The Washington herald., 1913-12-21
PRAISES Service
|. OF Marine
Their True Value Not Gen.
orally Appreciated, Says
W. S. Thompson.
LAND FIRST, LEAVE LAST
Have Taken Active Part in Country's
Troubles at Home and
Abroad.

The true value Of the Marine Corps in
naval and military warfare generally is
not appreciated, w. s. Thompson, OF the
War Department Library, said In an in
terview yesterday. Mr.. Thompson has
made a study of the work OF the Marine
Corps and is of the opinion that its work
has been invaluable.
''The intimated retirement OF the dis
tinguished commandant Of the United
States Marine Corps. Mai. Gen. William
p, Biddle," said Mr.. Thompson, natural
ly attracts public attention to that
branch of the service that has Tor lSs
years sustained a reputation Tor dis
cipline, readiness, and courage second 10
none. Their achievements cover such a
long period of time and such volume
Of stirring and trying experiences, that
Only a condensed reference to the vast
field Of their operations will be attempted
BY me.
Histories I.aud Them.
ITO reach q comprehensive understand
ing and appreciation of the magnitude
Importance, and value OF their service a
perusal of Mai. R. s. Collum's History
Of the Corps is necessary, as It Is
minutely, graphically, and deightfully
presented. Our histories, while lauding
them, their limited reference fails to
convey the Importance and magnitude of
that service; and for that reason the
masses OF our people know but little ofit
ut began with the birth OF the nation,
and through the intervening years that
were interspersed with so many compli-
cations and strifes, they have main
tanned an unbroken record for loyalty,
discipline, and courage. They represent
the military branch OF the navy and
necessarily their service is twofold, ex-
tending over the seas as well as the land.
They have taken an active part in all OF
our country's troubles at home and
abroad. They are the first to land and
engage the enemy and the last to leave
1t is a matter OF record that they have
made ninety-six landings on foreign soil
forty-seven Of which were hotly con-
tested and the others for the protection
OF American interests.
Beginning with the revolution. their
record on the high seas is filled with
stirring encounters. TO which subsequent
events in the troubles in Algiers, China,
Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Japan. Mexico.
Porto Rico. Panama, Nicaragua, Santo
Domingo, and the Islands OF Sumatra,
Formosa. Hawaii, and the Philippines,
add ample testimony to their readiness
and bravery. Their military bearing,
QlSClpilTc anu
coupled with courage OF the highest Or
der have commanded the respect and de-
manded the recognition OF those oppos-
ing them. They have participated in
every expedition and struggle in which
the navy was engaged and likewise
shared with the army the glory attached
to its service.
Ever Ready, Never Fnlter.
.sI~,ar ~aaJ-y ard rayar @aNtary,n 49,,
obey their country's call with a degree
of alacrity and patriotism that richly
merits the admiration and gratitude OF
all true Americans.
This imperfect and brief summary
precludes an attempt to refer to the
many officers of the corps who have sig
nally distinguished themselves and who
richly deserve especial mention, due
credit, however, is accorded them in