Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1916-06-24
BUT few ENLIST
AS CITY RECRUITS
Considerable Disappointment Felt
at Manifest Lack Of Patriotism.
MEN. BACKWARD.
An Undercurent Of Selfshness for
Business Reasons---And Family
Sentiment Holding Men Back
Personal Plea Paramount

SoHslderaDie disappointment is felt
by the men in charge of the recruit
ing station for more men to join Com
pany M and the Machine Gun Com
pany OF the First Regiment at the slow
manner in which volunteers are COM
ing forward.
1t is notable that majority of those
rallying to the colors in this way are
veterans and if men who have served
their country in war ami in peace are
ready TO go back again, it should be
those who have no particular ties hold
ing them, to shame, for not coming
forward to do their duty.
John X. Scherger, of the Water
Witch Hook and Ladder Company, en-
listed today ami will go to the camp
tomorrow. Mr.. Scherger is a veteran
of the Spanish-American War, and has
served one year in the Navy and one
enlistment in Company NJ 1t was nee
essary for him to overcome the objec-
tions of the city officials. whose con-
sent was needed before he could enlist,
but he was so anxious that his perse-
yerence won out.
Mr. Schergers example could well
be followed by others. John t. Knad-
hler' another Spanish-American War
veteran joined the ranks this morn
ing. Earl Parkinson, who has served
one enlistment in Company M, enlisted
this morning. John Fl. Fisher has en-
listed but has not been assigned, as yet
to either company.
Automobiles are securing the county
today for more recruits. One ma
chine, the use of which was volunteer
ed by Mr.. Eugene Childs, will make a
trip around Davidsonville, where it
is understood, there are a number
waiting to join. Mr.. Perry, of Nutwell
near West River, came to the city in a
machine this morning and carried a re-
cruiting officer to that section, where
several are waiting to enlist.
1t is regrettable that it has been
necessary for the officers to go into
the country for men, when there are
so many in the city, physically fit and
able to enlist and go to camp. There
is an invisible undercurrent of oppo-
ton to recruiting among some of the
business people,who do not wish any
more recruiting from the city for sell
fish reasons. Some of the young men
who are willing, meet with opposi-
tion at home. If this were true in all
cases. there would be few to serve in
time of need, and these mothers who
are thinking so much of their own
personal desires, are among those who
will be defended by the boys who go
with the aid of their mothers sacrifice
Annapolis is not yet fully awakened
of patriotism, such as shown by other
towns of the State, where everyone is
helping and encouraging in some way.
For instance, Westminster yesterday
turned in 23 recruits for their COM
pany At Hagerstown benefit enter
tainment was held, the proceeds of
which will go to the boys in camp for
lcxuries, smoking tobacco, which is
very scarce and deserts which are
greatly enjoyed.
Many here have been heard to ex-
press the desire TO help, and this is a
splendid way. Send a package of to-
bacco or cigarettes or little money to
the boys in camp. 1t can be sent to
the camp in care of the commanding
officer of the company. who will see
that it is handed to the ones for whom
it is intended and that proper credit
will be given.
1t will be greatly appreciated by the
men and in this way let them know
that the people at home are thinking
of them and appreciating the sacri-
fees that are being made.