The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-08-21

none upon which one would dare to base an opinion. New and powerful explosives seem to have been discov- ereo' the wireless telegraph has been operated for the first time. and other new things are. 1t is said, in use. We snail get the facts as to such matters through the information bureaus of the army and navy. but that will not be before the war Is over. It will then De time enough to express an opinion "
 The United States Army in 1904.
 what Is the present condition of the United States army?
 Tt Is steadily improving. Our sol diers are better trained from year to year. They have better habits, there is less drunkenness and they have higher ideals"
 Grant? It is said that the United States soldier Is the wicksdcst swearer on earth"
 T don't believe that" said General Grant. T know we have many sol diers who use profane language, but they are individual cases. There are many who do not sw ear at all. Pro- fanity Is. as you kaow. prohibited by the army regulations"
 Gen. Grant Not Profane.
 At this point the conversation turn ed to profanity among the officers. and I asked Gen. Grant as to whether the stories that his father used profane language were true. He replied that they were not and that he had never heard his father use a profane word. Said he:
 My father once told me that he had never uttered an oath in his life. I dinary explosives and that he was averse to slang. once heard him say thunder and lightning, and once or twice thunder but as he drew to- ward the latter part of his life he did not use even such expressions. He was a man of much natural refinement. He never told a vulgar story nor would he listen to one if ne could help 1t"
 The American Soldier of Today. growing better?"
 "Yes The character of our army always improves when the army has something to do. Since the Spanish war we have had our band full, and there has been plenty Of active ser vice. Army life is now buiser than ever. The people have higher re- gard for the soldier than they have had during the latter years of peace. and the soldiers feel it. The profes- sion of the common soldier is more de- sirable. and think l may say we are making better soldiers from year to year"
 Young Men and the Army.
 Would you advise a young man to go into the army?"
 That would depend much on the man, upon his character. his condition and his ambitions" said General Grant. If he is anxious to make fortune the army is no place for him. If no has natural business ability he can perhaps do better outside, but If he has desire for the service and is anxious to improve himself in 1t, I think 1t oe- fers many advantages. The common soldier is better paid, better fed and better clad than the majority of his same rank outside the army. He gets his lodging, food and raiment free and has $13.50 month. out of which he has to pay only his wash bills. II he Is a good man he can make a great deal more outside that. So you see his condition is by no means a bad one" Has he any chance to become ar | officer?"
 "Yes. indeed. The army is alway' advancing those of the privates whC are worthy. There are regular exam nations. for promotion, and the youni man who would rise can do so if he ha it in him.
 How many soldiers have we now Il