Evening star., 1913-12-07

went to Seoul Korea, to protect the
American legation during an insurrection.
Santo Domingo and Panama needed
marines in 1905. In the following year
it was in Cuba and Panama that they
served in Panama on account of dis
turbed conditions incident to the holding
of an election; in Cuba as part of the
army of Cuban paciflcation." which sue
ceeded IN pacifying the incipient Cuban
revolution of 1905, remaining in the field
and occupying Cuba for about two years.
In this case the marines were first in
the field and the only troops engaged In
the disarmament of the insurgent forces
Panama at election time in June. 19DS
saw the marines again as police at the
polls. Threatened destruction Of Ameri-
can property in Nicaragua sent the ma
rines there in December 1909: and in the
following year they saw service in the
same revolutionary country. On account
of the revolution which resulted in the
founding of the republic of China ma
rfneS were sent there in 1911 to enlarge
the legation guard. Last year they fought
in Nicaragua, and this year they went
to Santo Domingo, although they were
not compelled to go ashore.
4
In 1907, the one year since 1900 when
the marines were not called on for mill
tary service, they aided in the humanl-
tartan work of helping the earthquake
sufferers of the Island of Jamaica.
Opportunity for foreign travel is one
of the Inducements held out to prospec-
tive recruits in the service. From one
half to three-fourths of a marines en-
listment, It is pointed out, may be served
outside Of the United States or at sea-
And the marine may travel and see the
world without expense to himself. Not
only are all his travelling expenses paid,
but he receives salary in addition. and
If he has the desire to be economical, 1T
is shown that a marine can lay by
tidy little sum Of money, and that, too.
without denying himself any OF the neces-
stiles of life, while also allowing himself
a few moderate luxuries. If he remains
in the service thirty years he can save
more than $1,000. Then he can retire
with all this money to his credit and
with a pension in addition of from $3.50
a month to $3.50, according to the rank
he held at the time of retirement. Dur
ing the past twenty EIGHT years more
than 500 marines have been placed Oh
the retired list.
There is not a single vacancy IN the
Marine Corps. It's quota of 10000 men
and 834 officerN is kept filled, re-enlist-
ments or recruits taking UP all vacancies
as fast as they occur.
In spite of the attractions which are
held out for enlistment in the Marine
Corps foreign travel, great variety OF
service comparatively light work much
Of the time, ard so on. it IS not a mere
matter of application followed by per
functory examination which viii land a
man In this service. The examination rs
severe This applies especially 10 physi-
cal fitness although mental and moral
qualifications are considered also.
In physique the marine must be about
perfect. Slight defect in either eye will
bar him, for craftsmanship is essential to
good service. = anything is found wrong
with either foot, such as fiat foot or
hammer toe, the applicant is rejected, for
the marine must often make long
marches, and the man without perfect
feet will weaken. He must be normal in
height, not less than five feet five nor
more than six feet one. In weight he
must be between ES and 283 pounds IL
the recruiting officer suspects that the ap-
plicant is addicted to drink or drugs. inn
mediate rejection will be made.
Applicants at recruiting stations are re-
iected for many reasons. Men are not
wanted who are morally unfit any more
than are those who cannot meet the de-
sired physical requirements. The Marine
Corps desires to maintain a high stand
ard and will not accept men who. in the
opinion of the recruiting officer examining
them mentally, are likely to prove de-
serters, towards or weaklings in any way,
or who may have a bad influence on the
other men.
Adventurous spirits are wanted. They