Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-01-09
GEN. MUIR HITS BOOZE


N~0iANNAA0SN 1iOiAA pci5S CliC'l
limit of their success. In course Of
time regular law supplanted lynch law.
the practice of rustling was extinguish-
ed, and his deeds having become out
lawed, this rustler returned to the
scene of his early exploits. An inquis-
tive persons asked him how it was
that Of all the rustlers of the early days
ne was the only one who had escaped
tle Vigilantes. He replied, well, I'll
tell you. When the Vigilantes got
after me if l had horse I rode him as
fast and as hard as he could go ] rode
him until he dropped dead; if I could
find another horse I took him and did
the same; when / could find no horse
l went on foot and kept right on going
until couldn't move another step;
then started in and did the whole
thing again, before I ever went to sleep
or rest for the night"
The illustration is not as far fetched
as it may seem. When YOU have car
ried yourself as erect and alert as pos
sble, always attended to all courtesies
of salutes and language prescribed, put
every ounce Of energy you possess into
the bayonet fighting or other exercises,
and done everything possible-if you
try to do that much more, you will be
surprised by your additional progress.
AS to the moral side: In 36 years
and 6 months of service from cadet at
West Point to here, I have seen the
changes in manners and customs that
have probably been more noticeable in
military than in civil life. In the first
of that period soldiers served largely
at posts in or near Indian reservations. 2
The men who sought service i'll the
ranks varied from the hardy and high
grade, loyal and most efficient type
down to the man who was apt between
roll-calls to forget to what name he
was to answer. 1t was nothing I'M
common to heal foul-moutned profan-
ity at all times, and to see wide spread
drunkenness at every pay day. Of
some of tn worst offenders frequently
was heard the remark: He as abso-
lutely no GOOD in the post but l believe
lie Will make good soldier in the
field" Let me tell you that my years
of service convince me that the soldier
who can be depended upon to stand
the supreme test is not anywhere near
so apt to come from the foul-mouthed,
profane and drunken set as from the
decent, courteous and earnest man.
Let your language at all times be
that which you are willing all people,
no matter how dear to you, should
hear. Do not break the law to secure
the alcohol that does you anything but
good; and, above all, do nothing to en-
courage any other in such lawlessness.
There is yet another thing of which
one may speak, at the state Of life
when it's currents run deep and strong,
there is a danger that menaces you
mentally. morally and physically, and
may descend to your children and your
children's children. Avoid the foul,
loathsome diseased condition shun
ming the debased persons from whom
it is contracted
l have profound faith that this ma
ton will successfully reach the end of
the road upon which it has entered.
Tell me, is not the man who through
gross immortality units himself for
following that road equally quality
with the contemplate Stacker? Ponder
we'll that question: In your own mind
come to an honest answer; and then
live UP to that answer.
Let your conduct be that of the upright.
decent man, and
$50 live, that when thy summons comes
to join
The innumerable caravan, that moves
To that mysterious realm, whore each
shall take
His chamber in the silent halls Of
death,
Thou go not, like the quarry slave at
night,
Scourged to his dungeon"
Ambition is laudable when directed
in the proper channels and now you
have the opportunity for self advance
ment; and. what is still higher and
more laudable, to endeavor to fit your
self to serve in larger shpere and with
increased efficiency the nation TO
which you have sworn allegiance.
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