Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-03-01
YOUNG SOLDIERS OF FRANCE.
Picturesque Scenes at the Departure of
the Conscripts

Picturesque Scenes at the Departure of
the Conscripts.
During the last three DAYS % 600
conscripts have left Paris for the yari-
ons military centres. 1t is the annual
departure OF the ''classe." There have
been many picturesque scenes in con
sequence. Bands OF young men of all
conditions of life and drawn from all
parts OF the country have been parad-
ing the streets, shouting military airs
and blowing upon imaginary instru-
ments. Ii is their way OF keeping up
their courage. for the conscript. as
often as not has little stomach for
war and looks with 4 legree of dread
upon his barrack life. The district of
Montmartre. especially, has been en-.
Hvened during these evenings by the
registering Blues. as Paris calls them
and the police have turned an indul-
gent eye on their proceedings. prompt
cd. no doubt, by personal recollections
OF the days when they also formed
part of the class. The town general
~. looks fondiy after the lads as they
&c trumDeting along the boulevards.
The purely rustic conscrint is a less
demonstrative person. and marches
scberly along. under the direction of
his sergeant or corporal. with his lit
tie vaiise or package. containing his
worldly possessions. or his arm, cut.
ting often an odd figure in his rough
civilian clothes. These are the grubs
from which the butterfly of the sol
der Will emerge in few weeks.
When the conscripe comes among his
friends again 1t will be in the guise
OF the familiar long blue coat and
red trousers OF the infantryman. or he
will have blossomed into a cavalry
man. a gunner, or, perchancc. an en-
gineer.
The first day in barracks Is trying
one for the young conscript Civil life
finishes sharply on the threshold OF
the caserne. The soldier in embryo
is challenged brusouely by the SER
geant major. and probably the latter
has some idea of impa.ting a little
wholesome respect for military dis
cipline At the very outset of the
young mans career Very often the
conversation that ensuCs has its anus
ing turn. Each conscriDt Is put
through an elementary examination.
The candidate is always asked wheth-
eT he can write. But / am 'bache-
Her." perhaps re says. Il do not
ask your occupation. responds the
sergeant. gruifiy: but can you wrte?"
And so on. When the parade takes
palace before the adjutant. there are
hound to be some few recruits who
make a last despairing effort to be
quit of military service. Their sight
Is too bad. and they have not enough
strength. But the adjutant is hard
hearted man: besides. he has heard
all this before. And the military net
is spread very wide There is no my
opic bar. unless the degree of short
sight is very pronounced. and as 10
the question Of stature. one often sees
the diminutive sentinel handsomely
topped by the fixed bayonct of his
rifle.
The man upon whom military life
sits the ligatest ana 10 whom il may
be positively agreeable is The must
clan. He comes under the class of
"ouvriers dart" which ESCAPE with
ore years service. He is drafted ilto
the band. so that he continues his
studies. and he may supplement- the
sou n day watch Il grateful country
awards him by giving lessons outside
the barracks. And so We will leave
our brave conscript Tonight ne may
put his head under the clothes in
sheer wretchedness Of being: tomor-
row ne will hold his head up and cry:
'.Vive n Patrie." "Vive iArmee."