es for instruction. Three classes were formed,
consisting respectively of large boys who knew something of drill, of
large boys who knew nothing of it, and of small boys who were presumed
ignorant. The first and third classes proved entirely successful. The
second class proved a failure, apparently because it was chiefly made up
of pupils from an adult evening school, which was itself not very
successful. The total result of the experiment was so wholly
satisfactory that the chairman of the town Military Committee urges its
universal adoption. He considers it proved, that "a perfect knowledge of
the duties of a soldier can be taught to the boys during their time of
attendance at the public schools; thus obviating the necessity of this
acquisition after the time of the pupil has become more valuable." He
adds: "A proper system of military instruction in the schools of our
Commonwealth would furnish us with the most perfect militia in the
world; and I have very little doubt that the good sense of the people
will soon arrange such a system in all the schools of the Commonwealth."

The general adoption of this method of instruction was officially
recommended, in January, 1864, by a special committee of the
Massachusetts Board of Education,--this committee consisting of Governor
Andrew, Ex-Governor Washburn, and the Hon. Joseph White, Secretary of
the Board. It was afterwards urged by the Rev. James F. Clarke, another
member of the Board, in an elaborate report, giving many valuable facts
from European authorities. It is not known, however, that any
legislative action has yet been taken on the subject in any part of the
country.

We do not need more military colleges. One is enough for the nation, and
all public expenditure should be concentrated on that. But it is as easy
for children to learn the drill as to learn swimming; and the knowledge
should be as universal. For this purpose it should be made a required
part of grammar-school training. Of course the instruction cannot
ordinarily proceed from the teacher of the school. But it is the growing
practice of our towns to employ instructors in special branches, who go
from school to school, teaching music, penmanship, or calisthenics. It
is only carrying this method one step farther, to employ some returned
soldier to teach infantry drill. Let this be prescribed by legislative
action, in each State, and it will soon become universal. A uniform
ought not to be required; a l