Statement on Rifle Practice in Public Schools, 1907-1908

"I am of course shocked at any proposition to introduce rifle practice into the public schools.

"The increasing number of accidents and murders due to the totally unnecessary and illegal 'carrying of concealed weapons,' makes it difficult to understand why familiarity with fire arms should be encouraged. If war is to continue, at least let us insist that the use of fire arms shall be confined to the soldier, as strictly as the surgeon's knife is limited to the man professionally prepared to use it."