The Savannah morning news., 1901-07-11

1t would be idle to try to create the i'm
preston that the man or boy who en-
lists in the navy with the idea of becom-
ing sailor, is selecting a life of ease
and luxury. However, the navy to-day
offers greater attractions for the enlist
ment than ever before and Improvements
in the accommodations for the enlisted
men and the quality of rations served out
to them are constantly being made.
In this connection a brief review OF the
latest circular relating to the enlistment
of men for the navy sent out by Secre-
tary Long may be both interesting and
Instructive. The term of enlistment of
men shall be for four years. Minors over
the age of Is years may be enlisted with.
out the consent of parents or guardian.
Minors under, but claiming to be over IS
years of age, are liable IL enlisted, to
punishment for fraudulent enlistment I'M
der an act of Congress. Every person
before being enlisted must pass the physi-
cal examination prescribed in the medi-
cal instructions. Applicants must be
American citizens, native or naturatizcd,
and must be able to read and write in
English
Here is the compensation and allow
ances in the various ratings: Landsman,
SIG per month, with an allowance not TO
exceed $45 for an outfit of clothing, pro-
viding the applicant enlists for training
as seaman. Ordinary seamen $19 per
month, and If qualified, eligible to promo
ton to seamen. Seamen $24 per month,
eligible to promotion to petty officers.
Coal passers, $22 per month. Firemen,
second class, $50 per month; first class $35
per month; must be familiar with marine
engines and boilers and other attach
ments and had experience on board of
steamer. Shipwrights $25 per month; must
be familiar with ordinary woodwork, re-
pairs generally required aboard ship. Nd.
chinists, second-class $40 per month; first
class $50 per month. Chief machinist, $40
per month; warrant machinists from ST.
zoo to $l,SOO year. Electricians, third
class $50 a month; yeomen, from $50 10
$50 month; hospital apprentices from $50
to $50 a month. Hospital steward, $50 per
month.
Rations to the amount of SO per mon n.
medicines and medical attendance are fur
nished free in addition to pay. Privilege
OF retirement on three-quarters pay after
thirty years service.
In the circular, applicants residing at a
distance from the recruiting station, are
advised to communicate with the nearest
station for a list of qualifications before
reporting for examination, and upon re-
celpt of the same, consult the physician
and ascertain the probabilities of their
being able 10 conform with the physical
requirements. This course is suggested
as no allowance is made for travelling ex-
penses of applicants. Transportation is
furnished only to accepted applicants
from the recruiting station to the point
of assignment. The regulations relative
to the enlistment of boys are substan-
TALLY the same as those applicable to
men. Boys between the ages of fifteen
ana seventeen years may with the con-
sent OF their parents or guardians, be en-
listed 10 serve until they shall arrive at
the age of twentyone. Boys must be of
robust frame, Intelligent, of perfectly
sound and healthy constitution. Physical
examinations will be made by the medi-
cal officers of the ship upon which the
boy presents himself for enlistment He
must De able to read and write must
have the following weight and measure
ments:
Fifteen years-Four feet, II inches
height, weight not less than so pounds.
chest measurement not less than q
inches.
Sixteen years-Height not less than
feet inch. weight not les than 80 pounds,
chest measurement % inches.
All boys enlisting as apprentices must
sign an agreement to serve in the navy
until q years of age. Apprentices are
educated to fill the positions of seamen
and petty officers. They cannot become
commissioner ofncers. Boys who have
been convicted of crime cannot be enlist
ed. When first enlisted and received on
board ship apprentices will be furnished,
free OF cost, with a clothing outfit not
exceeding in value $45. apprentices, third
class. receive 50 per month"; second class.
SIS; first class. SOL Apprentices also re-
ceive the usual naval ration. equal to 80
a month. Parents or guardians are re-
quired to relinquish all claim to the SER
vices of apprentices and applications for
their discharge during minority will not
be considered, except under extraordinary
circumstances.
Apprentices who are enlisted in the
East will be given a course of training
at Coasters Harbor Island, near New
port r. L., and those enlisted on the
Pacific coast at United States naval train
ing station, San Francisco, before being
sent to sea.