(Jfatnell HnttiEroity Siihrarg Jlt^ata. Sititi ^orlt THE GIFT OF V-\avo\AT. ^Avs/avAs ^AyxXL^ Tlx-c. C The date shows when this volume was taken. To renew this book copy the call No. and give to the librarian. HOME USE RULES All Books subject to Recall All borrowers must regis- , ter in the library to borrow books for home u&e. ' ■ All books must be re- turned at end of college year for inspection and repairs. Lirai ted books must be r»- turned within the fourwe«k limit and not renewed. Students must return all books before leaving town. V Officers should arrange tot the return of books wanted during their absence from town. Volumes of period icala ■ and of pamphlets are hdd in the library as much at ■ possible. For special pur- poses they are given out for a limited time. Borrowers should not aw ^ their library privileges for the benefit of other person!. Books of special valua and gift books, when tha giver wishes it, are ooi allowed to circulate. — — Readers are asked to r». port all cases of boohx ■"* marked or mutilated. Do not deface books by marks and writing. to X'^ L^^^. %^ €.fl^^. Cornell University Library U294.5.P6 P71 ++ The Plattsburger. olin 1924 032 637 310 Overs THE PLATTSBURGER w\ Copyright 1917 By THE PLATTSBURGER, Inc. hl'l FL^^ 856 WTNKOOP IIaLLBNBECK CltAWFORD Co. .New York To Colonel Paul A. Wolf, Inf., U. S. A., Commandant of the Plattsburg Training Camp, officer and maker of oflicers, this book, a record of the Second Camp, is respectfully dedicated by its members. THE PLATTSBURGER PAUL A. WOLF COLONEL INFANTRY, U. S. A, COMMANDANT THE PLATTSBURGER COL. WOLF— MAKER OF OFFICERS A Glimpse at a Man Who Hates a Quitter, and His Methods 70 his alumni, he refers proudly as "his boys," this man who has made and is making officers at Platts- burg for the United States army — Colonel Paul A. Wolf — and "his boys" are making good for America. On April 29, 1917, Colonel Wolf was ordered to the post as commandant by the War Department, and, about two weeks later, 5,800 men stampeded into Plattsburg, the majority of them not knowing the difference between a rifle and a broom. They constituted "Wolf's mob." Many of the "mob" are now serving in France, and doing their jobs to the admiration of all our Allies, and the satisfaction of the regular army officers. Colonel Wolf, one of the best rifle shots in the world, a tennis player of the first rank, and an all-round athlete, is constantly in condition. He never has drank or smoked. Early last May he took off his coat and went to work. He still has it off. The War Department laid out a schedule of study for the camps — a skeleton on which to build — and Colonel Wolf, ably assisted by his officers, builded so well that many of his recommendations have been adopted for the other similar camps, and Plattsburg has now become the model, rating next to West Point. Colonel Wolf works on two principles. If there is a way to accomphsh a thing he finds it, and, if there is not a way he hews one. The other is simplicity itself. It is summed up in the phrase "God hates a quitter." So does Colonel Wolf. His theory is to turn out prac- tical officers who can handle the job to be done. Of the Plattsburger, he says: "If I were a captain, I would want an officer from this camp in my company, because I would believe he could do whatever job came up, and would not be tied down by regulations." Colonel Wolf has fought his way up all the way. Through a competitive examination in the little town of Kewanee, 111., where he was born December 23, 1868, he won his appointment to West Point, and he received his commission from the Military Academy in 1890 — the youngest man in his class in the infantry. He was ordered to the 3d Infantry, Company F, at Fort Meade, South Dakota, and went immediately into the field, his company having been sent out against hos- tile Indians. The campaign was a trying one, lasting from October to February, through a cold Dakota winter. His next move was to Fort Snelling, Minn,, where he served as second lieutenant in the 3d U. S. Infantry for four years. From 1895 to 1897 he attended the Infantry and Cavalry School at Fort Leavenworth, and was rated a distinguished graduate. Colonel Wolf was in charge of the public works in Vera Cruz when our forces landed there in 1915, and did a tremendous job in cleaning up that town, and main- taining and protecting the water supply. Colonel Wolf has always been one of the famous rifle shots of the world, and once made a trip to the Philip- pines, only to be ordered back upon his arrival in Manila Harbor, to shoot in the national matches. In 1913, he was again ordered into the national and inter- national matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He hadn't had a rifle in his hand for five years before he began to prac- tice for these matches, but he came