Waterbury Democrat., 1902-04-26
AMERICAN SOLDIERS.

A British soldier, who formerly served in the United States army, and who recently returned back from two years of the most active servicec at the front in South Africa, sends us the following remarks on MT. Brodrick's scheme for popularizing army service. Not long ago, he says, Lord Wolseley stated in the house of lords that the American army was the finest for it's size in the world, and as one who has served and seen active service in both armies this soldier bears out his state ment, says the Washington Star
 ''In the first place, the Americans offer sufficient inducement for the good article to come forward, whilst iii Great Britain we offer to pay an of flee boy with the hardships of North sea fisherman and expect the very best to roll up. Many candidates for the British army who are pronounced as unfit at one recruiting depot go on to others, and on third or fourth at tempt manage to pass more lax doc tor. For instance, men refused at Liverpool will go to Preston or Ches- ter.
 ''The unfitness 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 at the money we must take the best Sometimes worst) we can get. A 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 to the inspection of re- cruits at certain depots.
 ''In the American army the candi- date goes before a board of three doc tors and passes a very stiff examina- tion. He must be in extra good bodily health, besides being perfect phys ical and mental specimen of manhood. While the physical standard of the British Tommy is deteriorating, that of the United States soldier is getting more and more perfect.
 ''The American recruit must be q, and he must prove his age, if doubtful. In this country boys of 15 and 16 join, saying they are IS. They are sent to India and Africa and then everybody wonders at the inadequacy of our hos pital accommodation. Not long ago Lancashire paper ad an obituary notice as follows: At Utrecht, Private John - died of wounds, age TIP Had it been a drummer no comment could be made, but 'privatel'
 'sI have met many ex-British soldiers fin the American army-(they only take the very best)-and they all say they prefer the American army be- cause there is less pipe-clay and but ton-burnishing kit inspection and fam cy work that leave the soldier no time either to soldier or to play Men have to be smart and clean and respect ful, and that is all
 '"Once at Fortpa6cH Henry, Baltimore, an American officer made himself so obnoxious to his men that they began to make numerous applications for transfers to other companies. The commanding officer IF the regiment, tumbling to where the grievance lay, transferred the officer. Some British officers want transferring.
 ssThe American officers first duty is to see that his company has 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 com pany's welfare seldom troubles him. They daren't complain. The man who does so can be had up for 'grumbling, for melting to mutiny' and for con- duct to the prejudice of good order and discipline It is one of the things that make Gen. Butler beloved of Tom my that he at least always shared the hardships, and, when he could, looked after the wants. of his humblest fol lowers. Having served two years in South Africa-at the front. not at the base camlsS--I ave ses4 these things.- T