CAMPS AND MORALS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1035, 26 January 1911, Page 2

CAMPS AND MORALS.

STATEMENT BY THE COMMANDANTg, ; SPECIAL CADE PROMISED. ' " — ! The following reply (dated"'January 24) has been sent by tlio Commandant to a correspondent, who wrote expressing anxiety as-to the moral toiio of military camps. In view of the letters already "' written on the subject by "Viator" and others, it has been thought desirable to publish, the'reply:' "I am in receipt of your letter of January 17," 1911, in which you refer to the ■ dangers ■ which may exist in military '• camps for young men of an impressionable age. ._'■'.■ "I think that in all probability the ao-", counts of immorality, etc., which have reached you, have been much exaggerated, but I am fully alive. <to the importance . of maintaining a high standard of conduct in camp, and will leave nothing undone to assure this. All camps under the new Act will be under strict discipline, and any sign of immorality, drink- ; ing, etc., will be severely dealt with and sternly put down. "It is, I regret to say, impossible to ' let each mtin have.a separate .tent,, owing to military considerations of space, transport, etc., to say nothing of expense, butin every case a specially.' selected non- • commissioned officer, or senior private will . be placed in charge of a tent and held ' responsible'for the conduct and behaviour of those in that tent; and every endeavour.; will be made to choose men of firmness'' and strength of character for 'these positions'of responsibility, "I quite agree with you in realising the . importance of maintaining the tone Iα camp on as high a level as possible, and am very glad the subject has been ventilated by yoii and others. I know from experience that year by year the tone of military camp life is improving vastly; and I am confident that, under the new system, the example set by the influx of a large number of well-brought-up young men, such as.you describe, will be a most potent factor in ensuring that the old breaches of morality and good behaviour will-absolutely disappear. ■ "Commanding officers and all ' othera will l>3 directed to pay special attention, to this question, and I feel sure that you will find your fears unfounded. "Apart from the strict regulations which will be enforced, there will be little time at the new camps for any other pursuits than soldiering. lam glad that you wrote to me and that I am able to give you this assurance; I should be much obliged if you.can circulate it as widely, as possible among those parents who are'anxious.oa the subject." . •'■-,-