The San Francisco call., 1898-04-03


 R just %stsi now, 5aG''' '' very interesting
 This naval recruiting rendez-
 vous at California and Market streets is quite typical of the many places dotting the American shore line where the brawn and heart and courage that must be the nation s main reliance in any hour of struggle that may come, Is. being given greater volume. The good Annapolis and New port brainertes have finished their out put of gallant orders givers and now the recruiting station looms up as the nations chief further reliance for fight ing men.
 It was easy enough to enter this DOT tai of the naval service opened a few days ago on telegraphic orders from Washington. Up a dirty stairway, past the big poster, Wanted, for the navy of the United States etc, turn past dozen or more men conversing in the hallway, doubtful, willing or eager about enlisting, and then the welcoming sign Enter without knock ing Easy enough it is to go in to Uncle Sam and say: Here l am, old man.
 But if you have any pondering to do before you sign those momentous iron clad articles of agreement" do the pondering before you pass that 1nvlt- ing sign. Ponder as you walk the streets penniless, my unlucky American friend, ponder the step at home or by your forge or among your fellows. my patriotic fellow citizen, and pause to think it over again, as l found Jack kelso doing before that flaming S0oster at the head of the stairs, but when you SD = down and ponder the step cut with you. You will earn a days pay in the navy or be out in the streets a gentleman Of peace in very few minutes.
 went in with Jack Kelso, whose ac- quaintance l made before the big pos ter. He was a slim, smooth-faced lad of 23, with soft, rosy cheeks and a light-hearted joke for everybody every minute. He'll be the life of some steel built forecastle and his mates will warm to Jack.
 In the big bare reception room eight men who had gone in a minute or two before sat silently with hats respect fully off, on two long benches that by their folding iron legs and messroom design were the sole symbols of the salt sea there, except for few queer ly knotted cords and cables in a cor ner
 sit down a minute," said busy War rant OIIlCeI DdII, anu lI4eu HUH lilc carpeted front room there burst forth a large. well-fed man with a kindly eye and brisk voice and manner. Lieu tenant George M. Stoney, in command of the station, strode toward the door of the medical examiners room and hs paused a moment for a sweeping glance at the volunteers
 7 Here. you're too small, sir" and the lieutenant had disposed of the wiry lit tie bit of a fellow at the end of a bench and without a solitary word the poor little fellow put on his hat and shot out into the world with so quick an ending to his ambition to battle with Spain That crisis in the little fellows life was over
 .. And what do you want to enlist for?" asked the lieutenant, quickly, of a swarthy little fellow by the door. He wanted to go as a seaman.
 Where were you born?" :, .I was born in New Orleans, but I was raised in France, sir" said the curly headed little fellow, covering a trif1e. "Hm, How can you prove that you were born in New Orleans?" asked Lieutenant Stoney with a searching. duizzical squint that helped emphasize the glorious fact that no man but an American citizen by birth or adoption can get into the American navy these days
 The little fellow was passed for ex- animation by the luck of moments quick decision and Jack Kelso stood up, clear eyed and strong limbed, to answer boldly and cheerfully, T want to go as a coal passer."
 Born In this country"
 Born and raised in San Francisco" That was enough to DaSS lack tO the