Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1920-07-29
400 ARE NEEDED
At ANNAPOLIS
Examination to Be Held in August
to FIJI! Classes Normally
Full in June.
SOME CAUSES OF VACANCIES
Reaction Againet MiIitarism and High
err Salaries of Civil Life Among
Those Cited-Some Con-
eressmen Are Lax.

Washington.-Have the seven seas
lost their lure? Do the ghosts of John
Paul Jones. Fnrragut and Perry, and
others of like fame. no longer beckon
adventuresome and ambitious Ameri-
can youths to clear the decks of the
nations ships for action?
There are approximately 400 va
cancies on the rolls of the United
States Naval academy at Annapolis
Another examination must be held In
August to fill up the classes that
should have been filled by June. APP
parently young men no longer scram-
be for the privilege of becoming the
admirals Of tomorrow.
Yet navy officials believe this Is
only temporary condition. The sea
and Uncle Sans "navee," they are
confident. have not lost permanently
their appeal to the spirit of the young
men of America. The opportunities
In the service. are greater than ever.
Many Attractions.
Submarines that prowl near the
bottom of the sea hydroplanes and
'blimps" that soar above; destroyers
that chun the surface Of the ocean;
battle cruisers of wondrous speed and
majestic bulk; electrically driven SUI
perdreadnaughts and quickly reached
ports Of call where the daring deeds
Of history have been whitehall
these are offered today to the young
man who would enter Annapolis and
become part of the sea forces OF
this republic.
Therefore, though there may be 400
vacancies at the naval academy,
the navy department at Washington
Is only temporarily concerned and has
faith In the maximum enrolment.
Perhaps the American youth needs on
ly reminder of what he may be-
come
Three principal reasons are ascribed
here for the vacancies at the naval
academy. They are:
A natural reaction following the end
ing of the war, and national sub
consciousness which draws every one
away from things military.
The high salaries and wages received
by young men in industry, making
years of study and the comparatively
modest emoluments of a naval career
for the time unattractive.
Hardness of members OF congress
In making appointments which are ac-
credited under the law to every men,
Der of the senate and the house
There are doubtless other reasons
which may be later discussed but the
three headings enumerated probably
furnish almost full explanation of the
necessity for additional entrance ex-
aminations. In all likelihood the high
cost of living has had its effect on
academy entrances just as it has on
every other line Of endeav0r.
Interior States Short.
An analysis of the vacancy list
shows that the interior states have
the greatest number of appointments
yet to be made. Evidently the youth
far removed from shores against which
the wild waves beat Is contented with
his job on the farm, in the Office or
in the workshop. Either that or the
member of congress who Is privileged
to make appointments for entrance
examinations has not diligently sur
veyed his district for eligibles or pre-
scented to his constituents the advan-
tages of a naval career.
The 'list Of vacancies for midship-
men for 1920' which is available at
the navy department reveals that there
are 382 vacancies which senators and
representatives are entitled to fill by
appointment. In addition the navy de-
partment itself has approximately 20
vacancies to fill from the enlisted
ranks. Previous examinations have
made eligible for admission to the
academy some 80 of the 100 candi-
dates allotted to the department prop
er. The department expects to COM
plete its roster at the forthcoming ex-
FRO ton