The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-08-28
MANY IN PARIS
EAGER TO join
U. S. AIR CORPS
Hundreds Of Young Ameri-
cans Anxious for Official
Connection

Paris, Aug. 28-Announcement
from Washington that the War De-
partment would make special effort
to obtain more men for the aviation
service was read with special inter-
est here, where a curious condition
exists There are in France today
hundreds of young Americans splen-
didly qualified to enter the aviation
service and who are Of CONSUMPTION
age, but most of whom came here
before the draft law was passed.
Many Of these are engaged In re-
lief or ambulance work conducted by
independent organizations. Since the
United States entered the war some
of these organizations, including the
Red Cross, the American Hospital
Service, the American Ambulance
Norton Harjes Ambulance, better
known as the American Volunteer
Motor Ambulance Service, and oth-
ers, have been taken over by the
United States army. There still are
some retaining their independent sta
tus, notably the American Field Ser
vice.
In the ranks Of these Organizations
there are many young Americans de-
sirous OF becoming army aviators. but
a
lease from their present service.
Scores Of them are to be seen daily
at the new army headquarters in
Avenue Montague making application
for enlistment. Those who have fin
ished the term of relief work for
which they signed and others who
have secured their release are accept
ed quickly If found physically fit
Hundreds of others equally wen
qualified and DESTROYS of becoming
army fliers have been unable to OBJ
tain release from the work in which
they now are engaged, principally
ambulance and relief duties, and the
driving Of automobl,e trucks. It is
pointed out that while the motive
which inspired these young men to
volunteer their services before their
country entered the war was most
praiseworthy, they now could be Of
more use by entering the army while
their places would be taken by men,
now at home. who are over the con-
scription age. and many Of whom
have signified their earnest desire to
do their bit.
AS Pierre Landin, chairman Of the
Inter Allied Aeronautfc Commission,
said a few weeks ago, the young
American athletes and college men
make the best aviators. II some
method could be devised for replacing
these men there Is little doubt that a
large number Immediately would vol
unteer for the air service The ex-
PLOTS OF the Lafayette Escadrille have
aroused among them spirit of adj
miration and a desire for emulation
that has been heightened by the cita-
ton in general orders to the French
army before Verdun which declared
that the bravery and spirit Of sacri-
flee of the Lafayette fiiers has excited
the admiration OF the chiefs Of the
French army and of their French fell
low airmen.
1t is probable that members of some
organizations that have been taken
over by the army Immediately will
join the Aviation Corps Several men
who still consider themselves under
contracts to the private organizations.
under which they first served, recently
have declined commissions because
their status is not clear.
Still another phase Of the situation
concerns those young men Of CON
scription age, some of whom came
here to Join one organization or an
other, who, having voluntarily or in
voluntarily terminaed their service.
uniforms, but doing no work. There
are still others who also wear uni
forms but who never have done any
relief or ambulance work. I.
| Then there are a few cases yv5ere
the services of men, and of women
too, have been dispensed with for suf-
hcient reasons. In such cases the
United States en1bas sy has advised
these persons that they best can serve
their country by returning home. The
embassy, however, Is without author
ity to insist upon their departure
No effort has been made to enforce
departure from France of undesirable
Americans through the taking up and
cancellation of their passports, but II
is unbeatable that the presence In
Paris of a large number of Americana
in uniform, but not members Of the
army organizations is partly respon.
sible for erroneous ideas entertained
fby many French people regardine
American troops in France.