Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1919-01-31

with scientific precision are
parts of a system of identln-
cation through which Uncie
Sam follows the individual fortunes or
the sailors who are manning the coun-
try's new merchant marine.
Jack, the merchant mariner, is OIL
cially weighed, measured, pictured ana
thumb-marked before he goes aDoaru
ship, and then is officially tagged as
well, his picture and thumb mark, ana
the facts pertaining to him and no one
else being affixed to a small four-page
folder, printed on stout paper.
This paper is a vital document for
the American merchantmen. without
it he cannot ship for voyage. Snoutu
he lose it he loses his right TO go
ashore in a foreign port. Officially ne
ceases to exist when he parts with II.
This all-important paper, in short, is
passport. Officially, it is known as
"citizen seamans identification
card" Among sailors it is termed
Form X, for short, the paper being so
marked in the upper left corner.
Takes Place of Passport.
Form X, for identifying sailors, took
the place of the old time passport in
the course of the war. The signing Of
the armiStice has made no difference
in it's use. Even though actual peace
is here, Jack cannot roam at will in
the ports of the Seven Seas. He is of
too much value to his country to be
lost sight of in the biggest economic
Job 1t has in hand for the coming pip
ing times of peace and trade expan-
sion-that Of keeping the great mer-
chant fleet properly manned.
In sailing ship days. half a century
ago, when Jack went to sea he knew
nothing Of thumb prints and photo
graphs. He merely signed on for the
voyage fitted out in waterside slop
shop. hove his stuff into a sea chest,
shouldered 1t. and got aboard ship as
best he could. With his sailor dress
his credentials, he made himself at
home in every port in every land,
whether q cannbal island of the South
Seas, the spice ports of Sumatra. or
TIE buSN VI ILIlSIulIN
But Jack Is no longer an irrespon-
sible rover. The American boys who
are now entering the merchant marine
through the open door Of the shipping
boards recruiting and training service,
are prepared to be examined. thumped.
pounded, measured, photographed and
thumb printed. 1t makes the job more
worth while when finally they get it,
Form X Not Easy to Get.
To anyone who has witnessed the
examination of candidates for service
In the merchant marine at one of the
shipping boards training stations
where all green hands" admitted to
the merchant service are taken on
1T is apparent that Uncle Sam is par
tic,llar about the quality of his future
merchant seamen.
After going through a rigid physical
seafaring life is asked some leading
questions, by an astute clerk. Here
is an example:
"What is your family name?"
"JOneS."
"Give your other names in full?"
"Joseph Albert" The examiner looks
up.
Joseph Albert? The record gives
your name as Joseph Aloysius. Which
is right?'
ave always been called Albert"
says the young man, "but 1 was hap
TIED Aloysius."
Nov let me see your birth certifi-
cate. How old are your
'Tm twenty" says the future sea-
farer, producing a birth record after
rummaging through his pockets.
II the certificate agrees with the
boys statement. all goes WELL But
very often it doesn't agree. either in
name or age, and the tangle has TO be
Strengthened out. There can be no