where the military element is limited at best?—and such communities add no insignificant quota to the numbers of the National Guard. The want of interest comes not from lack of a pecuniary, but a social compensation; for men, unless professionally inclined, are sure to lose interest in any consecutive line of study. There is no social coherence, chiefly because there is nothing in common beyond an irksome routine of military discipline. The monotony of such a life is the chief complaint of officers in the regular army. In the face of this is it to be expected that the young men are going to bind themselves for any length of time when the only object of it all is the display of gold and tinsel twice a year? Under the present system this is the limit of outdoor display that our small city companies receive. If we expect the private to take an interest in smoothing the rough places in his manœuvres, he must be given frequent chances to parade his achievements. For instance, let the regiments which are composed of companies from neighboring cities hold a monthly regimental drill, alternating between the cities from which the regiment is made up. This would engender a friendly rivalry, which would stimulate the pride, ambition, and military zeal of the communities from which they are drawn. I have asserted that the social as well as the military interest must be kept up; this can be done by giving such aid as will not only stimulate present interest, but be a guaranty of the company's future existence. An individual allowance of twenty-five dollars per annum for attendance at drill-this would be the smallest amount that could be called an inducementwould in five years, counting fifty men to a company, build an armory suitable for all the purposes of military and social entertainment. The drill-room should be constructed not only for use as the school of the company, but also for musical, dramatic, and literary entertainment as well. In every town of any importance can be found a club-room for the older generations: the pride that is taken in it, and the fraternal feeling that it engenders, suggest that if the members of the National Guard had some such feature in connection with their military work, the bond of mutual fellowship would be strengthened. Another feature in inducing the National Guardsman to fill out his enlistment would be a suitable reward for services faithfully rendered. Now, beyond his discharge-papers, the private has nothing to show that he has been a member of the National Guard. Surely the young men who pledge five years to the service of their Government are entitled to something more than the distinction they may have found during their enlistment. Their hearts and their hands have been enlisted for their country's safety, and though their military experience may have been more an imitation of the "Field of the Cloth of Gold" than an actual contact with the stern realities of the field of battle, yet their patriotism, if not their deeds, entitles them to a badge of honor. ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS. Paul A. McPherson, V. GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. The National Guardsman takes an oath to go, even at the risk of his life, wherever and whenever called during a period of from three to five years. In most cases he has to pay for the privilege. This should not be so. All military expenses should be met by the State and the United States governments. If the National Guardsmen choose to give a ball on other than drill nights - why, those who dance must pay the piper. The National Guard should be a national and not merely a State guard, and, as suggested by Major Brush in THE CENTURY, should take oath to support the General as well as the State government. I am quite sure this is the case in Pennsylvania. While it is true that for mere instruction purposes a regimental camp is best, as President Wingate says, still I should attach great value to the esprit de corps that can only be evoked by the massing of large bodies of troops. Will it not be found best to alternate regimental with brigade or division camps, as is done in Pennsylvania? Would it not be feasible to have United States Regular troops participate in brigade encampments with State troops, to set a soldierly example? The National Guard while in camp should be paid from $1.50 per day for privates, to say $20 for colonels, to make it possible for valuable men to stay in the service. Adjutant-General Drum, of the Regular Army, suggests, in his report for 1887, that the Government would be willing to spare" young officers, during the winter, to aid in the instruction." Could not the Government spare officers of at least six or eight years' service, and for not less than two years continuously? I would suggest the proportion of one officer to fifty companies, which should form a brigade. This proportion would allow him to spend at least five drills a year with each company, and the advantage in the way of uniformity will be conceded. He should have appropriate rank in the State organization, his pay should