Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-06-01
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For the first time in the history OF the
Naval Battalion an official of the Navy
Department has consented TO visit the
organiza ton and speak TO the local sail
ors. Franklin u. Roosevelt, assistant
secretary of the navy, has accepted an
invitation from Commando Dempf 10 adj
dress the battalion at its general muster
next Thursday night.
The invitation was rendered to Mr.. Roose-
welt last Tuesday by Ensign Frank w
Sigourney. aid to Commander Dempf.
who called upon Mr.. Roosevelt at MS
Office In the Navy Department The as
sistant secretary declared that he would
be glad to come down and talk 10 the
local naval militia and give them what
encouragement there was in his power
This is the first of the steps of those
having the interest of the Naval Battalion
at heart to get naval officials and of1lcers
10 come to the battalion armory on the
river front and talk to the jackies. Ell
forts will be made TO have officers from
various branches of the navy lecture TO
the officers and men and point out 10
them how they may improve the locai
organization.
The Naval Battalion of the Natiohai
Guard Of the District Of Columbia Is get
ting very much into the NmehSht as an
educa tional institution. In addition 10
the regular instruction on electricity.
wireless engineering. signaling ana olher
naval duties Commander Demp1 mas en-
larged its scope by having Boy SCOUTS
visit the arnory and learn the various
subjects which the naval Hilllud oltels
may teach them
Last Monday night there was boy
Scouts band from Congress Helshts al the
armory They were taught the marching
fsTS -
tary or naval band should know other
troops will he taught signaling and other
naval subjects. Commander Dempf gave
the boys short talks on the Value OF mil
tary training. The instruction when
these BOYS receive at the Naval battalion
armory il is expected, will be valuable
to them in after life. In fact. they might
be used as what might be called a tnlro
line of defense. the regulars 1ur1llshihS
the first line, the militia the second ana
these Young boys and young men the
third.
In his talk with the Boy Scouts Com
mander Dempf told them of the fasc.na-
ton of the service and that there were
very few boys who did not at some Tune
or other during their life desire TO lead
soldiers to victory. Every boy wants
to be a soldier" he declared. hrst De
cause of the PLEASURE 1t gives hlin' anu
second, and the most important Oh all
because he is serving his country. "a
triotism dashes through the blood In ms
veins, squirting him on to greater ana
greater ideals 49,
"It is not only the boy who Las lh =
greatest chances who reaches the Top,
Commander Dempf told the scouts II
Is generally he who fights the nardest
who wins the greatest victories ioui
history will tell you and prove TO you
that the greatest generals this country
has ever had fighting for the Stars and
Stripes started in at the bottom, just as
you boys are now BEGINNING tohlearn the
inspiration which may be found In pa
triotism. Just a look at the stars ana
Stripes, whether il be flying nigh at the
top of a staff in a place where peace
reirns supreme. or whether 1t be in the
thick of battle, will spur on any man or
boy who is a true American to hgnt until
death overtakes him. But even then there
IS happiness for if death comes in the
thick Of battle. or even after the oalue
Is over, there Is the satisfaction that you
did your duty for your flag.
SO Young men, il does not need a
v,rd from me to encourage you on. Some
OF you may be the admirals and generals
who direct the wars of the future. II IN
ternationaI peace and arbitration fail.
and then you will feel that invisible pull
ing onward which the national ensign
places In the heart of true Americans.
TT is my desire, with the help OF the
officers and men in this battalion, to >help
YOU and others To learn a little about
the navy. You Will always find officers
here on school and drill nights who are
willing to teach yoL all they can. You
are always welcome. This battalion Will
encourage all we'll meaning young men
10 higher endeavors. and as long as am
commander and. in fact. | might also
sneak for the officers under me-. when l
saw we will strive 10 maintain the high
est ideals and enlist and retain only those
men who are serious in their work and
who are sincere in their desire to up