this is the work to
be done instantly upon the outbreak of war. The selection of
commanders for the several armies, and, above all, of a general-in-
chief, must of course be the most difficult; for it is not probable
that any man young enough will have had any experience in such
commands in this country. But even this difficulty will disappear
in a very great measure if statesmen will make the study of the
art and science of war, instead of far less important subjects, a
part of their pastime. They will thus acquire the ability to judge,
from personal acquaintance with military men and conversation with
other best informed, of the relative fitness of officers for the
highest commands.

GENERAL MILITARY EDUCATION INDISPENSABLE

There is no possible remedy for such evils as this country has
suffered except general military education. In my opinion, no man
is fit for a seat in Congress unless he has had such an education.
The first thing he ought to learn is the old and trite military
maxim that the only was to carry on war economically is to make it
"short, sharp, and decisive." To dole out military appropriations
in driblets is to invite disaster and ultimate bankruptcy. So it
is in respect to the necessary preparations for war in time of
peace. No man is wise enough to tell when war will come. Preparations
are made upon the theory that it may come at any time. If a hundred
millions are necessary for adequate preparation for defense, and
you have spent only fifty when war comes, you might as well have
thrown your fifty millions into the sea. There is no such thing
as partial defense in modern war. If there are weak points in your
defense, your enemy is sure to find them. Indeed, he knows about
them all the time, and will strike them at once. Then your whole
costly system will be worthless.

What would be thought of the business capacity of a man who would
not insure his house or his store or his stock of goods against
fire because he did not happen to have money enough in bank to pay
the premium, but would have to borrow it at three per cent.? Or
of a man who would wait until he had realized the expected profit
on a commercial venture before insuring the goods? If preparation
for defense is the policy of a country, it would be little short
of blindness to delay it on account of a temporary deficiency in
the current revenue.

All now admit that universal education is