UNIVERSAL MILITARY SERVICE.

Dr. Eliot has again come forward with a proposal for universal military service, and as the least expensive and the most democratic of the various methods for bringing this to pass, urges the adoption of the Swiss national army plan. This would entail compulsory service on the part of every able-bodied man between 20 and 45 years of age for a definite period of each year and would constitute the nucleus of an effective fighting force in time of war.

In connection with the proposed plan of universal military service there arises the dual question of principle and detail which must be satisfactorily solved before we venture farther into so uncertain a project. Among those pacifists who make it a point to quash every scheme of national defense which savors of compulsion or armament, whether or not such a course be in fact an expedient one, no proposal concerning military service will ever enjoy widespread support. We should remember, however, that so long as the possibility of war in the future exists, no matter how pleasing the prospect or how buoyant our hopes, it is a matter not only of national honor but of stern necessity, to maintain a trained fighting force as an instrument of defense in time of war. Our nation may count itself fortunate for being saved from huge losses of men and material by the three years' experience in trench warfare imparted to us by the French and British troops.

As to Dr. Eliot's specific proposals for organizing a national army, we are inclined to accept them in substance, with some few reservations, particularly in regard to his idea of a non-paid army. It has long been a serious problem of national policy to find means for providing a better distribution of educational opportunities among the masses of the American people. For that reason we would propose, in conjunction with the military training at the various depots throughout the country, a well ordered and thorough course in industrial education which shall afford to men of suitable capacity and inclination an opportunity for self-betterment and advancement. Some such system as that of Professor John Dewey of Columbia deserves co-operation and support at the hands of our legislators.