elaborate is inadequate.
(a) One years is not sufficient.
(b) At no time is army thoroughly organized.
(c) The ranks would at all times be composed of raw recruits.
(d) It results in a large army poorly trained rather than a small
army well trained.
3. System is antagonistic to American principles.
(a) Wherein consider that we are not territorially aggressive.
(b) Tends to promote militarism.
(c) It surbordinates civil authority.
(d) Interferes with proper business development.
(e) Creates distrust of other nations.
(f) Promotes alliances among other nations.
(g) Suppresses any tendency towards native arbitration.
(h) Places small nations at mercy of their larger neighbors.
4. It works personal hardships upon all citizens.
(a) Breaks into psychological period of man's life.
(b) Many men have families dependent on them.
(c) Foreign to many men's ideals and principles.
5. There are other systems sufficiently ample and more satisfactory.
(a) School and college training system.
(b) Summer training camps.
(c) Continental army.
(d) Federal National Guards.
(e) Improvement of our present volunteer system.
(f) Larger standing army and navy.
(g) Manufacturing of improved implements that take less men.
| University of Virginia record October, 1916 | |