bravery and heroism, and the sincerest sympathy for the 

 sickness that has been added to wounds received in battle. 



We reverently bow at the thought of deaths that always 

 are, and have been latel}-, a sad, but inevitable, part of 

 warfare ; and to the many sad deaths from causes other 

 than wounds. 



In the future we must have enough men ready, and 

 hardened by regular Army training, for the more immedi- 

 ate requirements in case of war ; so that our volunteers shall 

 (when called for), have time to prepare for the severities 

 of camp life before being precipitated therein. But let us 

 always remember that the best capital any man or woman 

 can possess, is the knowledge of how to preserve health 

 under the varied conditions of life that may come to all of 

 us. 



Physical training and personal care are a part of public 

 instruction to the youth in many of the older countries. 

 We should carefully consider this phase of education. 



In war, the responsibilities that rest upon Commissioned 

 Officers, in the several departments cannot be too forcibly 

 considered, when many men are placed under their care 

 and training. 



It is proper that we agriculturists, and business men of 

 varied callings, should insist upon the adoption by State 

 Legislature and National Congress, of such laws as shall 

 require the strictest examination of applicants for military 

 office before the commission shall be awarded. 



In the interests of the men of our laiid, young and old, 

 liable for service, we should demand it. 



In the next war — may it be far off — it may be that some 

 from o^ir families shall be elected to defend our right and 

 interests as citizens ; so that it becomes, indeed, a personal 

 charge, and important care upon us, to see that the best 

 and safest plan of organization for our army is soon per- 

 fected and adopted ; under which those nearest and dearest 



