Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1915-12-03
Preparedness The BattaliOn's
SLOGAN

Slogan
Now is the time when The word
nPreparednessp is on the tongue of
every American citizen. just what do
we mean by this tenn? Preparedness
for war? No! Preparedness for the
wholesale murder of the best citizens
of the country, and the destruction of
property? No! Preparedness for the
invasion of foreign countries and the
annexation of foreign territory? No!
On the other hand our slogan is pre-
paredness for protection against the
infringement of our National rights,
and the ultimate destruction of those
high American ideals so dear 10 our
hearts-those free rights for which our
f~orefatbers struggled.
The Wildwood Battalion Auxiliary
| Coast Artillery stands forth as an in
stitution, the aim of which is far re-
moved from the propagation of those
principles first referred to, and those
principles which have so disgracefully
brought the destruction of Europe.
But on the other hand the organiza-
ton stands forth as an institution for
the systematic preparation of those
patriotic individuals who consider the
rights of his nation worthy of protec-
ton.
Not only does u civilian organiza-
ton instruct its members in military
drill in all it's branches from the first
steIs in systematic marching to the
firing of a rifle in target practice, but
ii trains the youth to obedience, effici-
ency, equipment, confidence, respect
and order, those qualities which not
only distinguish him as a soldier, but
assist him in overcoming the difficult
obstacles with which he is bound to
come in contact in his daily life.
Every mother and father who fully
appreciate the value of the above ster-
ling qualities of manhood should en-
courage their o n to take advantage
of the opportunity to join the battalion.
Every young man of sixteen or more
years, with an ounce of American pat
riotism should at once avail himself of
this great opportunity. He should be
ever ready to receive instruction which
at some future time might prove of
great value, should he be called upon
to defend the rights of his native land.
A fha Taraco,f tina fhara 10 - -,
trance fee to the battalion, and the
weekly dues are trifing. All that is
required of a new member is that he be
at least sixteen years of age and of
moral character. His uniform may be
purchased at a slight cost.
The battalion is a branch of the Ma
tional Rifle Association, of America, in
which the membership fee is $3.50, to
be paid annually by each member of
the organization. This branch of the
battalion is supplied with modern
Springfield repeating rifles, and plenty
of ammunition for target practice.
A modern rifle range has been erected
at Rio Grande, on the sugar cane farm,
where several matches will be held
during the year. On Thanksgiving
day a successful match was held, which
was largely attended. Arrangements
are being made for matches to be held
on Christmas and New Years, (weath-
er permitting) at which time it is ex-
pected several new members will par
ticipate.
The organization is growing, and is
receiving encouragement of the progress
sive men of Five Mile Beach. Meet
ings are held in the city hall on We'd
nesday evenings at eight o'clock, at
which time the public is cordially in
vited to attend. It is the earnest desire
of every member of the battalion that
in the neal future the name of every
young man on the island of sixteen
years or more may be found on the
role.
Come on, patriots! Move while the
opportunity awaits, and avoid the ne
cessity of a CONSUMPTION order.
A MEMBER OF THE BATTALION.