The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-10-03

THE OR:-Thinking that you
are probably interested in soldier, hi
environments, surroundings, habits, ste,
| take this opportunity of making few
statements under this general heading
In all properly constituted govern
ments, in order to maintain order anc
preserve friendly relations, it is essen
TALLY necessary to have body OF mer
SO trained and equipped as to be en-
abled to phold these requirements upor
all occasions, Despite the fact that
universal peace is undoubtedly an idea
condition, it still remains true that the
best guarantee of peace is the strength
and equipment of the regular army
Around this regular army as nucleus
is formed our immense volunteer force
of which we are so justly proud.
Soon after enhsting a soldier is sent
to his post. For several weeks he is
obliged to drill under careful supervis-
ion which gradually leads him to more
perfect comprehension OF the minute de-
tails connected with military forma-
rions. After completely grasping these
elemental details the recruit is turned
for duty and becomes a soldier in the
true acceptance of the term. 1t is now
presumed that he is capable OF taking
up the more advanced details of all
drills and other duties required. He
gradually acquires proficiency that can
only be obtained through long course
OF training, sometimes considered irk.
some because OF the strict discipline in-
volved.
Physical perfection is acquired
through a system OF athletic instruction
that is unexcelled The calisthenic eX-
ercises are prepared with view OF de-
veloping all parts OF the body equally,
inasmuch as they are calculated to cor
rect minor defects and strengthen
weak parts. To supplement this train
ing baseball, football, swimming, run
ming, jumping, hurdling, in fact, all
athletic exercises are encouraged in
every manner conceivable.
Educational features are not neglect
ed. In each army post there is poet
school. These schools have teachers ca.
pable of giving instruction in all com
mon branches The post libraries fur
nish an opportunity for reference. These
libraries are we'll equipped and cared for
in an able manner A large percentage
of the enlisted men are taking courses
with the various correspondence schools
Again there are more advanced schools
which may be entered after a competi-
tive preliminary examination is sue
cessfully passed. These schools compare
favorably with our leading technical in
stitutions.
Many people have formed erroneous
IDEAS of a soldiers immediate environ
ment. 1t is often presumed that he
spends his entire time in tents in which
sanitary conditions are poor. On the
contrary soldiers quarters are models
of order and cleanliness. There is a
place for everything and everything is
in its place. Carpets, curtains and SINH
lar accessories are not allowed simply
because they do not add to a soldiers
ability and are considered unsanitary.
The rations supplied, though plain,
are undoubtedly wholesome. With the
proper care and careful management
these supplies prove adequate. Com
pany gardens, etc. afford sources
through which many desirable additions
are obtained.
Conditions in the army are steadily
improving. We have recently received
an increase of pay in the artillery. This
applies only to certain positions. The
additional pay was necessitated by the
fact that modern artillery to be sue,
cessfully operated requires considerable
technical ability involving many intri-
cate mathematical deductions. A fur
ther increase, including all branches Of
the service is anticipated.
This post combines many ideal con-
ditions. 1t is located short distance
from thriving city Within radius OF
10 miles are situated two summer re-
sorts of wide fame. On one side may
be seen the immense waves of the Pacific
as they break on the sandy shore, the
swiftly flowing Columbia on the other
an in the background the magnificent
Oregon pines. 1t is most beautiful in
the evening when the Columbia throws
forth its silvery skeen and nearby hill;
reflect the swift radiance of the glow,
ing sunset with its golden rays seem
ingly chasing one another through theil
wales and verdant slopes.
| 1O9N ROWAN