Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1909-10-06
UNCLE SANS SOLDIERS
tcoutiued from Page 81

vent any violence against foreign le-
cations, each nation furnishes a guard
of troops for mutual defense. Our
marines are associated with marines
or soldiers of all nations, all Joined
together for mutual support. Their
clubs are meeting places for English,
German. Russian, Japanese, French,
Spanish and Belgian.
In Seoul, Korea, marines are re-
quired TO protect our legations. Out
in Samoa, in the middle Of the Pa
cific, one OF our outposts, our only
military body is a troop OF natives
called Fita-Fitas. These we're organ
ized and commanded by Gunnery
Sergeant Cox of the marine corps.
This able non-commissioned officer
recently lost his life during typhoon
that swept over the islands. He was
out with his men resculng the help
less, when a landslide swept him
away. Another marine will be sent in
commanded the troop, to succeed
him.
Along the coast OF the Philippines
are several islands on which are
lighthouses. At each OF these light
houses are sergeants OF marines in
command of detachments strong
enough TO protect these places. These
sergeants are monarchs OF all they
survey; kings OF the islands and lords
OF the habitation, their will is law
and they are regarded by the natives
as real chiefs. Many curious tales
could these kingly Americans unfold.
Foreign duty ranks first in the
hearts OF these soldiers OF the sea.
The cheering probabilities OF active
service and the undeniablo fascina-
tion OF the music of the winds in the
palm tree, the booming OF the surf
on the strange shores, and all, the
brooding mystery OF foreign lands,
etc, call TO the marine Just as India
beckons 10 Tommy Atkins"
On board men-of-war, each of
which has company OF marines, they
are clannish fellows; they are proud
and naughty and Jealous OF the SER
vice. Among each other they pride
themselves as being the best fellows
on earth.
Marines are not destined TO life
ION the ocean wave" nor for foreign
service, for their first four years OF
enlistment; but their time is divided
between these and shore duty in the
United States. In this country they
garrison the navy yards. and are sta
toned In all the large seaport cities.
Duty In Gods Country" Is light and
congenial, and they are given ample
opportunities 10 see about the city.
There are less than 10000 men In
our service. and only select men can
enter the corps. High grade young
men need not feel that they are In
turing themselves by serving an en-
nstment In the marine corps. Tho
corps points with pride TO It's per-
sonnel both I'm service and those who
have returned TO civil life.
Tho recruiting office Is visited
daily by men holding responsible posi- |
lions, who have given their country
four years OF their service, aud who
have been advanced and better fit
ted for citizenship by their service
and experience. IL Is valuable asset
10 them, as well as the country, and
instead OF injuring their chances.
their service has been OF Invaluable |
benefit 10 them. The marine corps Is |
small and It's strength Is kept filled |
up. IL could be supplied with no
trouble or expense by lowering the |
standard OF It's personel. but Il pre-
fers 10 carry on expensive recruiting |
operations In order 20 get select men.
The very nature OF It's duties re.
quires bright intelligent men and Il |
rewards effort and ability with as |
much certainty and promptness as
any other occupation In life. Public
money Is spent literally I'm training |
men 20 serve the valuable and COM
plieated guns OF modern vessels. The
country which is expending millions |
OF dollars upon Its naval establish
ment demands the services OF the best |
men and there is a duty which men
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