The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1893-04-15
FORT SHERMAN.

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bear evil fruit, 1t has caused a deluge
of applications to the war department
for discharge, from men who enlisted
with view to making the army their
home until they could reach the soldiers
home or the retired list. Some of these
men have ten years or more to their
credit, many are between ten aud TWEEN
ty years in service, a large number in
their first and second enlistments have
applied for a discharge on the grounds
that if they are to be allowed to remain
only ten years, there is no use of staying
that length of time to be kicked out,
but that they had better get out while
young enough to commence the battle
with the world. Another evil growing
out Of that same law is the restrictions
now imposed upon men applying for
discharge under the purchase clause
and the veteran act. The loss of men
was becoming SO great that the war de-
partment felt called upon to stem the
torrent in some way, SO they decided to
make all applicants for discharge Tex
cept the three months mem furnish
good and sufficient reasons for desiring
to leave the service. This is causing
great di content among the men, many
of them claiming that when they en-
listed they were informed that ii they
did not like it, they could purchase their
discharge, while now the fact that a
man does not like the service is not CON
sldered good and sufficient reason for
the application. The men who have
the money to pay the amount necessary
are inclined to view this last order in
the light Of breach of contract, and
some of them finding they cannot pur-
chase their discharge, will desert. 1t is
safe to assume that the record of de
sertion for April, 1898, will be much
larger than usual. Desertion at this
post has always been very light, some
years there being none. On the 18th
inst. five men were reported absent
without leave. and there is no doubt
but they have deserted.
y retiring board has been ordered to
convene at Fort Sherman for the ex-
animation of such officers as may be
ordered before it. The board consists
of Major J. b. Hall, surgeon, L. 5. A.;
LIST Lieutenant w. +. Purviance, assist
ant surgeon, |. 5. A.; Captains Bisbee.
Buob and Thompson, and Lieutenant
Lowering.
Lieutenant f. T. Stetson, 4th infantry,
has been ordered to appear before the
board of examination.
Lieutenant Ielmick. who has been ap-
pointed range officer, is making prepar-
ations for the regular practice on The
firing range. The butts are being
strengthened, pits cleaned out, and the
face OF the range cleared of brush and
other distractions. Sergeant Van Etten.
company \, has charge of the police
work on the range.
Lewis Capers, who enlisted some three
years ago with view to securing
commission, and who was rapidly pro-
NOTED to the grade of corporal and then
to sergeant, in company r, 4th infantry,
and who was placed in several positions
Of trust at Fort Spokane, deserted from
that post some time ago, his desertion
creating quite sensation, as he is we'll
connected and has several relatives who
are army officers. He is now at the
guard house at this post, having sur
rendered as q deserter at Spokane a few
days ago. This is the second case of
surrender for desertion within the last
two weeks that has furnished food for
reflection. In both cases the men are
of good families, are bright and intelli- |
gent, have been reared in an atmos- |
phere of culture and refinement, vet in |
both cases have they been guilty of acts
that cannot but cause their relatives
modification and sorrow These are re- !
suits OF working toward better class" .
for the army. 1t is all well enough to |
preach the theory Of securing young
men of good families for the service
but It VIII never work in practice No
matter what inducements are held out
to them they will never take to army
HE; the change is too abrupt, even
under the most favorable conditions,
for ayOung man reared in the class from
which they desire to recruit them, to do
such work as will fall to their 10, in the
army. 1t is from the middle classes
and the laborers that the ranks Of the
army will have to be recruited. and they
make the best soldiers, intelligence or
40 intelligence.
seven PRISONERS were in the guard
house at one time during the past week
awaiting trial before the general court
n session at this post. They were
1gought here from Forts Walla Walla
md Spokane, and Boise barracks.
Corporal Andrews, company II. 4th
infantry, was discharged under the three
ear act on the 18th inst. He goes
rom here to Chicago.
Guard mounting on the post parade,
bicycle riding along the lake front, boats
epaInted, fishing tackle Strengthened
ut, flower gardens ready for plants and
ur coats being packed in tar paper
eads US to believe spring has at last
rived and that we will soon be enjoy