Let no one make a mistake about this : Vast as was the collapse of our nation, equally vast must be the effort one day to end this unhappy condition. Only by an immense output of national will-power, thirst for freedom and passionate devotion can we restore what has been missing in us.
It is the duty of the national State to cultivate bodily efficiency not only during the official school years, but also when school days are over it must see to it that, as long as a young man is still undergoing bodily development, this development shall turn out a blessing to him. It is foolish to think that the State’s right to supervise its young citizens ends suddenly with the end of their school time, only to recommence when they begin their military service. The right is a duty and is equally there at all times.
The Army also is not there merely to teach a man how to march and stand at attention, but it has to act as the final and highest school of national instruction. The young recruit must, of course, learn the use of his weapon, but at