But there is so much talk just now of getting "down to fundamentals," of the poetry of the tramp "walking the world," and the rest of it, that it would be well if we _did get_ down to fundamentals; and this is one thing fundamental--the tramp is a deserter from life.

He evades the troubled field where great causes are fought; he shuns the battle because of the wounds and the sacrifice; he has no heart for high conflict and victory.

Let him under the cover of darkness but secure his share of the spoils and the world may go to wreck.

Yes, he is the meanest of things--a deserter.

On the field of battle he would be shot.