Youths of Austria Begin Early On Patriotic Studies

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 7, 23 January 1937, Page 12

Youths of Austria Begin Early On Patriotic Studies

YlENNA — The AUstrian Government nas enforced a law according to whieh all Austrian children frOm their eleventh or twelfth year miist participate in the one unitarian organization, "Young People of Austria," and "ter in the university unions, whieh constitute a part of the unitarian system of education for the Austriansi. According to fashion a "Euhrer" will be appointed to rule this unitarian system, with provincial sub-Fuhrers — on the whole a repetition of the organization of the unitarian "Eatherland Eront." The aim is "to give them a patriotic education," that is to say, prcvent them from adopting pan-Germ&n or Socialist ideas. More even; the law is providing for the compulsory partieipation of the children in military drill, assemblies and meetings. The powers of the new ""young people of Austria?' orgahi^ation will extend not oniy to sehool hours, butr also to the free time of the children. The organization also aims to absorb fche various ramifications of the military Unions of Austria, each of whieh had a section for yoUngsters. The moSt important of them v»fere the ' ' J ung Vateriand," for the children of the Heimwehr families, .the "Ostmark Juge'nd," for the little ones of the East Mark Storm Troops, and so on. And i.^is cohesion' is pefhaps one of the maiii purposes of- the ilew tinitarian body, There is,-. however, one G&tegory of young men's .Qrganizations whieh wili be totally exdmpted from assimi^.v^on in the "Young People of Austria." These aro the organizations of the Eoman Catholie Chureh for young men and for'girls. They not only will continue,to exist independently from the new unitaifan body, but their members cannot' be called to dfill, hor to any other general exercises without the consent of the ehufch authority-^-that is to say of the -Pishop standing at the head Jf the diocege. ' .. Oouldn't Wdit.* "You're baek early, Dave,." remarked the f armer 's wife, Dave, who had been to a play in the nearby town. for the flrst time for years, nodded a slight agreement, and proceeded to" enjoy a pipe ahd study his prOgramme. "Enjoy the play! " asked liis Wife. "No," replied Dave. ''Didn't see the end!" "No!" "Whynot!" "Well, take a look at the p m^inninnv Tt says, 4The second act takes place ;n )wo years' time,' "