Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-08-30
STATE UNIVERSITY
IS AGAIN HONOREO
President Benton Asked to
Name Five Aviation Officers
Received by Wilson.

Another gratifying recognition has come
to the University of Vermont as we'll as
to President Benton, in addition to the
designation of the university as a school
for the training Of signal corps men:
Just before leaving for Washington
President Benton received the following
telegram from Brig. General Squier.
chief signal officer of the United States
army:
Request that you telegraph this ONCE
as soon as practicable names Of five
students or graduates whom you consider
the very best material and who desire
to be trained as observers from airplanes.
Consider mental and moral qualifications,
physical condition, military training. age.
photography and radio in order named,
last two desired but not obligatory. All
who qualify will be commissioned as lieu
tenants in the aviation section Of signal
corps. Most desirable ages 25 to IS.
''SQUIER."
After arriving in Washington, DR.. Ben
ton called at the war department for
more complete information and was told
that five high-grade men were desired.
and that they would be given the rank
of first lieutenant in the army Immediately
following the period Of their training.
The enlistment would be for the period
Of the war with the probability of promo
ton and permanent service. IL desired, at
the close Of the war.
In view Of his engagement for service
abroad. DR.. Benton offered to resign his
position as a member of 1.-The committee
on education Of the advisory commission
on science and research including engi-
neering and education Of the council Of
national Defense" but he was requested
to continue his membership because Of
the larger service he might be able to
render the country as result of his ex.
perience abroad.
WILSON CONGRATULATES BENTON.
President Wilson received Dr. Benton
at the White House Friday afternoon and
expressed his satisfaction that he had
accepted the commission for service with
our American soldier boys in France. He
| said 1t was great comfort to him that
| the colleges were rising no nobly to
accept the patriotic challenge. and he
| hoped Williams College would follow the
precedent established by the trustees Of
| the University of Vermont and grant
President GARFIELD, whom ne had COM
mandeered for service on the board for
| Standardization of prices, a years leave
of absence for service to the country.
| Captain Stuart A. Howard. recently
tcommandant and professor of military
tactics at the University Of Vermont.
has written President Benton of his
transfer to the Fort Sherman canton
ment at Chillicothe, Ohio. where he
has been appointed brigade ad1utant
President Benton has been making
a careful canvass of the situation and
he expects to be able to announce ir
a short time the names of the five
men selected. who will doubtless bs
ordered to Washington in the neal
future. with large possibilities OF
patriotic service awaiting them. This
recognition Of the university and OF
President Benton will be gratifying
to all loyal Vermonters.
The appointment of these men is a
privilege that has been given to only
four or five colleges In the country