Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-03
SHERIDAN MEMBERS
ASK BILLS PASSAGE
Fort Association Seeks Pc
cuniary Relief for Commits
stoned Officers.
REAL DISTRESS AT CAMPS

The Fort Sheridan Association has is
sued an appeal to all the friends and
well-wishers of it's members to further
in every possible way national legisla-
ton now pending to provide the commuta-
ton of quarters for officers families and
to provide the partial equipment of Off
GERS for foreign service by the govern
ment. Through Myron E. Adams, the or
ganization's executive manager, letter
has been sent broadcast calling attention
to the fact that the average officers finan-
cial. condition is cause of constant anx-
iety to him.
5000 Men Represented.
The Fort Sheridan Association rep
resents more than 5000 men VINO were
trained at the Fort Sheridan training
camp. Its/purposes are to provide loans
to members for the purchase of equip
ment; aid to families in case of dis
tress; care in case of casualties; legal
advice and information service, and
employment for officers on return to
civil life. It's honorary president is
Brig. Gen. James A Ryan and it's presi-
dent Alfred Cowles.
The officer commissioned in the
United States Army at the present
time" runs the letter, in part, faces
the following expenses:
"First-kquipment which will aver
age almost $50 per month for the first
year, including original cost and re-
placement. Up to date he. has had to
purchase this equipment in the open
market at an average expense of $3.50
for foreign service.
service or on foreign service. If on
detached duty it is increased. The
cost OF mess averages from $40 to $50
per month, and the officer has abso-
lutely no decision as to how much it
shall cost.
Must Build Own Quarters,
"Third-Quarters. In many of the
southern camps the officer is compelled
to pay for. and often to build, his own
temporary quarters. At Camp Wads-
worth, for instance. it costs a lieuten-
lives in. and they are only of temporary
value
"Fourth-Insurance costs the officer
from IS to 81 per month.
Enthusiastically every officer, as a
matter OF patriotism and influence, has
U pay monthly toward the liberty loan
II he subscribes only 500, that will
ax "e!;ae SO per month
married, he must maintain quarters for
MS family. This is not provided in
war times as in peace times. If he
attempts to maintain his family near
the environments the price is excessive:
II at distance he is not able to pro-
tect them against exploitation.
Pay of Officers.
The officer receives pay as follows:
Second lieutenant, S141; first Ieuten-
ant, $166; captain, 5000 per month, with
10 per cent increase for foreign serv-
ice. Out of 5000 men commissioned at
Fort Sheridan only 167 were commits
stoned captains. Fifty per cent of them
were married men with dependents.
we are asking you to use your in
fuence at this time, in view of the sit
uation, to assist in the passage of the
necessary remedial legislation. Our ia
miliarity with the needs of officers, and
the fact that almost so per cent of our
members are married men with FAINT
lies, makes us exceedingly anxious to
have your support for this mea
which we think will assist in making
more efficient officers abroad and inn
prove conditions among those who are
left at home"