The Mena weekly star., 1918-02-21
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 me most was life-size picture of Lord Kitchener with his finger point ing directly at me, under the caption of Your King and Country Need You" No matter which way I turned. the accusing finger followed me. I was 1 an American, in multi. and had little American flag in the lapel of my coat. l had no king, and my country had seen fit not to need me, but still that pointing finger made me feel small and HI at ease. I got off the bus to try to dissipate this feeling by mixing with the throng of the sidewalks. Presently came to a recruiting of flee. Inside, sitting at a desk was lonely Tommy Atkins I decided to in- terview him in regard to joining the British army. I opened the door. He looked up and greeted me with 'T s'y myte, want to tyke on?"
 I looked at him and answered, "Well whatever that Is, I'll take a chance at it."
 Without the aid of an interpreter, found out that Tommy wanted to know if cared to join the British army. lie asked me: Did you ever hear of the Royal FusillersT Well, in London, you know, Tanks are supposed to know everything. so I was not going to ap- pear ignorant and answered, Sure"
 After listening for one half-hour to Tommy's tale of their exploits on the firing line, I decided to join. Tommy took me to the recruiting headquarters, where met typical English captain. He asked my nationality. I immedI- 1 ately pulled out my American passport and showed 1t to him. It was signed by Lansing. After looking at the passport, he informed me that he was sorry but could not enlist me, as it would be breach of neutrality. I insisted that l was not neutral, be- cause to me it seemed that a real American could not be neutral when big things were in progress. but the captain would not enlist me. With disgust in my heart went out in the street. I had gone about a block when a recruiting sergeant who had followed me out of the office tapped me on the shoulder with his swagger stick and said: "S'y, l can get you in the army. We have lief tenant down at the other office who can do anything. He has just come out of the O. T. c. (Officers' Training corps) and does not know what neu- trality is." decided to take a chance. and accepted his invitation for m in- troductlon to the lieutenant I entered the office and went up to him, opened up my passport and said:
 Before going further wish to state that am an American. not too proud to fight, and want to join your army"
 He looked at me in a nonchalant manner, and answered. "That's all right; we take anything over here"
 I looked at him kind of hard and re- piled, "So notice" but it went over his head.
 He got out an enlistment blank, and placing his finger on blank line said, "Sign here"
 answered. Not on your tintype."
 'I beg your pardon?"
 Then I explained to him that would not sign 1t without first reading it. read 1t over and signed for duration of war. Some of the recruits were lucky. They signed for seven years onlyl
 Then he asked me my birthplace. I ans,t.arad oOgdpn Irfah
 He said, "Oh, yes just outside of New YorkY
 With a smile, replied. "Well, it's up the state little"
 Then I was taken before the doctor and passed as physically fit, and was issued uniform. When I reported back to the lieutenant. he suggested that. being an American, 1 go on re- cruiting service and try to shame some of the slackers into joining the army"
 "All you have to do," he said lis to go out on the street, and when you see a young fellow in mufti who looks physically fit. just stop him and give him this kind of a talk: Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Britisher, phys icalIy fit, end in multi when your king and country need you? Don't you know that your country is at war and that the place for every young Brlton Is on the firing line2 Here l am, an American. in khaki, who came four thousand miles to fight for your king and country and you, as yet. have moi enlisted. Why don't you join? Now Is the time.'
 sThis argument ought to get many recruits, Empey, so go out and see what you can do."
 He then gave me small rosette of red, white and blue ribbon, with three little streamers hanging down. This was the recruiting insignia and was to be worn on the left side of the cap.
 Armed with a swagger stick and my patriotic rosette, went out into Tot tenham Court road in quest of cannon fodder
 Two or three poorly dressed civil fans passed me, and although they ap- peared physically fit, I said to myself, saThey don't want to join the army; perhaps they have someone dependent bn them for support" so I did not ac- cost them.
 Coming down the street I saw a roung dandy, top hat and all, with tashionably dressed girl walking be- aide him. I muttered, You are my meat" and when he came abreast of me I stepped directly in his path and rfopned him with my swagger stick.