within one point of being the champion long distance shot of the world. His partner and he were the only regular army men to repre- sent America on the champion Palma team (it is still champion team), and he made the highest score of any American in the classic Palma individual match for the long distance championship of the world. To-day Colonel Wolf is shaping soldiers for the great new army as a business, and he is attending strictly to business, as the Plattsburg products show. MAJOR BAER EFFICIENCY EXPERT The Soldier Professor Who Excels the Prussians at Their Own Game A--^r/ HEN, out of the confusion and rush following r r the break with Germany on Good Friday dur- ing those stormy days of debate last April, plans for Uncle Sam's new army to take part in the Big Effort and final Big Push were being developed, the eyes of the general staff looked toward a little town near the northern boundary of New York State, just shaking off its blanket of snow. The officers form the skeleton of an army; and the training of men to lead those to make up the vast forces to be flung out abroad for Democracy was one of the first problems. The little town was Plattsburg, a name that will probably go down in American history alongside West Point for generations to come. As Washington looked toward this post and then con- sulted the records, it found that the then Captain Baer, of the Second United States Cavalry, was in charge. Major Baer briefly and graphically accounts for his pres- ence in Plattsburg in April, 1917. "You see," he explains modestly, "I had been at the two previous camps held at Plattsburg in 1915 and 1916 as cavalry instructor— the short camps before the war. I was left here with my troop to hold down Plattsburg during the winter of 1916 and 1917 and keep the snow shovelled." However, when the order came through providing for the first camp to take civilians and make them fit their uniforms and their commissions in three months. Major Baer had to set the stage for one of the biggest jobs Uncle Sam ever undertook. More than five thousand men were to be assigned to the post for training, and cantonments had to be built and all the other preparations made for the reception of the "first five thousand." The job had to be done in about three weeks. Plattsburg is a small, cramped town for big building operations of a sudden sort. Major Baer was setting the stage for the first act of Uncle Sam's Big Show. Lieutenant Colonel Wolf had not yet taken charge at the post as commandant. Major Baer did the job without frills, without fuss, without lost motion, and with more than the boasted Prussian efficiency, for, when the five thousand actors began to detrain, the work was practically done and well done, and done after the fashion of the Service. The Service works silently. A big job had been com- pleted without the tooting of a single trumpet. Major Baer's first thought is the Service, with which word he expresses his politics, his creed, and his religion. AU the way through he is a soldier — an American soldier with the ideals of one, a soldier to command and be obeyed, stripped of any frills or autocracy, a strange con- trast to the efficient Prussian these American soldiers are going to fight. THE PI, ATT S BURGER JOSEPH A. BAER MAJOR CAVALRY, U. S. A„ ADJUTANT THE SERVICE .-iV HOSE who play the military game to the limit, those who run true to form, do not call their profession the "profession of arms," nor do they refer to their position of leadership. They honor their life work and themselves by calling it "The Service." The pageantry of The Service quickens the pulse of every normal man. The cavalry galloping past, the artillery swinging into action front, and the long drab infantry col- umn rouse in him something that is part of his virility. But to the men of the Plattsburg Camp there has been extended a greater privilege. They have been taken into the inner shrine of The Service, and have been shown the secret symbols, earnestness, fidelity and discipline. On serving a brief novitiate, those who are found worthy will be permitted to become members of The Service. And only when they realize that it is a Service will they ring true. This book is intended as a testimonial of appreciation to the Service, from the members of the Plattsburg Training Camp. The profits will be used as the foundation of a new fund, patterned upon the French Hero Fund. The latter, started by Americans previous to the entrance of the United States into the war, is being devoted to the education of the children of French officers killed in action. The American Hero Fund will perform a similar service for the children of American of^cers. The Plattsburger profits will of course be small, compar- atively speaking, but they should aflFord sufficient impetus to the wide national support which this