DRILL IN SWISS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
[TO THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."]
Stn,—One feature in the training of the Swiss citizen has only received a passing notice in the instructive pamphlet by Mr. Coulton, entitled "A Strong Army in a Free State," quoted by Mr. Horsfall in the Spectator of March 22nd. I refer to the systematic training in drill and shooting given in the Swiss secondary schools. This training, though not obligatory under the Federal law, is practically almost universal, as the Government, recognising its importance, gives substantial financial assistance for the provision of ammunition, rifles, &c., and it is carried out on the lines laid down by the military authorities. In Section 6 of the "Instructions Issued to the Cantonal Schools" in Zurich we read that "the military exercises are to be con- sidered as a preparation for future service in the Army, and strict military exactitude must therefore be aimed at." It is left to the Managing Board of each secondary school to decide whether instruction in shooting shall be given or not, but if such instruction is introduced, it becomes part of • the school curriculum and is compulsory for every boy not physically unfit, from the age of fourteen upwards. The elementary instruction is given with the crossbow, and every boy must have mastered that weapon before he is promoted to the use of the rifle. It is interesting to note—in view of future developments of our educational system—that a free and non-military nation regards this early training as "the only businesslike way of carrying out what is as important an element in the national education as the three R's' them- selves."—I am, Sir, &c.,
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