The Oakley eagle. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1901-1908, 1906-08-23
MAKE GOOD SAIA0RS
MEN FROM THE MIDDLE WE&
WELCOMED IN THE NAVY.
FOR Those Who Have Fondness iof
the Sea, Service on Uncle Sans
Ships Offers Many In
ducements.

For the past few years the navy
has been recruiting quite extensively
in the middle west.
From data obtained at the navy de-
partment, 1t appears that superior
class of men are obtained from this
section. less number of recruits
are rejected for physical causes at the
hnai examination at the training sta
tons, and the men show an unusual
degree of intelligence and aptitude
Tod learning their new duties. A
large number of mechanics are re-
cruited from cities in the middle west
but the greater proportion of boys
who enlist in this rating are sent to
training station, where they are
given thorough course of instruc
ton, fitting them for the duties OF
the seaman branch. For young man
with fondness for the sea a fine
opportunity is open in the navy
While the pay at the start for appren
uce seaman is small-only SIG pei
month"; must be borne in mind thai
he is paid this rate only while he is
tually performing any duty aboard
ship; then, too, his board, lodging and
medical attendance, and original out
fit of uniform are furnished him
gratis. His transportation from the
recruiting office to a training station
is paid for by the government, anc
should he leave the service because
of physical disqualifcations, he is
furnished with transportation to his
home. An ample opportunity for pro
motion is open to him. After master,
ing the details of any particular
branch of the service, such as the
seaman branch. or any of the mechan
ical branches, he is eligible for ad
vaucement to petty officer, thin class
which pays $50 to $35 month
After reaching that rating, advance
ment to second class petty officer
first class petty officer and chief pet
ty officer depends entirely upon his
own capabilities and conduct. The
pay of chief petty officer is $40 pei
month, to which should be adde free
rations, lodging, medical care and
hospital treatment, if he be in neet
of it. There are extra allowances fol
certain duties, such as service aboarC
submarines, for expertness in signal
| ing, or as a gun pointer; reenlist
ments. good conduct medals, ant
| other things which bring the pay o
a chief petty officer with a permanent
appointment to SIS or $S5 per mopth
clear of living expenses.
Further advancement is open to tn,
man of ability who studies and i'm
proves all his opportunities to war
rant rank. This position pays from
! $1,000 to $500 a year and allow
| ances, and is a life position, with ri
the benefits of longevity pay and lie
tirement that commissioned officer
receive.
1t is not impossible to even attain
commissioned rank in the navy. |
means hard work and great deal 0
study but the fact that every yea
since the passage of the act authori2
ing the commissioning of men iron
the ranks, some candidates hav
passed the examination, shows tina
the goal is within the reach of an
bright, capable young man who i
willing to work for it. Once he |
commissioned an ensign, he is o.
exactly the same footing as a grad
uate Of the naval academy, and
eligible to promotion to the highe
ranks, the same as the other member
of his class, and should easily b
able in the ordinary course to reac
the grade of captain, if not even tina
of rear admiral, before his compulsor
retirement at So years of age. TIL
first man to take advantage of th
provisions of this law was Lieut.. +
b. Soule, u. S. N. He was servin
as gunner in 1901, at the time of tn
passage of the act, and passed SUI
cessful examination that year, receiJ
ing an appointment as ensign. Sine
then he has been promoted to lieutel
ant, junior grade, then to lieutenaR
and is now nearly half way throug
that grade He entered the servic
as apprentice, third class, at SO pc
month.