Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-08-30
SPLENDID PERSONNEL
OF 1ST MAINE H.F.A

In the Springfield Republicans Tuesday
story from Camp Bartlett at Westfeld,
the following will be Of especial interest
to Maine readers:
Col BaIentine Wants Men.
Col A H. Balentine of the LIST Maine
heavy artillery is waging a recruiting
campaign to fill his ranks to war
strength. He is especially urging young
college graduates to enlist. that he may
place all men of this type in a company
that will handle the communications end
chemist enlisted yesterday and last
night David Osborne, son Of Thomas Mott
Osborne. and vice president of the Mer-
chants national bank of Boston, ap-
reared to enlist.
Then there is William Tudor Gardner,
the old Harvard football star who has
given the regiment a tractor that won't
run, except on occasion, with the result
that he spends most of his time repairing
it. Inasmuch as he pays for the repairs
out of his own pocket, Col. Balentine isn't
worrying.
The colonel doesn't believe every col
points to many In the ranks as proof of
his contention. In casually running over
the list he points out such men as Gin
ger fraser, the great Maine football
star, Ted Atkins. son of the president
of the Cuban-American sugar company
and a host of others. He points to the
entire enlisted personnel with pride.
There are lumbermen, college graduates.
business men, sons of the rich and sons
Of the poor. and some of the finest blood
of Maine in the organization. 1t is we'll
balanced in every way. Col. Balentine is
especially high in his praise of Gov. Mil
liken for his loyal support and assistance
in recruiting and equipping the regiment
Named for the Governor. its slogan is
that made famous by D'Artagnan and
the three muska teers, Zone for all and all
for one"
The regiment will be placed In the ar
tillery brigade which will be under the
command Of Brig-Gen. Lassiter. now in
France. Originally 1t was planned to
place 1t under Col Roosevelt but when
the lat,v's plan was rejected at Wash
ington. Col Baentine secured permission
to enter it in the Maine natianaI guard
He recruited 1t in just 10 days. although
he was not permitted to Start until the 81
Maine infantry had filled its ranks He
then placed it in barracks" at Bowdoin
college. and 3e hours after it was accepted
FOR service by the war department. had
1t completely modified under the July Is
call. When ordered to Westfeld his men
carried most OF the baggage down to the
schedule, which was the one thing they
had in mind.
One thing Of which the colonel is proud
is the regimental union, a plan of his own
to provide an organization where officers
and men can meet on a common footing.
The Young Mems Christian Association
also works among the men. but this IS
something distinct and. the colonel be-
lieves. even more far-reaching than that.
1t is operated Under tho direction of the
chaplain and provides for moving picture
entertainments. athletic contests. etc. ow-
ing to the efficiency of Father James A.
Carey who was appointed chaplain. upon
recommendation OF Bishop Walsh, the
union is progressing finely. Already there
are eight baseball teams in league and
In the fall the colonel promises bang-up
football team. Father Carey was for
merly secretary to Cardinal OConnell.
The union is financed from 5000 fund
that was raised in three days by Maine
people. A feature Is the film service.
changed every night. which was furn-
ished through the generosity of President
Abrams of the movie trust" Uniforms
for the several baseball teams alone cost
5000 and the colonel is emphatic when
he says the good secured has made them
more than worth It. The teams play four
times week, and the scores are posted
after the fashion of big league games.
Another interesting diversion provided is
the boxing matches that are staged regu-
lariy. All in all the union is a live or
ganizaticn that Is producing the best re-
suits. 1t will not be surprising to see the
army generally adopt the plan.