The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-04

J. Arthur Mason, son of Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Mason, 1916 Caldwell avenue, Bir- mngham, who graduated from Central High school in June, 1920, has demon strated what the navy will do for boy with energy and ambition.
 Mason is only + years of age He en- listed in the navy three months ago, en- tering the hospital corps
 He was president of his class in Central High school, and was president of the Yancy Literary society, taking first honors in oratory during his senior year at school.
 He is holding his Birmingham record in the navy, as indicated in the letters just received by Lieut.. Com. A. C.. Dib- rell, officer in charge of the Birming- ham recruiting office. Out of class of 75 boys, young Mason stood first in the examinations, says MT. Dibrell, with a mark of 99 per cent, the next boy hav- ing percentage of 9S. This is consid- cred by the recruiting officer as per feet performance because the navy markings seldom reach the 100 mark.
 MASON'S LETTER
 The recruiting officer has received the following letter from young Mason: My Dear Lieutenant Dibrel:
 Tt was certainly a pleasant surprise for me to hear from you. I appreciate it more than I can tell-your being in terested enough to write.
 My mother has spoken to me in her letters of having talked to you, and again I must thank you for telling her the encouraging things you said:
 T suppose you know that the pharma- cist school has just been moved from the base, and quite naturally the organ izatior was somewhat disrupted, and things were mighty unsatisfactory to the greater part of our complement. But things have gotten back into their or der and everything is running smoothly. find the officers are very consderate towards the ones who try and mean to stick, and who keep their records clean. l don't know how I have managed it, but so far have not been on report I hope that will help me in requesting to be sent aboard ship.
 For my work which you ask about, 1 have a pretty good record. I have only been going to school since January 5, and on the examination in hygiene and sani- tation I made a mark of 99, which was, by the way, the highest. On January 5 an opportunity was given to the corps- men to take an-examination in any sub- ject we cared to. so I stood the chem istry, anatomy and physiology and the nursing examinations. They were very simple, and on the former two I made 100. but as had had no pracrical ex- perience in nursing I had to get some. Miss Roller, for instruction. stood the examination Thursday on that, but havn't heard from it yet I know 1 passed. though.
 MAKING GOOD . ''Dr. Laning called me into his office today and told me he had heard from you, and he wanted to find out how 1 liked it. I suppose you will hear from him soon. He also informed me that l was H. A. 1c. now (hospital apprentice, first-class).
 q don't know whether you know Dr. Wynn at the hospital or not. but if you do. I thought you might be interested to know that he has a brother in Birming- ham, in the same profession, but do not know what branch. His offices are in the First National Bank building. think.
 T have only one more month here. but I would be greatly pleased to hear from you before I leave. I remain. sincerely.
 "a. ARTHUR MASON, "Div. 1, Pharmasists' Mates School,
 Portsmouth. Va"
 Dr. Laning has written the following letter about the Birmingham boy:
 MT A. G. IJiDrelI, lO. D. NAVY IteCtult-
 ing Station. Birmingham. Ala:
 Dear Sir-Replying to your letter of January 27, making inquiries regarding Arthur Mason. HA-2 U. s. N, you are advised that Mason has just completed his examination in hygiene and sanita- tion and made a mark of g per cent.
 Mason will be rated HAL immediate ly. and it is believed that he. will con- tinue to make excellent progress in this scnool When his course of instruction is completed. he will be recommended to the bureau of medicine and surgery as available for sea duty. Yours sincerely,
 ''R. H. LANING, Lieutenant Commander (MC.) U. S. N.,
 Commanding."
 PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
 'Mason's new rate of hospital appren- tice first-class. after three months ser vice, with base pay increased from @33 to 64 per month. with all expenses shows what the navy will do for the man who helps himself" said MT. : Dibrell in speaking of the boy yesterday.
 "W. J. Mason was very prominent Alabama surgeon. and his son has en- tered the navy as a preliminary step in taking up his fathers profession.
 The Birmingham youngster, by re- maining in the navy. and continuing his studies, can become 8 doctor, or, with his naval experience. take up post graduate course in medical college to perfect his knowledge for civilian prac- tiCo