The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-04-29
SIGNAL CORPS WILL
 INCREASE ITS SIZE Alabama Company Is Allowed
 Sixty Men LUNCHEON LAST NIGHT Is Part of A. N. G. and Consists of Engineers and Men Qualified to Build Telegraph Lines, Bridges
 and Fortifications
LUNCHEON LAST NIGHT

Capt. C. II. Ohme of the First company, signal corps, Alabama National Guard, rendered the Birmingham members of his company an informal luncheon at the Elm pre cafe last night The affair was ln- formal and an occasion of much pleasure for those present.
 The officers of the company have re- gently been authorized to increase the membership from 30 to 50 men, ana the luncheon was for the purpose or fahiiliar- izine the new members with the duties of the service and as a mark of favor from the new captain.
 The First company signal corps was or ganized about one year ago, or at the tune the Alabama National Guards were taken under the supervision of tine regular army regulations. The company originally had 30 members, b located at Blrmnghah and 15 at Montgomery. The new author- ization allows 30 men at Birmingham ana an equal number at Montgomery.
 MT Ohme is captain of both divisions which forms the one company. The corps is made up of picked men who are speclai- ly fitted for the duties and come up 10 high standard of morality and intelli- gence. They are civil, electrical and me- chanical engineers, telegraph and tele- phone operators.
 During war or in times of riot the corps is used for the stringing and operation Of telegraph and telephone wires, locating signal stations, building bridges, roads, trenches and forts and other like duties elx
 In other words, the signal corps fur nshes the mechanical brains of warfare and is indispensable in almost all cam paigns.
 Headquarters for the corps have just been established at 224 Chamber of Com merce building and all the equipment for service and training has arrived and been installed. The property consists of en- gineering, electrical and other mechanical instruments, books of instruction, maps and other articles of practical utility de- manded in the service. The equipment is expensive and of the best material.
 Uniforms for the use of the company are expected during the next week or two.
 The company will hold it's first regular encampment at Chickamauga during the latter part of July. This company will be the only one of any state militia to at tend, though one company of signal corps men from the regular army will be in at tendance which will give the Alabama company an exceptional opportunity to re- ceive expert instruction. The Birmingham and Montgomery boys are looking forward to this occasion with considerable interest.
 The company has agreed to assist in the mechanical programme incident to the celebration of May day by the Birming- ham Athletic club at the fair grounds on May z.
 The Birmingham members of the First company signal corps are C.. H. Ohme, captain; Dan S. Martin, first lieutenant: F. w. Houseman A. R. Houston and B. w. Snyder sergeants; J. w. Smith, S. w. Oliver. A. P. Stephens and J. S. Jemison ccrporals; l.. K. Wilson, D. Courtney w Finch H. Armstrong, H. H. Miller, l.. R. Miller, J. Opal, " C. Martin, G. G. Hughes, Orville Lay and Herbert Smith
 The company has not yet been recruit ed up to the required number under the new ruling, but applications are now be- ing considered for the requisite new mem- bers.
 The Montgomery division is also being recruited Up to the required number.