Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-09-04
WHY DO THE MEN DESERT?
Soldiers Complain Of Pso1O Domestic
and Unmilitary Drddgery.
From the New York Tribune.

From the New York Tribune
"Are You thinking of desertingr
This rather impertinent question was sud-
denly shot at q soldier Of the United States
army who was sitting on the string piece Of the
pier where the Governors Island boats touch
at the Battery. The man had been wrapped in
reverie for some time and the scowl on his
face had indicated that it was an unpleasant
one, SO that the reporter who thus interrupted
him was prepared for an angry answer. The
effect of the question was electrical The man
started as il some one had detected him in q
crime-then the angry blood rushed up to his
face as he said with an oath-''What do you
mean2 I'll let you know you can't insult"
20, come Off" replied the reporter with an
exceedingly nervous laugh. MY dear sir, l
was only in fun. was reading few days ago
Of the large number Of you fellows that do de-
sert, and was surprised at 1t. for l thought
your lives in these piping times Of peace must
looked over from the hot city to the cool lawns
of Governors Island and envied you your soft
snap. What makes the boys desert, anyway 2"
What do you want to know for?" said the
not-yet pacifed soldier. why don't you list
yourself and find out"
81 don't think would fill the bill at ALL" re-
piled the reporter. II haven't got any military
ambition. Blood always make me turn faint
The thought Of killing a man with my own
hands is repugnant. War to me is full Of
hor-"
WAR; snapped the soldier with a scornful
sniff. Blood Can you push lawn-mower?
Are you handy with a rake2 Have you got the
ability to wash dishes for the cook without
breaking them? Could you hold up your end
in the band on any instrument under heavens?
Does your taste run to wedding in the garden?
Any OF these little accomplishments would 60
much further to win the good graces of the re-
cruiting officer than spouting about military
ambition.
II tell you, SIR" he added, warming up to his
subject. more of the boys desert because of
the monotonous round of such petty, domestic,
unmilitary work than for all other causes COM
blned. You see that gloomy old rattle-trap Of
fort over there? Well, there are bright young
fellows OF pluck, push and ambition, who have
they were driven to desertion by keen disap-
pointment at what they considered to be the
degradation OF q soldier to mere domestic
drudge"
But these things have got to be done by
some one. haven't they? queried the reporter.
Eyes, l suppose so" said the soldier, but
there should be some way fixed for the discon-
tented ones to purchase their discharge. The
British soldier can do this, and why should not
we? Uncle Sam should not keep up mouse
trap system OF holding against their will men
who have probably been deceived into enlist
term OF enlistment, too, ought to be reduced to
three years. That's long enough for man
who does not like it, in all conscience, and those
who do like it are the only ones worth keeping,
anyway"
"A good deal has been done lately, though"
argued the reporter, ITO make things easy for
YOU
''Yes, must say that's So" said the soldier.
There's the retired list, with three fourths pay
for men that have served thirty years. Extra
duty pay is a new thing, and some of the men
food is better. Sunday-morning inspections
are abolished, the army aid society sends us
books and papers, yet for all that the assertions
last year were nearly 5000. We Americans are
a restless lot, and the mere thought that we
can't get away goads US night and day. As 1
said before, the discontented man should be
allowed to purchase his discharge, for one man
in the company who is q deserter at heart
makes a dozen more men discontented,"