The Washington times., 1906-07-15
a. War

Finger prints at the War Department
are evidently making their marks. The
Civil Service Commission for some
months has been studying the question
OF the Identification Of enlisted men In
the army. and il has reached the con-
cIusion that the only absolute method
is that which was first brought promi-
nently 10 the attention OF the American
people by the eccentric David Harum.
The plan has been definitely adopted by
the army. and will go into effect IN
September
Following closely upon this IL was
found that the presen methods OF the
Civil Service Commission in establish
ing the identity OF the man who took
the examination as the one who pre-
sents himself for the position Is equally
as antiquated as was the old method
o fthe army. Under this present prac-
tice a blank form is presented % the
appOintee upon which he is required TO
make declaration setting forth much
Of his history, r~any Incidents connect
ed with the examir alton. and other
data. with which no one but the man
who was examined is supposed TO be
slmiia- statements that are already on
file sgith the commission. ANY unscruDu-
lous persons who were engaged in an
endeavor 10 defraud the Government
through cOllusion between the examined
and the appointee could easily battle the
purpose for which the declaration IL
made.
II the War Department carries out its
plans the finger print system viii be
much simpler In operation. require but
a small fraction OF time. and at the
same time will make impositions as 10
the Identity OF persons absolutely inn
possible.
Receives Majors Commission.
Major Joseph T. Crabbs. OF the Quar-
termaster's Department, received his
commission as major during the week
and Immediately the office force got
busy changing the title on correspond
.enee which had been prepared for his
signature
Personal Notes.
Immediately upon the departure of
Secretary Taft. his private secretary
and assistant, Fred W. Carpenter. will
await himself OF the opportunity 70 take
a nuch-needed rest and will take the
first available train for the wtlds OF
Idaho. In the mountain Businesses he
hopes 20 find seclusion from all bust
ness cares and TO forget that there is
such an organization as the United
States army.
Friends OF Miss Essie Wahling. OF the
Bureau Of Insular AFFAIRS. are more
- H.--
tion trip 20 SIlcott Springs, Va, and
viii watch her return to the Office with
much interest Miss Wahling is one OF
the expert employees Of the Onice. as well
as one or the most popular, and her
poor health Is a matter of much concern
20 all, She started on her annual leave
the first Monday Of the month, and Is
not expected back until the 18th.
J. D. Murdagh, Of the QuartermasteT
Generals Onice. is spending his VaCa-
tiOn At Atlantic City.
The chief clerk Of the Bureau OF m
su,ar Affairs. a d. Wilcox. has avaiIe,l
himself of the present dullness 10 run
away for a little recreation. He spent
last week at his home IN Lleweilyn
Pa. but will be back at his desk to-
morrow morning.
A. T. Ruau, chief of the purchasing
and dishursing division. is enjoying his
vacation on the eastern shore Of Mary
land, At Royal OAK, Talbot county. He
is not expected back before the end
of the month.
Word has been received from Frank
L. Joannini. the official translator OF
the bureau, that II the remainder of
his trip proves as enjoyable as the first
part Of his leave. he viii have no oc-
casiOn for complaint Mr. Joannini is
temporarily with the Bureau OF Ameri-
can Republics and accompanies Secre-
tary Root as chief translator for this
Government at the Pan-American con
ference.
F. a. Ellison. Of the quartermaster
generals office. started on his leave
last Monday. After a short stay in
Now York he will go TO Denver TO at
tend the Eiis' convention.