The writer recently walked through a French street of licensed vice, where strong young fellows were tossing away their birthright for a mess of pottage.  He passed on the main street of the city two young Americans from a medical unit who were reeling along in the possession of two harpies.  They were shouting to all the passers by, trying to hold up the carriages, and widely advertising their uniform and their nation.  We recognize the difficulty of maintaining a high moral standard in a foreign land in war time, but we believe it can be done.  A plan has recently been suggested by the Association for dealing with this menace.

First of all, it is proposed to conduct a campaign of education on the highest moral grounds by a select group of lecturers, capable of presenting wisely the danger of immorality from both the medical and moral standpoints.  This will involve the preparation of lectures, charts, lantern slides, films, and everything needed for the effective presentation both to the ear and eye.  It is hoped that these lecturers will be able to instruct chaplains, Y M C A secretaries, and all who are responsible for the moral leadership of the troops, in order that they may be better able to cope with the situation.  It is proposed that these lecturers conduct meetings for three days in each center, with a parade lecture for each battalion and voluntary meetings in the evening, which will include addresses on hygiene, lantern lectures, and moral talks.  Healthy literature will be prepared and distributed to the men, and similar campaigns will be conducted in the camps in the United States and on shipboard before the troops reach France.

Second, a positive program for the occupation and amusement of the men will be provided.  Athletic sports, games, tournaments, track meets, and other events will offer adequate physical facilities.  Amusements, entertainments, concerts, classes, and lectures will be arranged for the mental occupation of the men.  Meetings, personal interviews, and services will be planned to keep before them the moral and spiritual challenge and the call for clean living.  Special campaigns will be carried on in all Y M C A huts from time to time.

Third, we would favor strict regulations and penalties to cope with immorality.  We are glad that the selection of camp sites for the American troops in France is being made at places as far removed from the temptations of the cities as possible, where the men will be kept under closer supervision than could be done if the troops were located near large centers of population.  Other means are being provided which cannot here be mentioned.