American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-05-31
BOYS FOR THE NAVY.
Department Circular in Regard to Their
E"Iistme nt--Object of the Wachusett'i
Mississippi Voyage.

Department Circular in Regard to Their
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of the Wachusett's
Mississippi Voyage.
WASHINGTON, May 22.-The follow
ing circular has been prepared by Coin.
Earl English, Chiefof the Bureau of Equip
ment and Recruiting, under Instructions
from Secretary Thompson, and will be issu-
ed in day or two;
enlistmetit of boys in the United States naval
service is hertby modified az follows, in ae-
vised Statutes of the United States; approved
May IL, 1879, to- wit:
SIC. Ans. Boys between the ages of 10 and
Is years Inay be enlisted to serve in the Navy
until they shan arrive at the age of p years.
etc.
SEC. lag. Minors between the age. of Is
and is years shah not be enlisted for the ma
val service without the consent of their par
ents or guardians.
SEC. f,4sl. No minor under the age of Is
years, no insane or Intoxicated person, and
no deserter from the naval or military service
of the United states shall be enlisted in the
These boys will be sent on board of suitable
under the following regulations. Every boy,
previous to being enlisted, must satisfy the
Examining Board of officers
Of perfectly sound and healthy constitution,
free from any physical defects or maltorma-
sec5nd-That lie is able TO reed ana write.
intelligence and Is otherwise qualified, the
him Notwithstanding; his kho Wedge Of read
ing and writing is Imperfect.
Ihird-That his height and measure are
sufficient, being for boy of f6 years of age,
five feet one inch, without shoes, and 30 inch
es aroiind the chest. Boys. however, who DO
measurements may be enlisted by special or
der of the Navy Departments if I'm all other re-
spects particularly desirable.
Congress having passed q law authorizing
the enlistment of $50 boys In the Navy annu
ally, the Department contemplates sending
a man of war up the Mississippi River for the
IN the Western section of the country to en-
list in the naval service. The vessel will as
cend the river as far as her draught will per-
init, making such stoppages as will best IA
cilitate the object in view.
The instruction of the boys will comprise
the elements OF all ordinary English educa-
and other professional occupations designed
to train them to become efficient seaitie ii and
Is to place in the naval service, with the con:
sent of their parents, such good and deserving
boys as will elevate the standard and make
defense. Boys who have been convicted of
crime can not therefore be received, as it is
not advisable that they should become the
will be enlisted as third class boys at
$3.50 per month and one ration, as es-
tablished by law. While serving on
promoted to rating second and first class
boys at the pay of 5000 and sll.5 per month
re.peetiveiy: and o. cruising vessels viii be
ut the discretion of their commanding Of
ficers. Boys completing their -enlistment
charge. wilf receive continuous service GER
tificates emitting them to EXTRA pay Upon re-
enlistment, and those who merit special dis
VIII tqa rsSSeiye 81
On the arrival of the vessel in the Missis-
sippi the commanding officer will give timely
notice in advance of stopping at different
points In ascending the river.