be divided between the State and General governments, and he should report to both the State and United States military organizations. Could not the National Guard be more exercised in day marching, skirmishing through rough country, and intrenching itself at night? Along with this would go signal-practice; guard and picket duty would become more real, and an extra corps of surgeons or experienced officers should be on hand to make it learn how to take care of itself. Artillery should receive more attention, and that with modern breech-loading guns and machine guns. New York has, I believe, taken a good step in instruction with heavy artillery. This example should be followed wherever the guns afford a chance. I like General Kautz's suggestions, and believe they ought to be carried into effect on the part of the United States Army, and also that more should be done in and by the National Guard. W. J. Gregory. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. VI. ANNUAL COST OF A NATIONAL GUARDSMAN. THE following articles of uniform and equipment, with prices, are enumerated in the United States Army list. The amount of uniform given is sufficient for a I HAVE read with great interest the articles on "Our five-years' enlistment. Most of the equipments would National Military System." last through two or three enlistments, and on the other hand, in case of much actual service, the amount and for his family at his death, his condition as a wageallowed for uniform would not be sufficient. earner could not be improved. 54 1.22 It cannot be denied that the average employee considers the railroad officer a cold-blooded machine whose sole duty it is to get as much work out of the men as possible and to save the dollars whenever he can. And it has become the rule that when one of the rank and 36 file receives an injury while in the discharge of his duty, and he himself is to blame, he makes no request for aid except from his benevolent association if he belongs to one; if not, the hat is passed around for him. .90 $13.12 Dress-coat 6.99 Waist-belt. Blouse. 3.68 Cartridge-box Trousers, 2 prs. 7.94 Bayonet-scabbard Shoes, 2 prs. 4.84 Gun-sling.. Overcoat 10.36 Blanket-bag Flannel shirts (2). 4.66 Haversack.. .51 4.30 Rubber blanket. $42.02 Total uniform and equipment.. Linen and underwear same as worn in civil life. 2.29 1.44 1.13 $25.81 $67.83 From the foregoing table it will be seen that it would cost $67.83 to clothe and equip a soldier. Each year he should be allowed fifty dollars for attending armory drills; twenty dollars pay and four dollars subsistence for a ten-days' camp tour. Add to this four dollars for his percentage of the cost of camp equipage and transportation. The total cost for five years (one enlistment) would be $457.83. Armory, target practice, and incidental expenses would increase these fig ures; but it is believed that five hundred dollars would cover the ground-making an annual expense of one hundred dollars per man. General A. V. Kautz has stated in THE CENTURY that "the annual cost per man of maintaining our military establishment is about twelve hundred dollars." That statement refers to the regular army, and in comparing it with the figures given in this article it is to be remembered that a National Guardsman, unlike a regular soldier, wears a uniform at stated periods only and sustains himself, except during a short annual encampment. I have not considered the cost of maintaining the administrative departments or of officering the National Guardsman. There is no way of getting at this with any degree of accuracy by estimating from the military expenditure of the different States, but it is believed that one hundred dollars more per annum would cover everything, including the increased expense of maintaining cavalry and artillery, and thus make the annual cost of a National Guardsman two hundred dollars. The National Government is now spending annually upon the National Guard about four dollars per man. Each State maintains its own National Guard,― the four dollars from the Government helping that much, and the efficiency of the National Guard depends largely upon the liberality of the State. In order to make the National Guard uniformly efficient it should be under the pay and control of the General Government. The time has come to do away with State militia and to have United States militia or a National Guard in fact. Edmund Cone Brush, Major Ist Reg't Light Artillery, Ohio N. G. ZANESVILLE, OHIO. Railway Relief Associations. PERMANENCE in his position and probability of promotion are what the railroad employee is now virtually guaranteed. Were he equally as well assured of assistance during sickness, disablement, or superannuation, The So then, because railroad companies have adopted no system of relief for their sick and disabled employees, benevolent associations and mutual aid societies were started among them. Originally these societies and brotherhoods were formed for benevolent purposes. Had the managers been allowed to appropriate the funds of the company to assist to a reasonable extent the