Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-01-24
Chances for Young Men in the Navy.
admiral George Dewey in the January num1
OF SuccesS)

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OF Success)
If a boy has no inclination to become
a sailor, [ should certainly not encOur,
he has the desire, | should make sure
that it is not temporary craze fol
adventure, Many boys who ship
abroad a vessel when they are fifteen
or sixteen are very sorry for it few
years later. To be really successful
in the navy, man must have his
heart in the work, and a young man
who diSlikeS the sea can never dis
tinguiSh himself in the service. My
son is not in the navy. The reason
is that he seemed to have no inclina-
tiOn that way and | refused to spoil
good business man in him by max
ing poor sailor.
In many ways the navy offers a
tine career to an ambitious young
man. Every young fellow who is
worth anything tries to work him
self up into an officers uniform, and
to fill it properly. He must be
well educated in many ways. He
must be thorough gentleman, and
have the ease of bearing which comes
from well-trained mind. If he
possesses these qualities, he will find
himself we'll received in every quarter
of the globe, and he will have social
advantages which few young men
possess. The young naval officer
occupies a very pleasant position;
and then. too, he has the advantage
of travel and association with men of
culture in all parts of the world He
gains a superior knowledge of men
and things, and he has his mind
brOadened to very unusual extent.
He becomes a gentleman of culture
and experience; and, if he makes the
most of his opportunities, there is no
reason why he should not fit him
self to rise to any position in the
navy.
Promotions are sometimes slow,
but always sure, if man proves
himself worthy. One fact greatly
favOring naval career is that a man
has always place, and place which
grows better year by year. In bust
ness and in the professions, a man has
his ups and downs, because his
livelihood depends, to such a large
extent, upon circumstances and the
conditions of trade. There are no
hard times in the navy, and the
extra good times come only when
there is naval war. Then there are
chances of promotion for bravery in
BATTLE, and man may rise very
suddenly.
No influence is necessary to obtain
advancement in the navy. The only
time when any influence is
needed is when young man wants
to get himself appointed to the naval
academy at Annapolis. Even then
his influence is useless unless he can
pass the required examinations.
Once a man is in the navy, the only
help he needs to advance himself is an
ambitious determination to work and
do his duty.
Our navy has always held a high
place among the navieS of the world.
and its officers and men are well
treated everywhere. From present
indications, this branch Of the service
is to be greatly increased in the near
future. This means that there will
be needed many new officers and men,
and l should say that there are
increased chances for bright young
men to advance themselves. But, in
considering Z boys ambition toward a
naval career, remember that it all
depends upon the boy.