great purpose deserves. '^ .Iff k REVEILLE By ARISTIDES E. PHOUTRIDES OW \vhen the sacred fires of the autumn burn, Filling the forests with reveh'ng flames of gold, Now wlien the migrant birds from their wanderings turn, Seeking a liomeland far from the winter's hold, Tell me, ye legions of men in battle array. Waves of the men whom the winds of the morning ha^•e freed, Clad in the silver green of the olive gray, Whither the path that ye tread ere nightfall will lead ? There are myrtle boughs For your youthful brows! And the blush of the rose and the source Of the gladdening visions is yours! And the amber wine of your morning dreams Is seething with life's unlimited gleams In the bancjuet halls of action and thought That the makers and masters of ages have wrought ! Yet your temples adorn The sad crowns of thorn! For the blush of the rose you will light The red altars of blood with your might! And the amber wine of your morning dreams Will be crimson red with the sunset gleams Of a sun that dies in the dark and a day That is spent like a candle and flickers away! " Sons of a country mighty in freedom are we, Risen to battle for her at the break of day. When, in the midst of the calm on the world's great sea. Driven by winds that blew in a maddened fray, " Races and nations lifted the sword of blood. Filled with the vengeance and wrath of the ages past; Yet we have risen to battle for light that will last, Light that will raise into life a world from the flood! 10 "There are laurel boughs For our youthful brows! And the victor's flush in the hours Of triumphant songs shall be ours! And the amber wine of our morning dreams Will be crimson red with the quickening gleams Of a fire that burns in a maker's thought Whom the hammers of struggle have taught! "Let our temples adorn The sad crowns of thorn! At America's Reveille Song, We will march with the tramp of Ihe strong To the saddened fields of a bleeding land Where red altars high with their hecatombs stand; And to them, the children of France, we will bring The blossoming joy of a new-born spring. "What if the sacred fires of the autumn burn, Filling the forests with flames of decaying gold? What if the falling leaves with their whispers turn Deathward our thoughts to graves that are nameless and cold ? "Over the purple deep and in battle array. Waves of the men whom the winds of the morning ha\e freed. Clad in the silver green of the olive gray, Far to some eastern land our way we will lead! "There were myrtle boughs For our youthful brows! And the gladness of youth and the flush Of the fragrant rose and the blush Of a maiden's love on a maiden's cheek! But the hour has come when our eyes must seek For a victor's wreath or a victor's grave On the wind-swept fields of the battling brave! "Let our temples adorn The sad crowns of thorn! At America's Reveille Song, We will march with the tramp of the strong! Let the amber wine of our morning dreams Become crimson red with the sunset gleams! Yet the sun will live that will bring the new day. Though our lives like candles flicker away! " y" A. ^ i . ,.,i,;5_-^ f „%v-^ -"'-^"^^ -vV.^ \' • < f 11 THE PLATTSBURGER C'opyriglit Copley Print ''Come Unto Me" FROM THE PAINTING BY CANDIDATE C. ARNOLD SLADE 12 THE PLATTSBURGER -,pS^X' PLATTSBURG— IDEALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 7 HE historian of the future who undertakes ac- curately and adequatel}^ to set forth tire achieve- ments of the army of the United States in the world-war must give to Plattsburg an important and unique place in his compilation. To-day the world pronounces Plattsburg, as a training camp for officers, a success. It is the American Aldershot, the American Neuilly. Overseas men of Plattsburg mold are doing their full share of the work that is soon to be crowned by the spectacle of the Stars and Stripes cleaving the battle winds of Europe; in other training camps they are helping to make still more officers; in the great cantonments they are bent upon the magic task of transforming the drafted mass into able men of arms. Four years ago, Major-General Leonard Wood planted the seed of a national mihtary institution. Seriously conceived, with prophetic foresight, still the first Platts- burg camp was a gentle experiment, a summer pastime designed to give college men a taste of army life. The War Department became mildly interested in the project and, in the words of the Department, endeavored to select posts "located in a region in each section offering advantages desirable from the summer outing standpoint." At the close of these first camps. President Wilson re- marked that they would be enormously beneficial to the United States because of the physical upbuilding and habits of discipline that would accrue to the attendants. Former President Taft agreed that the Plattsburg training would be