disabled employee, many of these associations would not have been formed, or if formed would now be under some control by the railroad company. enforced lack of.interest of the managers in the condition of their employees was one main reason why a fighting by-law for self-protection was added to the benevolent by-laws of those associations. Strikes have followed and much loss of money and loss of friendship on both sides have resulted, which might in nearly every case have been prevented had the corporations forestalled the employees by adopting and putting in force some system of relief. Many of these relief associations among railway employees are of long standing, and were organized during periods of rapid railway development when the financial resources of the companies were taxed to the utmost to pay not only interest but operating expenses. Any increase in expenses in the way of contributions for the physical relief of employees was naturally looked upon with disfavor, especially by the managers of those roads whose ownership was continually changing hands; and, besides, a large percentage of employees was changing from one road to another as they could better their condition in the matter of wages and location. This was also the case, but to a less degree, with certain grades of officers. It has only been during the last few years that the tramp element among employees has become reduced to a minimum, and the feeling of permanence in their situations has taken strong hold upon the others. Seeing as we do the many lines in the country grouped into large systems whose ownership will no doubt remain stable in years to come, permanence of employment and stability of position is easy to be now better guaranteed, and the corporations can secure their own rights and strengthen themselves against the encroachments of the public by drawing their employees more closely to them, showing that paternal care and solicitude for them which tend to establish good feeling and community of interest. Relief associations under the guidance of the companies will do this. They are flourishing on the Baltimore & Ohio and the Pennsylvania railroads. The organizations on those roads may be taken as the type of what other companies should do. On the former, the scheme originated with the elder Garrett nearly ten years ago. At its organization all employees could join without regard to age. After a short period those over forty five years and those who could not pass a medical examination were not allowed to join. All persons employed regularly by the company are required to pass a medical examination, must be under forty-five years of age, and must join the relief association. Thus it will be seen that nearly all their employees are members. The compulsory feature looks to an outsider like a hardship, but the obligation is on him only who seeks employment. The employees are divided into two classes-hazardous and non-hazardous; and these two classes are divided into five others who pay into a fund certain fixed sums each month, according to the amount of wages regularly received. Benefits are paid in weekly indemnities in cases of sickness and disablements and a gross sum to the beneficiary when death occurs. They vary according to the amount contributed. Free medical and surgical attendance is given; hospitals are established; physicians are appointed at convenient points on the line. The company has contributed $100,000, the interest on which at six per cent. goes into the fund yearly. It also puts $25,000 per year into a superannuation fund. A building loan association has also been formed, which has become quite popular. There are many other liberal features, of which limited space will not permit an enumeration. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company has also adopted a system of relief similar to that of the Baltimore & Ohio, but not so extensive. It is entirely voluntary and numbers over 20,000. It rapidly increases in popularity as its benefits become more appreciated. In both companies the employees are rapidly leaving the local benevolent associations; they find they can insure themselves with the aid of a solvent and powerful company for much less money than in the thousand and one local lodges whose solvency depends on the honesty of a secretary or a treasurer. Other systems of relief, but to a minor extent, have been adopted by railway companies — notably free hospital service for the sick and disabled upon the Santa Fe and Missouri Pacific, all of which materially lessen the number of claims for damages and subsequent costly trials and judgments in the courts. While the features of these relief associations may be improved upon, they are certainly productive of great good to the employee and tend to create a feeling of permanency in their situation and a bond of interest between them and the owners of the property. The liberality which is displayed by the corporation, in establishing these relief associations, and which might be increased to still greater mutual advantage, will certainly prove to the employee that