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Caption: Book - History of the University (Nevins)
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THE LABGEST CADET CORPS 303 the Agriculturist and Technograph appeal to the practical side of the Illinois student, it appeals to his craving for amusement. Though a required course for all but law students, and not an undergraduate activity at all, military training plays an important part in shaping all student life. I t is accepted with remarkable zest, for the brigade drills with a spirit and conscientiousness unknown at most land grant institutions; and it is the most leveling of University processes. The 2,200 students who pour in at the Armory door represent all sorts and conditions: the son of the millionaire beside that of the village blacksmith, the engineer beside the " l i t , " the fraternity man beside the "barb," the raw freshman beside the sophomore. The men who appear a moment later in trim uniformed ranks wheeling endlessly out on the parade ground are one body, as closely unified a crowd as Tarde ever classified, the only distinctions those of height and military rank. The brigade is complete, from artillerymen and stretcher corps to wigwagging signalmen, and it is completely at the command of the student colonel*^ For weeks at a time the commandant detailed by the United States Army might not approach the drill ground, and military training would move on as smoothly as ever; for the sense of responsibility on the part of the officers is perfect. Competition is keen for the University and Hazelton medals, given to the best drilled students (on spring nights odd corners of the campus are vocal with aspirants being put through the manual of arms by friends), and for the best record in company drill and marksmanship, the medals being awarded on Military Day. The sham battle of late spring, when one company after another of khaki- or gray-clad cadets storms the ridges below
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