a splendid preparation for men to enter the militia in their various states. Surely the Plattsburg seed was taking root. The ne.xt step was the organization of the Association of National Reserve Corps of the United States. The body was composed mainly of college presidents, who opened recruiting stations and urged their students to enlist. August of 1914 saw a maddened Europe in death grips. The cry of "Preparedness" went up in America. It was a loud, insistent cry, but little heeded. The possibility of the United States becoming embroiled in the conflict was so remote as to be almost absurd! W'hatever their views of the war, however, the regular army officers who were responsible for Plattsburg in the beginning now quietly developed a complete system of training camps with courses of more intensified instruc- tion. Soldiering at Plattsburg became a strenuous form of recreation in 1915. A 3'ear later the United States had been drawn immeasurably nearer the brink of the European cataclysm. We were still at peace with a warring world, but an emergency might come. Now preparation became more definite, a reality. The United States with its tremendous resources and its potential strength could and would if needs be cast a great and perhaps deciding weight into the European balance. An unlimited supply of man power could be drawn upon, iDut who was going to train them? There were regular 13] THE PLATTSBURGER JAV, ! t' llu rid, armv officers, man lor man ihf best corps but not enough of them. At this point a great mihtary truism Ijegan to be under- stood where it had never penetrated before, the simple fact that OFFICERS CANNOT BE BOUGHT. Thus the War Department evolved the scheme of the Officers' Reserve Corps, and it was adopted by Congress. The entry of the United States into the war sent the country plunging into war plans and Plattsburg came into its own. Similar camps were hastened into being in various parts of the country, and the amateurish pla\' camp of 1913 had become the mihtary hope of the nation. The second camp of this year is not yet closed as this is written. The bulk of the work has been done, but there are stiU a few weeks in which the budding brigadiers of the early days may prove their fitness for ci\dl life and in which those who registered an initial incorrigibility of hands and feet and mind may yet win their stripes by mental agility and physical grace. In other words, the "Who's Who" is still in the making, and it is anybody's race. For the individual, nothing is certain as yet l:)ut the fact that he is doing the hardest work of his life and the con- \iction that Plattsburg is an ine.xorable crucible wherein his body, soul and mind are being tried to the utmost in the search for military fibre. Mihtary service was a matter of choice with the majorit\- of the men enrolled for the second camp. The statistics showed many men over the draft age. For the greater part of these men the military in itself holds no attractions of glamour or romance or profit. They are becoming sol- diers to perform a definite task, they are learning the business of soldiery because they detest the soldiery of another nation and what it stands for. At heart, it is a matter of service rather than stripes, of duty to conscience as well as to country. Considering the foregoing, we come very close to the germ of the Plattsburg idea and the spirit that has grown out of the idea. If the world is to be made safe for democracy, it is the Plattsburg idea that a democratic army must do it. Likewise it is the Plattsburg spirit that a democratic army WILL do it. It is this spirit, fostered and directed by officers who are as thoroughly able as they are thoroughly American, which is the driv- ing force of the institution, the battery of human energy which could not and would not meet the demands of the course if actuated by a lesser ideal. Manv of the candidates for com- missions came to Plattsburg already imbued with this spirit. The others soon acquired it. In all, it has daily and hourly became intensified. Just now, it is in full swing. There is warmth in the smile that reveals chattering teeth at reveille; there is a conc|uering faith and hope in the man who can \'iew the mis- fortunes of his awlcward efforts with complacency, call himself "out of luck" and trv again. In spite of this will to work, Colonel Wolf and his aides faced a herculean task. Prol)ably for the first time in history, an attempt was to be made to crowd into three months the training essential to a full-fledged and com- petent officer of the line. Not the training required in our own wars, but the training of the battlefields of Europe, where war has become the most exact science of modern times. Trench warfare, with its thousand devices and innova- tions, must be taught; the new science of artillery must be