his welfare is watched and guarded zealously by his superiors. If other railroad corporations improve upon the methods recited above, nothing further need be done to make the friendly relations between them and their employees so complete and cordial that all causes of dissatisfaction arising from time to time in the conditions of their service will be readily adjusted without resorting to strikes, boycotts, or other despicable means of warfare. L. O. Goddard. "The University and the Bible." APROPOS of the article in the November CENTURY by Mr. Newton M. Hall, concerning the adoption of a course of study in the Bible by Dartmouth College, it may be of interest to those who desire a short study of the Bible, but do not have it in the curriculum, to learn of an experiment tried last year at Johns Hopkins. Although the attempt was made under the design of one of the associate professors, the movement had the sanction and best wishes of the president. The results are worthy the consideration of all interested in the study of the Bible, particularly of the Old Testament, as well as of those in the various colleges who have not time to pursue a regular course in this subject, yet have a desire to become more familiar with the Bible, its history, and its teachings. The plan of class organization, together with the scheme of study, was worked out by Dr. H. B. Adams, associate professor in history. Originally the members of the class, about fifteen in number, were graduate students, except three. Only those known to take great interest in Old Testament history were invited to join. At first the class met fortnightly for an hour and a half on Sunday afternoons. The earlier meetings were held by the courtesy of Dr. Adams in his rooms; later, when the class was opened to all who desired to come, one of the rooms of the university, "College Hall," was placed at the service of the class. The members of the class were representatives of nearly all the departments of investigation. The plurality of students were from the historical department; but there were also men who had made Oriental languages a special study, others had read the Ulfilas Bible, and still others could give interesting comparisons between the biblical account of the world and the legends of various peoples. One important feature was the presence of two Japanese students, who gave, when occasion offered, myths from the Orient. The representation of creeds was very like that of departments of inquiry. All the more prominent sects were present, from a converted Catholic to an orthodox Jew. one fact was found to be of material advantage; a catholicity of belief was attained which would have been impossible had all been of the same religious belief. As it was, the members had to respect one another's belief; and one not unimportant result of the class was that each member found out that amid differences of sect all were striving for a common end. This The plan of study was to take up great landmarks in Old Testament history at each meeting. The subject was announced in advance, so that the preparation in each case might be as elaborate as each chose to make it. The list of subjects considered was as follows: Science and Genesis; Science and Man; Biblical and Babylonian Accounts of the Flood; The Babylonian Background of Hebrew History; Egypt and the Hebrews; Phenicia and Israel; Hebrew Law; Constitutional History of the Hebrews; Hebrew Culture; Continuity of Hebrew Influence. There was no textbook used; citations were made, on the one hand, from such extreme writers as Wellhausen and Renan, and, on the other, from the orthodox authors and commentators. The opinions gleaned by all in the class in reading during the two weeks previous received due consideration. The general method was discussion, and that alone. The study was found to be of great advantage to those taking it. Not only did each acquire a knowledge of the Old Testament, but the scientific student became aware of the methods of work of the historical and linguistic investigators, and vice versa. The plan is one adaptable to any college or body that desire a study of the Bible. It proved eminently successful at the university, which has already an extensive course in church history, and which, no doubt, will soon incorporate in its curriculum the study of the Bible from purely scientific motives. John B. Daish. Imperial Federation. It would be difficult to discover in Canada any active interest in the proposed reorganization of the British Empire, commonly referred to as Imperial Federation. A few branches of the Federation League have been established in the Dominion; but I do not recall the name of a prominent public man who favors the project; while several may be named, such as Sir Hector Langevin and the Hon. Mr. Chaplean, the leaders of the French Conservatives, and the Hon. Edward Blake, lately leader of the Liberal party, who have put themselves on record against it. Mr. Blake some years ago appeared to look with favor upon such a federation; but he has recently avowed a change of opinion, and has declared that