Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-01
New Enlistment Law.

lie ACT 81 the last SESSION uI con-
sress providing for an enlistment pc
riod of seven intead of three years,
was designed not only for the benefit
of the soldiers, but also for the good
of the service, as it creates a reserve
force similar to that of some European
countries. This provision went into eff
feet on November l. Hereaft the
full enlistment term will be seven
years but only the first four years will
be spent In active military service.
After that the soldier, if he does not
care TO re-enliSt for another seven
year period, will be furloughed and
transferred to the army reserve with
out pay or allowances. but subject to
recall to the colGrs at a moments
notice.
There are alternatives offered to
soldiers who enlist under the new law
At the expiration of four years con-
t1nuous service with organizations,
either under a first or any subsequent
enlistment. they may be enlisted for
another period of seven years in
which event they will receive their fin
al discharge from prior enlistment; or
q the expiration of three years. con-
tinuous service with such organiza-
tions. either under first or any sub
sequent enlistment, they may be en-
listed for another period of seven years.
Ia which event they will receive their
final discharge from prior enlistment
or. at the expiration of three years
continuous service with such organiza-
tions, either under Il first or any sub
sequent enlistment upon written appli-
eatien. they may be furloughed ana
transferred to the army reserve, in the
discretion Of the secretary of war. In
this event they will not be entitled to
re-enlist in the service until the expl-
ration of the seVen-year term; or, sub
ject 10 good conduct and physical fit
ness for duty, upon written appllca-
ton TO that effect, they will have tho
right of remaining with the organlza-
ton To which they belong until the
completion of the whole enlistment
without passing into the reserve force.
The army holds out to the man who
cares to follow the easy life OF SOL
der some choice inducements to enlist
under the provisions of the new act. All
soldiers receive from the government
during active service. without cost Tin
clothing. bedding, medicines and medi-
cal attention. Those who serve honest
Nv and faithfully for twenty years, or
who may be discharged on account of
wounds received or disease contracted
in the line of duty, are enutled 10
pension and admission to the soldiers
hume in the city of Washington. After
thirty years service enlisted men are
entitled to be retired, and upon retlre-
ment will receive three-fourths OF the
monthly pay allowed to them by law IN
the grade they held when retired, S9oV
a month additional as communication
for clothing and subsistence. and 900
a month additional in lieu OF quarters,
fuel and light. Then again. certiiicate
of merit for DISTINGUISHED service en-
titles a soldier to s. a month addition
nj while in the army, whether on the
active or retired list In case an en-
listed man on the active list dies from
wounds or disease not the result OF his
own misconduct, his widow or any oth-
err person previously designated by him
is entitled to an amount equal to SIX
months pay at the rate received by
him a. the date of his death.
Exceedingly favorable opportunity is
afforded for active. intelligent young
men of temperate habits. who may en-
list as privates and develop the neces-
sary qualifications to secure promo
ton to the grade of nOncommissioned
officer at good pay. Unmarried soldiers
under thirty years of age. who are
citizens of the United States, who are
physically sound. who have served
honorably not less than two years in
the army, and who bear good moral
character. are permitted to compete, by
examination. for promotion to the rank
of second lieutenant. a grade in the
army in which vacancies always exist
-HaIper's Weekly.