The San Francisco call., 1906-07-08

queer contrasts and discloses many in
teresting and varied studies of human
life. Most people think that service
under the flag is discreditable. next to
going 10 jail; that the uniform is
mark Of disgrace and that no one en-
lists in the army and navy of the
United States except knights Of the
tomato can and dusty roads and grad
yates from reform schools. but as proof
that this is not so I could mention
some cases which would surprise you.
I have enlisted right here in Califor-
MIA men from all walks Of life, includ
ing college graduates. stenographers,
professional men, bOokkeepers, etc.
Some Of them from the best-knOwn
families in the land Among the col
leges represented have been Princeton.
Cornell and the University of Pennsyl-
vanis, while, a few years ago when
I had the headquarters Office in San
Francisco. a senior of the University
OF California. who had "mysteriously
disappeared" from Berkeley and whose
parents were distractedly advertising
for information of his whereabouts.
had been enrolled on my books and
was doing the goose step" in the re-
cruit squad at Mare Island.
The respect due the uniform OF the
enlisted man has recently been the
subject OF executive action and public
attention. in the case of a young Of
fcer OF the army who was suspended
and sentenced TO lose a number of
files for refusing to sit next a sergeant
at a theater, and Of a theater pro-
prietor OF Washington who refused ad-
mission TO a soldier in uniform.
To the patriotic and loyal citizens
the uniform, like the flag. inspires re-
spect and admiration, for each is the
emblem Of authority representing the
strength and majesty Of government.
It is unworthy Of US as good citizens,
upon whom the integrity of the State
rests. while we teach our children re-
spect for the flag which flies over
every public school, TO belittle or treat
with contempt the uniform which pro-
claims the wearer in the service of the
United States and upon whom the hon
or and dignity Of that very flag rests.
have seen American citizens in far
distant lands-in Borneo, in Siam. in
the South Sea Islands, in the heart of
the great Chinese Empire, which is di-
vided by the mighty Yangtse River
when they stepped on board the ship
upon which I was serving and looked
UP at the beautiful flag which hoated
proudly above them shed tears of un-
controllable emotion and want TO shake
hands with every common sailor or
marine they saw. To them the hum
blest seaman in the crew or private
Of the guard was a hero, a countryman.
a brother.
1t is indeed true, as when we lose
some loved and dear relative whom we
failed to appreciate sufficiently in life.
that TO the expatriated citizen in re-
mote parts of the globe who has not
for many long years seen his country
or his flag the sight Of Old Glory and
the uniform which carries il to the
Uttermost ends of the earth touches his
heart with an emotion and makes his
pulses thrill with a pride which he
never before knew in his own land.
Bresthes there a man with soul so dead
Who never TO himself has said.
This is my own, my native land?
Many are familiar with the tragic
and powerful story by DR.. Edward
Everett Hale of Philip Nolan. the
man without a country" an officer who.
when on trial with Aaron Burr for
treason, in an outburst of anger uttered
the imprecatfon: Damn the United
States! I hope L will never hear the
name again.
The sentence of the court was that
he should spend the remainder of his
life imprisoned on a man of war and
be transferred from ship to ship on the
high seas, without ever hearing the
name OF his country mentioned or be
spoken to by any one in the service
again. He was Stunned and ostracised
as completely as ever was the man in
the iron mask" and died after many
years a broken-hearted man. His life
and bitter example were made the
theme OF the address TO the graduating
class by President Garfield when we
received our diplomas from Annapolis,
many years ago. I have never for
gotten the lesson.
The popular belief exists that star
walton is the only incentive, other than
a desire to keep out of Jail, which in
time Of peace induces recruits seeking
enlistment 10 apply. but this is far
from the truth. The pay-from $1S to
s45, depending upon rank and length
Of service-tO be sure is small. too
small indeed, for the dignity of Uncle
Sam to pay the defenders of the flag
and the guardians Of the nations honor
abroad. But it must be remembered
that the financial remuneration repre-
sents but a small part of the benefits
received. There is the uniform and
cIothing-both of the very best-good
food. warmth, the comfort Of a we'll
regulated life in barracks, together
with hospital privileges and medical