The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-02-02
few APPLICANTS
MADISON YOUNG MEN SEEM
LOATH TO DO A BIT FOR
THEIR UNCLE SAMMY.

Madison young men seem loath to
enlist in the army. according to a
statement made by Corporal Bauer
this noon. Several have talked with
him during his stay here, but none
were willing to commit themselves.
Most were under age and would thus
require their parents consent and
seemed to think it would not be
granted.
"Unwillingness to accept the con-
ditions of army life at the beginning
of their enlistment" said Corporal
Bauer, lis what held them back.
Several desired the aviation service,
but were unwilling to accept the $40
$45 a month clear money paid at
the start. They wanted the big mon
ey and the big jobs right away
THE army is a highly organized
machine. just like a great business
corporation, and a la must clearly
demonstrate his fitness TOR a good
position in the service before it is
given to him. West Point graduates
spend four years in preparation for
their commissions and when they are
graduated. only hat of second lieu
tenant is given them until they show
ability for something better.
When the government thus COM
pels highly educated men to accept
certainly will not give an enlisted
man, unequal to the West Pointers in
training or education, positions of
trust, responsibility and high pay.
They must earn them. The oppor-
tunity, however, is there, and every
encouragement is lent them.
Automobile drivers are in de-
mand and the young man who knows
how to handle a motor car can ad-
vance rapidly if he is willing to begin
at the bottom. Right now the army
has been forced to hire civilian
drivers, but 1t wants its own men,
men who can be depended upon.
AS the increase and development
of the automobile corps is going to
bring a demand for commissioned
and non-commissioned officers in
this branch, the men who enlist now
will be the men to be awarded those
positions just as soon as they prove
their right to them.
Never before has the army offer
ed the advantages that 1t does to-
day. The enlisted man has a real
chance and / cannot see why the
young men of the nation, with nc
steady incomes, and thus no steady
employment, balk at military service
! They will find that no matter where
, they go they will have to work and
they will have to take orders.
The army is no picnic, 1t is nc
lazy mans home, it Is no refuge fol
buns or loafers. Soldier life means
work, but where In the world can you
make a decent living, If you are hon.
; est. and with no working capital, II
you do not work. A desire to geI
something for nothing seems to cloud
the vision of the young fellows
pay check. a big one, and no service
in return.
They would rather take a position
in civil life, paying 1925 per month
and pay their own living expenses
than work up to a 500 job in the
army, where every cent they make Ii
clear. They never consider the ad.
vantages from a business standpoint
The thing in hand at the moment is
what they are after.
Corporal Bauer is much pleased
with his reception in Madison. Army
men are not welcome in some Of the
places he visits and he appreciates
the courtesy and kind treatment &C
corded him. His time here expires
today and he returns to Sioux Falls
as 500 as he can get a train south
When asked about universal serv'
Ice. he replied that he believed thu