MAJOR-GENERAL SUMNER URGES PRACTICAL DRILL

In view of the interest in Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University and elsewhere the CRIMSON has asked several prominent army officers to express their opinions as to the ultimate value of the proposed plan, and to make suggestions as to the most practical methods of conducting such a course. In this connection the following letter from Major-General Samuel S. Sumner, U. S. A., retired:

"Referring to the subject matter of your communication, I would say, that to make efficient army officers, the best plan would be to adopt the West Point system as far as practicable.

Naturally the College student with other requirements, has only a limited time at his disposal for military instruction.

"I take it that you ask how this time can be best employed. All the government can ask of a College is instruction in the unit of army organization, which is the company. The higher positions in a volunteer army would naturally be made by selection and that should only be done after actual service in the field.

"To be a competent captain or an efficient lieutenant requires not only a theoretical knowledge by study, but also a practical knowledge by actual experience. When an officer gives a command he should know it is properly executed, and should be able to show his men how it should be executed; he can only do this after being properly instructed himself. Therefore I say that a good part of the allotted time should be devoted to practical instruction. I mean drill. All-other reason and a vital one is, that an officer should be capable of estimating intelligently the physical capabilities of his men. If he has stood in the ranks himself at a constrained position until nearly overcome, he will remember it when instructing, others; if he has ever been required to march several hours without a rest he will not forget it, even though he may become a colonel or a general.

"Sanitation plays such a large part in the efficiency of an army that it should receive careful attention. Practical sanitation can only be learned in the field, but an intelligent estimate of its importance can be acquired by study.

"In conclusion, I may repeat the remarks of an army commander who said, "Give me good captains and lieutenants and I can soon pick out all the colonels and generals required."