The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1893-03-04
FORT SHERMAN.

IN the TANKS oil Ire army than all tho
preceding secretaries Of war combined.
The three-year act and the policy gov
erning recruiting have about democrat
lied the companies. This seeking after
a better class OF recruits has led to
the introduction into the army Of .
class of-as one officer calls them
nosed boys, who, upon being checked or
asked TO perform duties which they
think are irnpositions. apply for dis
charge or transfer. After foisting an
undesirable class Of recruits upon the
army for the officers to lick into shape,
the browning act Of Proctor's ill-advised
measures is evolved in the shape OF .
law prohibiting the re-enlistment OF
priyates after 10 years service, with
the idea Of eventually doing away with
the retired list.
What inducements remain for man
to enter the service and give 10 years of
his life to the government, uniting
himself for civil life. and deprived Of
the benefits from the Soldiers Home?
To say that If man does not become a
non-commissioned officer in 10 years he
is an undesirable soldier is preposterous,
when man can look around him and
find evidence to the contrary. All men
cannot become non-commissioned off,
GERS, nor are all men fitted for such
positions. AS well say that lieutenant
who remains in his grade for 10 years is
not qualified for advancement to the
next highest grade. What with the
curtailment Of post commanders
powers in the attempt Of the war de-
partment to govern the army in its
remotest branches from central head
quarters, depriying commanding officers
OF the power to appoint hours for ron
calls, etc, viscious legislation, wedding
out the old soldier and pandering to the
new recruits to the verge Of -abolishing
discipline, the army is going rapidly to
the devil. And no one recognizes this
more surely than the men who consti-
tute the backbone of the service-the
men who have served 10 or more years.
Does anyone consider for a moment
that soldiers like Herman, Alex, Me-
Carly, Boy,an, Edwards, Berry, Breen,
Cochrane, Dobriner, Fox. Hagan, Nor
rs, Ringie, Walsh and hundred Others
at this post who have 10 years service
are not good soldierss IL there is a
company commander in the army who
favors the Proctor bill he has yet to be
heard from. 1t is a violation of contract
on the part of the United States to turn
these men out, after having induced
them to enter by promises of refuge
in the Home after 20 years service and
place on the retired list upon compile
ton of 80 years service. The talk now
is that tie bill will be repealed next
winter, but that will not help the men
who viii have to go out between now
and tina; time. Even if they could
come back under new law. their con-
tinuous service would be broken and
they would lose the increased pay it
involves
III the companies are to be kept to
their authorized strength the present
restrictions on cnlistments viii have TO
be removed
The new law will completely wreck
some of the army bands, for in most
cases two-tbirds of the members have
10 or more years service to their credit.
1t will demorslize the hospital corps,
and at some posts seriously cripple its
service.
Taken all in all. it is the most drastic
measure the enlisted men have ever had
administered unto them.
NOTES.
Mr.. John ningwell has secured the
| position of bartender at the post ex-
change under the new law which re-
quires that the position be filled by .
citizen.
\ number of the men met Thursday
evening and perfected arrangements
for a bail 10 be given at the Post Hall
on March l.. The string band will be
engaged TO furnish the music. fine
supper will be served, and dancing win
continue until 3 a. m. II will be an in
vitation affair and will prove TO be the
grsndest bali of the season. The supper
will be prepared by Strasburg aud
served as only he can serve il.
Bicycle riding on lake Ceur d'Alene
is quoted now as one of the winter at
fractions of Fort sherman. Ii is rather
dangerous sport TO indulge in. though.
for one can get very nasty fall while
rolling oyer smooth ice. IL is novelty
and has some attractions for venture
some persons.
There is some talk among The Good
Templays of giving an entertainment at
the Post Hall In the near future and in.
yiting a number Of their friends 10 par
ticipate therein.
Private Bentley, company u, Fourth
infantry, who re-enlistcd in san Fran
cisco. has joined his company. lie
served previously at this post in troop
l., Second cavalry.
Chaplain Macomber Is busy making
preparations to depart for his new sta
ton. Alcatraz Island. lie will probably
preach "A farewell sermon on Sunday
evening. The Chaplain has served at