The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1918-06-26
ALL MEN TREATED ALIKE

The Star has received from Senator
Fletcher the following copy of a let
ter from the adjutant general There
was no explanation with the letter,
but it is obvious that the senator
wants it published as notification that
he has no power, and most probably
no inclination, to obtain commissions
for men DESTROYS of entering the
army, on condition that they can be-
come officers.
Almost every army, since the dawn
of history, has been cursed with fav-
oritism. Incompetent men have been
put in command of soldiers as good
or better than themselves because
they had influence behind them, and
this pernicious practice has wrecked
many nation.
The American army has suffered
somewhat from this evil. In the army
itself, the merit system has strictly
prevailed, but our system of govern
ment has enabled politicians to some
times give man post or promo
ton that he did not deserve.
The fault, however, seems pretty
well eliminated from the great army
that is fighting the present war. The
merit system seems in full sway. It
is not only in the officers training
camps that men have had to work for
their commissions, but when they
went into the army they had to work
to hold them And the national guard
officers and even those of the regular
army, with years of experience be-
hind them, have to work constantly
and intelligently to keep up with the
procession. This is making our army
vastly efficient, it is also giving the
people the greater confidence in it.
The letter to Senator Fletcher is as
follows:
War Department
The Adjutant Generals Office
Washington, June 18, 1918.
Hon. Duncan u. Fletcher,
United States Senate.
My dear Senator: Referring to your
letter of June Is, 1918, enclosing a
copy of one from Mr.. cashier,
Bank of , , Florida, who
desires an appointment as an officer,
/ have the honor to inform you that
appointments to the line (infantry,
cavalry, field artillery and coast ar
tillery) of the army are made only
through training camps. A memoir
andum concerning the camp which
began May Is, is placed herewith. It
will be noted that the great majority
of those admitted are enlisted men.
It is not believed that there will be
any radical change from this policy
Therefore, under the present condi-
tons it appears that the only chance
for Mr.. to secure such ap-
pointment in the army is to enlist and
compete for it on the same basis as
other enlisted men.
Vacancies in the several staff sec
tions (quartermaster ordnance, sig
nal, etc. are practically closed to
civilians of the draft age unless such
civilians possess exceptional qualifica-
tions not readily available in any APP
plicant outside the draft age. In view
of this, there appears to be but slight
opportunity for Mr.. - appoint
ment to staff section at the presens
time. However, if he desires, he may
submit letter giving data and place
of birth and showing in detail his
education, training and experience,
both civil and military. This latter
may be addressed to the chief of ord
nance, to the quartermaster general
and to the chief signal officer who viii
advise him fully concerning appoint
ments in their sections.
Very respectfully,
FL. p. Mccain, Adjt.Gen.