The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1905-08-31
State COnStabulary.
Great Care Taken in the SeIec-
ton of Men Whose Records
Must be of the Best.
THE EX-SOLDIERS WANTED

That the State constabulary force
when organized, will be ready to
meet any emergency, it is declared,
is attested by the fact that men ac-
customed to war and also to detect
ives work are to be in command.
At the present time Captain John
Z. Groome, superintendent, and
DR.. Francis D. Patterson, examin-
ing surgeon, are on the lookout for
specialists, and are particularly
anxious for ex-regular army men,
says the PhiladtLbhia Ledger.
DR.. Patterson, who examined
about scventy-fve candidates in
Philadelphia, said that at least ten
exreeular army signal corps men,
who could climb pole or cut wire
for either telegraph instrument or
telephone, were desired at once.
They must be telegraph operat-
ors who know their business, able
to ride and ride hard" said the
surgeon. II wish such men would
make their applications by mail
direct to me at 1903 Locust Street. '"
Superintendent Groome intends
to equip each troop with portable
telephones and telegraph instru-
ments. Maps will be prepared
showing every telephone and tele-
graph line in the state, so if hur-
ried message must be sent from
sole isolated district the troop op-
orator will know just how to 60
about it. The superintendent thinks
that such emergencies will arise,
and he wishes to prepare for them.
DR.. Patterson says that cooks,
carpenters, blacksmiths and farriers
are needed also. He said the su.
perintendent was desirous of get
ting these men from among ex-reg-
ulars. Cooks are wanted who can
prepare meal in the field on short
notice, who have had experience in
foraging, and, as Doctor Patterson
put it, if pressed, can make soup
out of pair of boots. Ex-cavalry
men who are carpenters by trade
are needed when barracks is to be
erected. 1t is probable that these
men will be made non commissioned
officers and placed in charge of
buildings. They must be able to
do odd Jobs about the barracks, as
we'll as plan bridge repairs and the
like when in the field. AS there
will be about 800 horses to look
after, farriers and blacksmiths with
regular cavalry experience are
wanted at once.
eve are getting an excellent lot
of applicants" said Doctor Patter-
son. Most of them are ex-soldiers
with good records. Many of them
have been non-commissioned Of
fcers. l feel sure that when the
force is organized it will compare
most favorably with any in the
world"
The physical examination to
which the men are subjected is a
trying, thorough one, each applicant
being given 20 minutes. Doctor
Patterson will hold examinations in
Harrisburg on September and 2.
He must complete the examination
by September IS, as Superintendent
Groome is anxious to make the ap-
pointments by that time. The
question Of purchasing horses and
finding sites for barracks will be at |
once taken up, and it is hoped that
the force will be ready for duty |
about October I.
This force is organized under an
act passed May 3, 1905. 1t pro-
vides for the appointment of Sup.
erintendent by the Governor, at |
salary OF $1,000. He appoints a
deputy at $4,000; clerk at $I4oo; !
a stenographer atSI2oo. The foice
is also selected by the Superintend- |