The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-01-14
MARINE CORPS SEES
some Brisk SERVICE
FIGHTING MEN ARE SENT ALL
ovER THE WORLD.
Branch Of Service Has Undergone Won
derful Development Since Spanish
American War and Now Numbers
5000 Weu-Trained Veteran Soldiers
Marines Have Glorious Record.

Before the Spanish-American war the
United States marine corps consisted Of
$500 well-trained veteran soldiers.
Each large man of-war had it's marine
guard and marines were stationed at all
the navy yards, but never in large
bodies. Few Of the officers or men Of
the corps at that time dreamed of what
the future held in store for them.
Today the marine corps has an en-
listed strength Of 5000 men, who per-
form duties as varied and interesting as
it has even been the good fortune Of
any adventurous spirits to enjoy. Ev-
cry island possession belonging to the
United States is wholly, or partially
garrisoned by marines. Only the larger
men-of-war have a marine guard and
the strength Of the garrisons at the va
rious navy yards has been increased.
All Over the World.
A brigade of marines, consisting of
two regiments, is kept on duty con
stantly in the Philippines; a battalion
Of marines is serving at Bas Obispo,
Panama, guarding the canal zone; bat.
talon of marines is stationed at sSan
Juan, Porto Rico, and they are the only
white troops on duty in that island; one
company of marines garrisons the island
Of Carlebra, some forty miles from
Porto Rico, and where the American
fleets rendezvous for the winter maneu
vers; a detachment Of marines is OF
duty at Guantanamo, Cuba, the nava
coaling station on that island; two com
panies are stationed at Honolulu, Ha
wall; one company comprises Rle gar
rison of the island of Guam; Samoa hal
its marine detachment and the legation
guard at Pekin, China, consists of ;
picked body of marines. @,...-,s..,
This last detail is considered some
what of post Of honor, for the mem
cries Of tie terrible siege Of the lega
tions at Picking are still vivid in tn.
minds Of the men of the marine corp
who heroically withstood continued at
tacks from the boxers for severa
months. A regiment of marines 2unde
Colonel Robert L. Meade, serving witt
the Ninth and Fourteenth Unite,
States infantries, were among the allie,
forces that eventually saved and re
lieved the women, children and thinne
ranks of the gallant defenders Of tn
Picking legations. aa.-.. s~,.... e.:
5: Raised Flag in Cuba. i
+ The marine corps had the honor O
first raising the American flag on tn
soil of Cuba. This occurred at Guam
tanamo, where battalion Of 400 me-
held their ground p against over 10
Spanish troops and lrregulars.. TIL
defense of Guantanamo added new lau
rels to this corps. - ss' &'t's Z pa
Major Littleton N. P. Waller game,
great credit for himself and those serv
ing under him for his skilful operation
on the island of Samoa shortly afte
: the terrible massacre of a compan,
Of the Ninth infantry at Balangigs
} Major Waller and his command sui
:: fered many hardships, but were re
warded for their sufferings by the sue
cessful pacifcation of their part o
Samoa. f. - .... .. r. 49,.
, Upon the reports Of the unsettle
condition of affairs in Panama and tn
necessity for keeping the America
:, railway running, a battalion Of 40
marines was sent to Colon in Novem
Der, 1903. This strength was after
, wards increased to 1900 men, who wer
quickly and without ostentation sen
; to this dreaded country. - =
Not a Single Death.
The marines were comfortably house