The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-04-03
Defects in England'S Meth
Cd of Recruiting.
CARELESS IN EXAMINATION
War Department Gives Out a Statement
Which Appeared in the London Star"
Striking Contrast Shown in the Care
Of the Men.

The War Department today gave out
for publication the following statement,
which appeared in the London star Of
March 9:
A British soldier, who formerly serv-
ed in the United States Army. and who
Is just back from two years OF the most
active service az the front in South Az
RIGA. sends us the following remarks on
Mr.. Brodricks scheme for popularizing
army service:
Not long ago, he says. Lord Wolse-
ley stated in the House OF Lords that the
American army was the finest for its size
in the world. and as one who has served
and seen active service in both armies.
] can fully bear out his statement
In the first place the Americans OFFER
sufficient inducemeut for the good article
TO come forward. while in Great Britain
we offer the pay Of an Office boy with the
hardships Of a North Sea fisherman. and
expect the very best to roll up.
They Thy, Try Again
Many candidates for the British
army who are pronounced as UNIT at one
recruiting depot 20 on TO others, and on
third or fourth attempt manage TO pass
a more lax doctor. For instance. men re-
fused at Lierpool viii 20 10 Preston or
Chester.
The unhtness OF these men Is at once
apparent whenever a thorough inspection
is made in order that drafts may be sent
abroad, but as the good article won't
JOIN az the money we must take the best
sometimes worst we can get 4 pioneer
now serving at the front in the Scots
Guards has only two fingers on his right
hand. and yet passed the doctor. This
fact speaks for itself as 10 the inspection
Of recruits at certain depOts.
Our Rigid Examinations.
in the American army the candidate
goes before a board Of three doctors and
passes a very stir examination He must
be in extra good bodily health. besides
being a perfect physical and mental
specimen Of manhood Whilst the uhvsi-
cal standard Of the British Tommy IS de-
teriorating, that Of the United States sol
der Is getting more aand more perfect.
me American recruit must be twenty
one, and he must prove his age. If doubt
iul In this country boys OF fifteen and
sixteen join, saying they are eighteen.
They asc sent 20 India and Africa. and
tnen everybody wonders at the inadeuuacv
Of our hospital accommodation Not long
ago a Lancashire paper had an obituary
notice as follows: AT Utrecht. Private
John --, died OF wounds; age seven
teen Had il been a drummer no com
ment could be made. but Private
Too Much Fancy Work.
%. " ! have met many ex-British soldiers
in the American army they only take the
very best, and they all say they prefer
the American army because there is less
pipeclay and button Furnishing. kit in
speetion and fancy work. that leave the
soldier no time either 10 soldier or TO
play Men have to be smart and clean
and respectful and that is all
d" Once. at Fort MeKendrick IMcHenrvI.
Baltimore, an American officer made him
self so obnoxious to- his men that they
began 70 make numerous applications for
transfers 20 other companies. The com
mand.ng officer Of the regiment tumbIing
10 where the grievance lay, transferred
the officer Some British officers want
transferring
Why Butler Is Popular.
% The American officers first duty is 10
see that his company have got their
rations. and to hear any complaints. The
British officers thoughts are apt to turn
to the officers mess wagon. and this on
active service. His company's welfare
seldom troubles him They daren't com
plain. The man who does so can be had
uP for grumbiing" for melting to
mutiny," and for conduct 70 the preju-
dice Of good order and discipline" Il is
one OF the things that make General
Butler beloved Of Tommy that he at least
always shared the hardships. and frhen
he could looked after the wants Of his
humblest followers Having served two
years in South Africa-st the front. not
at the base camps-I have seen these
things