The mirror., 1913-09-04

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He's had his head shot Off an he amt sayin' a
wOrd.'
When a detachment of new re-
cruits arrive at the Fort, for assign
ment to various companies, along
with anguish and remorse at their
inherent stupidity, is accompanied
as sort of compensation the humor
and fun to be had during the pro-
bationary Leriod. One says he en-
listed because he likes the blue uni
form and brass buttons" Another
will tell you he is in the ranks to
carry the rifle" while third will
frankly confess that mess call'' and
Roast Beef of England" were the
captivating charms for which he
surrendered his liberty. The pro-
cess of smoothing down the bucolIc
mannerisms and fitting into their
places is often a painful period for
the recruit. He must efface ali sell
fish traits and remove all marks of
individuahsm or take the conse-
quence, which in many cases COM
pei desertion.
This is what Tangle-hair did,
where he came from or what was
his previous manner cf existence,
no one could learn. From the first
he evinced a dislike for soap and
water, and comb was unacquaint-
ed with his black flowing locks,
hence his name Tangle-hair Re-
peated presents of soap, tooth brush
es and combs failing to accomp-
lish their lawful purpose, Tangle-
hair was duly captured one night
shaved and scrubbed from head to
foot.
Probably most ex-regulars have
known of instances in their outfits
of non commissioned officer de-
liberately violating the articles-of
war or being derelict in the per-
formance of his duty for the pur-
pose of being reduced to the ranks.
This is peculiar, and to those un-
familiar with the service, an un-
believable thing for soldier to do,
nevertheless it is common occur
renee in the army. Guard House
Kelly" had the habit. Kelly was
an old soldier and had seen ser.
vice in all branches of the army as
corporal, sergeant, first sergeant,
commissory, quartermaster and
ordinance sergeant. When | met
him he was a private and prisoner
confined in the guard house await
ing Court-Martial. While serving
as orderly at headquarters | over
heard two officers discussing the
court-martial soon to assemble.
Kelly is up again on charges pre-
fered by his captain" both laughed,
he will never be convicted" No;
they can't convict Guard House
Kelly" and that was true. Kelly
knew the articles of-war and what
constituted a punishable violation
better than the average Judge ad-
vocate, and was invariably acquitted
by the court.
The post bakery is usually an
overworked institution during the
holiday. One Christmas week the
young and beautiful bride of the
acting post-commissory sent a
batch of fruit-c cake to be baked.
Our chief scorched and burnt it
much to the sorrow of both the
bride and cook. She disappointed
her guests and he paid five dollars a
loaf indemnity-only K' battery
rejoiced when 1t was served as
plum pudding at their Xmas din
ner.
Guard duty is one of the soldiers
most important duties, and in all
arm1es of the world the manner in
which it Is performed is an index
to the discipline of the command
and the manner in which other
duties are performed.
Upon the guards vigilance and
readiness for action depend not on
ly the enforcement of military law
and orders, but also the post and
the quelling of sudden disorder
perhaps even mutiny.
Tie most important post is the
Post of the Guard" or number l
and is always given cool, ex-
perienced soldier, who remembers
his orders. between reyeille and re.