Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1916-07-26

cunning VI USE Oh Oulleu states war
ships is proceeding with indications
that the experiment is popular, and
there is no doubt that the full quota of
two thousand citizen sailors, ranging
all the way from 10 to As years of age,
will be ready to carry their dunnage
bags aboard the practice fleet on Aug
ust is. The men will board the ships
at the ports nearest their home AMI
in the months duration of the cruise
will be given experience in almost
every form of naval life from swab-
bling decks to firing big guns. The
enrolment thus far show men of
all trades and professions, many
prominent and wealthy, who are
enthusiastic over this new plan of
naval preparedness. Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt. of the Navy Depart
ment, expects to spend at least some
of the month as one of the citizen blue
jackets.
Rear admiral j, M. Helm, who is at
present in charge of the Naval Militia
Cruise, will be commanders -chief of
the civilian cruise also, and will use
the same warships. The vessels, and
the ports from which they will sail,
are; the Virginia, from Portland,
Me; the Kearsage, from Boston.
Miss, Illinois from Newport, R. l..
the Kentucky and Maine, from New
York City; the Rhode Island and AL
ALBANIA, from Philadelphia; the Louis
lana, from Norfolk, Va; and the New
Jersey from Charleston, S. c.
The cruise will end September -
and during its last week will be held
q mobilization and training cruise of
yachts and motor-boats. From Aug
ust Is until August 20, the citizen
sailors will be proceeding to the
training rendezvous at Tangier Sound,
in Chesapeake Bay, the gunnery prac-
tice ground of the Atlantic fleet. Tar
get practice will be held by the train
ing fleet from August q to September
5.
The object of the cruise is officially
described by Secretary Daniels as
follows:
For training volunteers to afford
to civilians an opportunity to gain, by
close contact with naval life and nav
"a duties, some experience and under
standing which will help them to per
ceive the way they may best fit them
selves for service in the navy in time
of need"
At the end of the cruise each volu-
teer will be given certificate by Rear
Admiral Helm specifying the duties
be performed. efficiency displayed and
the naval rating he is best qualified to
FIJI. Volunteers also will announce
TIE intention whether they will vol
unteer for naval service in case OF
war within the next four years.
Each volunteer is depositing but $50
for the privilege Of the months
cruise, the navy supplying uniforms
and other naval clothing. The volun-
teers will be given substantially the
same training as midshipmen from
the Naval Academy during their
training periods. They will sleep in
hamocks; canvas bags %ill be their
substitutes Tor the chlffoniers at
home; they will help clean ship, Polish
|brasswork, assist in the engine room
and generally go through the righ--
teous duties of any Jack Tar.
Mixed with the work, however, will
be much recreation and instruction
When conditions permit, the men will
be allowed to go swimming twice daily
and hold rowing and sailing races,
and inter-ship baseball games. Lee
tures and private instruction will he
given daily by navy officers, in add
ton to the practical experience af-
forded
The volunteers are to be organized,
messed and berthed separate from the