Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1917-08-29
On the Hunt for Patriotic TeIeg-
raphers for Service in
the War.
TRAINING CAMP IS PLANNED
Former Operators Are Urged to Re.
turn to the Key to Release Eligi.
F., bIes for Service with "the He.
roes Of the Army"

duS ltdSeu DOL dCleS VI lOAo
at Monmouth Park, near Long Branch,
N. J., to be used as training camp for
the reserve battalions of the signal
corps. This land has been acquired
because of its adaptability for signal
corps work, involving all kinds of sig
mailing, telegraphy and maintenance of
rapidly constructed lines of communi-
cation.
The quartermaster's department will
build large cantonment, consisting OF
temporary barracks, kitchen, store
houses, and everything necessary to
promote the efficient training of the
battalions, several of which have al
ready been organized.
The camp will be under the direct
supervision Of Lieutenant Colonel
Hartmann, who will be assisted by 9TH
er officers of the regular army. An in
tensive course Of instruction will be
given to both the officers and men OF
the signal corps, preparing them for
service abroad in every phase Of mill
tary life necessary to perform their in
teresting work on the battlefield and
to keep up the traditions Of the signal
corps.
Experienced Men Needed.
Only men with education and ex-
perience along signal corps lines, aside
from the special lines mentioned, and
cooks, horseshoers, farriers and me-
chanics are sought for this branch OF
service.
Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann has
been given one Of the biggest tasks OF
the day in organizing this branch of
the new national army. He needs some
5000 telegraphers-and he needs them
now. Telegraphers are scarce.
The unusual number of men required
cannot be taken from the commercial
and railroad forces without jeopardiz-
ing the prompt transmission Of gov
ernment business.
Men and women who manipulated
the key in former years-and they are
legion-are being induced to return to
the wire and release eligibles for serv-
ice in the signal corps.
Brig. Gen. George o. Squier, present
chief signal officer, q. S. A., is the man
on whose shoulders rests the big re-
sponsibility for keeping up to the mark
and, if possible, a bit beyond-the
"eyes, ears and nerves" of the army;
better known to the layman as the sig
nal corps.
The signal corps has recently ad-
dressed letter to presidents Of col
leges and universities asking their CO.
operation in q plan of instruction for
telegraphers and prospective telegra-
pliers. Six thousand young men are
needed for the first army of 100000,
and it is proposed to teach telegra-
piers the elementary knowledge OF
physics and electrical engineering;
high school graduates and college men
will be given this instruction, and
course of telegraphy in addition.
Will Furnish instructors.
The signal corps will furnish expert
telegraph instructors, and the colleges
and universities are being requested to
furnish the theoretical and laboratory
instruction. Young men desiring to
avail themselves Of this opportunity
should apply at once. If found eligt-
BILE they will be enlisted, assigned to
classes and receive army pay, food,
quarters and medical attention during
the course Of instruction, which IS ex-
pected to occupy from three to FIVE
months according to the ability of the
student.
In time Of peace the signal corps Is
perhaps the least heard Of branch Of
the army. In time Of stress 1t Is
most vitally necessary arm. 1t Is the
nerves" Of the army, and as such, a
major factor in the conduct Of mill
tary affairs. In fact, the last three
years Of war abroad seem to indicate
it as the paramount element in the
control Of modern warfare.
Congress has recently doubled the
pay Of the private and increased the
remuneration of each noncommissioned
officer. The signal corps has greater
percentage Of noncommissioned officers
than any other branch.
The pay of corporal is now S96 per
month, in addition to food and cloth
ing and medical attendance when
needed. The rating Of sergeant Is
now S44, with the same subsistence;
that of sergeant, first-class, $51, and
the master signal electrician-and
many telegraphers have most OF the
requirements In this direction-SS1.
The signal corps Is mounted service.
A knowledge Of horses, If not already
possessed, must be acquired, and
healthful life in the open Is one Of the
most attractive offerings Of this branch