The School o' Hate
The Commander-in-Chief, Sir Bernard Paget, has done well in banning the use of strong language and other similar methods of in- stilling blood-lust or hate in the course of battle-training. It is not surprising, perhaps, that a revolution against the extremes of pacifism should lead impatient, undisciplined minds to the other extremes of stupid brutality, but every good soldier knows that the brute is as dangerous as the coward, and is, indeed, most likely also to prove one, making up in violence of language and gesture what he lacks in simple courage. Experience has shown that the best soldiers are of finer quality and are revolted by foul language and " blood-baths." Natural love of adventure and high-spirit equip young men for the most hazardous enterprises, and older men actuated by patriotism and a sense of duty will, when the moment comes, face the enemy with the • utmost staunchness and combative spirit. What both need is a most exact and thorough training in the use of their arms and a detailed knowledge of possible conditions in which they may be placed. This last, however, does not include such ridiculous practices as oaths and blood-spattering. The combative spirit is awakened, and should only be awakened, in action. Until then attention should be concentrated on invigorating and hardening the body, training in arms, the developing of initiative and the instilling of confidence in the leader- ship. When it comes to a fight nature can then be relied upon to do the rest. It is only when natural vitality has been sapped that recourse is had to such repugnant practices as oaths and blood- baths. These are, indeed, a sign of decadence.
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