Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1915-03-30
P ED by advertisements in the
papers and magazines, by &C.

- ED by advertisements in the
papers and magazines, by &C.
= counts Of deeds atloat and
afield in war and in peace, and
more often and most potent of all by
the tales of former chums and neigh
bors returning from foreign cruises,
who, like Othello, are loved "for the
dangers they have passed. the young
man from the farm, workshop or school
looking for a career enlists in the
navy and is transferred to the nearest
naval training station. There he De-
gins a course of drill and instruction
that fits him for service in the naval
arm of Uncle Sans defense. service
that, owing to our position in the fam
ily of nations, is rapidly growing in
dignity and Importance, and dons Il
uniform that is now gaining recogni-
ton and respect throughout the land.
This transfer from the simple life to
one of steady activity and adventure
from the small horizon to the larger
one. is not so easy as it seems III the
telling. Records show that only one
applicant in five succeeds in passing
the rigid physical and mental eXaml-
nation required of all who would serve
orr country. This care in the selection
of recruits results in body OF picked
men, membership in which is regarded
as an honor. Self respecting, useful
and courageous, these wearers or the
blue can be relied upon to maintain
the best traditions of the service ana to
form the nations first line OF defense
But before he can give forth his best
efforts. before his shots hit, he has to
undergo a training ashore and a1oat
that transforms him from Il raw and
awkward lad into the typical imam be-
hind the gun" cool of head, steady of
nerve. keen of eye, knowing how to
obey orders and capable of sending a
radio message. writing letter, caring
for an engine, or hitting fast moving
target at distance of five miles.
Arriving at the station somewhat
homesick, bit dazed by the men in
Uniform. the bugle calls. the strange
atmosphere of hustle and movement,
the sharp words Of command, the re-
cruit perhaps in doubt about the Wis
dom Of his choice, is turned over TO
the care of men detailed to the charge
of the newcomers squad and begins
the first day Of his four years term
of enlistment. the first six months OF
which are to be spent at the training
station. From that day on his time IS
so fully occupied that none is left TOT
homesickress or blues, H''past regrets
or future fears" He is launched on
his new career and there is no turning
back. Nor. after time. does he want
to turn back The spirit of the place
seizes him. the call of the service, even
as it was In the beginning, holds him.
and one more man is added to Uncle
Sans family of $1,000 blueiackets.
With a view to protecting the bri-
gade of apprentices. the older recruits,
from possible infection of disease
brought by newcomers the latter are
required to spend the first two or
three weeks of their service in deten-
ton barracks. where they are drilled,
instructed and generally looked out for
in quarters separate from the others.
This period gives time for the develop
ment of any trouble that may have
had its origin outside and restricts the
consequent quarantine to c small