THE WAR SPIRIT by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Aug 2, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 31.

THE WAR SPIRIT.

By G.

Talking peace while educating for war is not consistent, but it is quite the fad in these perilous times. The popular churches claim to follow the Prince of Peace, and theoretically advocate peace among the nations; the people at large talk for peace, and predict peace, but the children and young men are educated for war. Patriotism is construed to mean hostility toward every flag but the flag of our own country, the "veneration" of which in the schools is little short of idolatry. Military drill is the order of the day, yet every one knows that it begets anything but a spirit of peace in the young. Who are the patriots?—The men who go to war. Who are the heroes?—The men who do conspicuous deeds in battle. Whom do the young students of military tactics most desire to emulate?—The great generals and admirals. In what dress is the average boy or young man the most vain?—In the military uniform. What attire most attracts the admiration of the average maiden?—The military uniform. And this is all the result of education among a people who profess to love peace.

A straw that shows the direction of the wind is the rage for boys' military clubs. In San Francisco are the Roosevelt Boys' Clubs. Here are classes in various useful branches; but "the boys are also instructed in military tactics, wear the regulation United States Army khaki uniform, and have the regular officers." Another point is that "military drill is conducted every Tuesday evening in Grace M. E. church."

There are a number of good things connected with the clubs, that would be just as good without the military feature; but that is the chief attraction, as is shown by the wearing of the military uniform, etc. Therefore the military spirit predominates, being the most conspicuous. The necessity, or the supposed necessity, of having a military atmosphere surrounding good works, in order to give zest to them, and to interest the public, shows that the war idea has a deeper hold upon the people—especially, by force of education, upon the rising generation—than the spirit of peace. It is an ominous sign of the times. G.