The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JULY 22nd., 1916. FATALISM AT THU FRONT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1590, 22 July 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JULY 22nd., 1916. FATALISM AT THU FRONT.

DISCUSSINCI the subject “What is the Human Breaking-point?” Air John Buchan says: “Human nature becomes case-hardened under the sternest trials. If troops are ‘entered’ skilfully to the terrors of war, it is amazing’ what a protective sheath forms over the soldier’s nerves. A new battalion during its first day in the trenches may be restless and ‘jumpy’; in a week it is at ease, and most probably too callous to the risk - of the business. All men employed in dangerous trade's—fishermen, sailors, miners, railwayman —have this happy faculty. It is a Western form of kismet, a belief that till (heir hour comes they tire safe If death

at any moment may appear out of tho void it. is useless to fuss about il, for nothing’ that they can do can prevent il. Once this stoicism is attained the men are seasoned. War, instead of being a series of horrid tremors, becomes a routine, even a dull routine. It seems strange to use the word “dull” in connect ion with so hazardous a game, but such is (he case. Seasoned troops adjust themselves to their novel environment., and for one man who linds it too nerve-racking 1 ten will find it monotonous. With due preparation and careful treatment, it seems certain that even in modern war we can postpone the breaking-point: verv far.”