THOSE WHO NEVER WILL RETURN

A study of war—­its compensations and benefits—­its ravages and
debasements—­burdens fall upon the weak—­toll of disease—­negroes
singularly healthy—­negroes killed in battle—­deaths from wounds and other
causes—­remarkable physical stamina of race—­housekeeping in
khaki—­healthiest war in history—­increased regard for mothers—­an ideal
for child minds—­morale and propaganda.

It has been said that war has its compensations no less than peace.  This saying must have had reference largely to the material benefits accruing to the victors—­the wealth gained from sacked cities, the territorial acquisitions and the increased prestige and prosperity of the winners.  There is also an indirect compensation which can hardly be measured, but which is known to exist, in the increased courage inculcated, the banishment of fear, the strengthened sense of devotion, heroism and self-sacrifice, and all those principles of manliness and unselfishness which are inspired through war and react so beneficially on the morals of a race.  There are some, however, who contend that these compensations do not overbalance the pain, the heart-rending, the horrors, brutalities and debasements which come from war.  Viewed in the most favorable light, with all its glories, benefits and compensations, war is still far removed from an agreeable enterprise.

Like so many of the other material compensations of life, its benefits accrue to the strong while its burdens fall upon the weak.  A contemplation of the maimed, the crippled and those stricken with disease, fails to engender anything but somber reflections.

Owing to the advancement of science, the triumph of knowledge over darkness, the late war through the unusual attention given to the physical fitness of the soldiers, probably conferred a boon in sending back a greater percentage of men physically improved than the toll of destroyed or deteriorated would show.  Yet with all the improvement in medical and sanitary science, the fact remains that disease claimed more lives than bullets, bayonets, shrapnel or gas.

Negro soldiers in the war were singularly free from disease.  Deaths from this cause were surprisingly few, the mortality being much lower than it would have been among the same men had there been no war.  This was due to the general good behavior of the troops as testified to by so many commanding officers and others.  The men observed discipline, kept within bounds and listened to the advice of those competent to give it.