(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Again we have with us the undying discussion of military preparedness--a question which has been raised at brief intervals for several years. Surely, before any final action is taken on a matter so important as this, it would be well to turn to those who are recognized as authorities and examine their precepts.

The late Lord Roberts once declared: "If ten points represent the complete soldier, eight of them should stand for his efficiency as a rifle shot."

Lord Kitchener, in urging more rapid training of the "new army," said: "Teach them to shoot. I don't care if they don't know their right foot from their left, teach them to shoot."

For some years, the University rifle team has devoted itself, not only to intercollegiate competition, but to the encouragement of novices, and to "teaching men to shoot." What are the results? The average number of candidates for the team is from eight to ten, and there is sometimes difficulty in getting five men together to shoot a match.

I think I am correct in saying that not one of the men who defended military preparedness at the forum held on that subject has ever been a candidate for the rifle team. It is quite possible for any man with good eyes to become a crack rifle shot, and some of the best shots in College today had never held a gun in their hands until two years ago.

Surely, until the advocates of preparedness show some interest in preparing themselves in the most important branch of military service, we many fairly doubt their complete sincerity.  E. P. WARNER '16