he believes his present views are shared by the people of Canada. Mr. G. R. Parkin is scarcely correct in implying, in his paper on this subject in THE CENTURY for December, that Goldwin Smith's views as to the future of Canada are "rejected with indignation by the vast majority of Canadians." The "vast majority" of those I That Poet of the Future. who know what are Mr. Smith's views of the ultimate relations of the United States and Canada concede that those relations ought to be discussed from every possible standpoint, and regard them as scarcely second in importance to British connection. Two influences are very potent in molding public opinion in Canada. One is the almost universal desire for closer commercial connection with the great nation to the south of us; the other is a strong aversion to the assumption of any obligations which may involve the Dominion in Old World controversies. The discharge of those responsibilities which arise from the possession of half the North American continent will sufficiently tax the ability of Canadian statesmen. 'England has become an Oriental power," said the late Lord Beaconsfield; and he emphasized the declaration by advising the Queen to declare herself Empress of India, and by bringing Indian troops to Cyprus, with the view to having them ready for a possible European emergency. What advantage it would be to Canada to place herself in a position to be involved in Oriental complications, which are neither few nor remote, has never yet been demonstrated. FREDERICTON, N. B. Charles H. Lugrin. "Abraham Lincoln." A Correction. By a typographical error on page 559 of the February CENTURY, "the estimated wealth of the loyal States in 1860" was stated to be "$100,000,000,000," when the reading should have been "ten thousand millions." BRIC-A-BRAC. 'VE been reading, Mr. Riley, in a recent magazine, Of your Poet of the Future with the truly rural mien, Of the careless, simple fashion in which he 'll choose For it may be that this singer who shall our souls confess And come to us with bugles—will wear them on her dress; That we shall find her shining with pearls upon her breast, Or radiant in some cottage as she lulls her babes to rest; In the choir of the cathedral we may hear her pure voice swell, Or murmuring some sweet measure as she serves us from the well; For her hands may not be sunburned — although her gloves be tan: And your poet, Mr. Riley, may not be at all a man! Oh, the Poet of the Future shall find welcome and have room, Whether singing at the plowshare or sweeping with a broom; But this "honest arm of labor" that you speak of in your song, Always to a "him" pertaining, may it not to "her" belong? For some women's "palms " are sisters to the "honest toiler's" too,— And they cannot always fold them when the plowman's toil is through,— And it may be that this Poet, on whose coming we agree, When really come and with us will be spoken of as "she.' Charles Henry Webb. The Prime of Life. JUST as I thought I was growing old, To watch the world with a heart grown cold, Rose came by with a smile for me, Bless me! of life it is just the prime, To dark brown eyes and a pretty hand. These gray hairs are by chance, you see- Walter Learned. IN spring, when de fields are all kivered wid green, When dey come erlong home 'hind der plows, When de jimpson weed pops up outen de groun' An' when de lightnin'-bug do scatter roun' its sparks, Den comes de music dat am sweetes' an' bes' At leasten dat 's how dis darky 'lows, As softly dar ripples froo pastures o' green When de bluebird comes wid er straw in its beak When de sun goes down in er thick clump o' pines, On de sof' breeze dat comes loaded down wid its sweets Edward A. Oldham. April. April, April, April, You can send a fool where'er you will. SWEET MARGERY was April, The sight of her made my pulses thrill; Her eyes of the darkest brown Sweet Margery is April, Her smile with joy makes my pulses thrill; And I-I obey her will. And though with fading sight, On the borderland of night, We tread with steps whose strength is slight, Margery makes the way dull or bright, Margery makes my heart heavy or light, Sweet wife with hair so white. William Zachary Gladwin. Wampum. IT is only the unlucky who think fortune blind. ones. Rarely do we contradict those we love or those we despise. Scratch a pessimist, and, more often than not, you will find an optimist turned sour. Many a man forgets his evil deeds so swiftly that he is honestly surprised when any one else recalls them. has found out for himself, than on those he has been Man has a firmer grip on the truths he thinks he taught. Many a man would blush for his wisest decisions if only he should reflect on the reasons which moved him to them. To see a clever man making a fool of himself is a sorry sight; and it is pitiful to discover that he can always give most excellent reasons for his folly. Some people keep a friend as children have a toy bank into which they drop little coins now and again; and some day they draw out the whole of their savings at once. Arthur Penn. THE DE VINNE PRESS, NEW YORK. |