imparted; but withal the methods of open warfare must not be neglected. Surely the aim of this intensive training is to break through the enemy's lines, and, last the war one year or ten, it is the Plattsburg idea that the break must come. When the break does come, it will mean the warfare of the old days, the warfare of our own West and South, when sabres flashed to the beats of galloping horses, and men went miles over the top instead of yards. To complete such a course in three months means a pace which only the fittest can survive. Out of the twenty- four hours of the day it leaves a scant eight for sleep and no time for recreation if the candidate is to keep up in the branches in which he finds himself deficient. A rest ])eriod of fifteen minutes is welcomed as an opportunity to practice the semaphore; an hour between formations is a holiday to l)e enjoyed to the full, cleaning guns. ^Att"^^'^^ 14 THE P L A T T S li U R G E R If the task is hard for the men, it is not less exactiiif,' for the instructors. No man is sjjared in the calculations of "Headr|uarters." At Plattsburg Headquarters means Colonel Wolf, and his staff, the men upon whom rest more than upon any others the responsibihty of training men competent to lead the way in the nation's battles, and to them more than any other must go the credit for what Plattsburg is achieving. The writer once heard Lord Kitchener say that five months was entirely too short a period for the training of a modern soldier, considering the fact that it took three months to teach him to keep his head below the top of a trench. If Plattsburgers encounter this difficulty, it will be because they have forgotten their lessons. It is the basic theory at Plattsburg Headquarters that the man who can not execute an about face with exactness could not be trusted on a battle front where exactness and precision constitute the quintessence of this theory which, when ignored, has invariably resulted in wanton and unnecessary sacrifices of men. No detail is too small to receive the attention of the Plattsburg commander. Frequent trips to the jiarade ground by this official afford ample proof of his methods. If the pivot man of a squad allows his feet to stray a hair's breadth outside the bounds of regulation, the instructor may see it, but the colonel is sure to. Then frequently to the candidate is revealed what might be termed the key- note to Colonel Wolf's success, in the latter's own words : "If you don't do the small things right, you will never master the big things." This position of the reg- ular army officers in the estimation of the can- didates has undoubtedly l>een a strong factor in the camp life. They have given an impetus to the work, which is always imparted by the personality of an officer who has the unqualified respect and admiration of his men. To inculcate the habit of discipline in the candidates without sacrificing the spirit of democracy in which the camp was conceived has not been the least of the instruc- tors' work. Judging from the attitude of both officers and candidates in the second camp, this combination of wtues is to become traditional in the new army. The eft'ort seems to have been entirely successful and one of the finest lessons of Plattsburg will have been taught in vain if the newly commissioned men fail to carry this ideal into the cantonments. One of the few true of the many dubious stories emanat- ing from Germany early in the war told of the shooting of German oflScers by their own men and later the transfer of hundreds of officers from the forces which they had trained in barracks to commands which did not know them and where they could start anew. This was the result of the Prussian demi-God system of officers — one of the many German miscalculations of human ps}'chology. Any doubt in the minds of the candidates as to whether it is really possible to train a competent officer in three months has been dispelled by the fact that their own instructors are products of the same training as their own. The work of these reserve officers in the second camp has been a splendid tribute to the efficiency of the whole scheme. They have comported themselves in a manner heretofore believed possible only after much longer training and, what is more important, they have demonstrated that they "know their business." Whether or not this consideration was a factor in the assignment of these officers to the second camp as instruc- tors, their presence has had a marked effect on the attitude of the men toward their work. The task of the reserve instructors has been peculiarly difficult, even with the most expert of regular army knowl- edge and experience to fall back upon in the persons of the higher in command. It is they who must gain the first- hand impressions of the men in their command, and it is upon their judgment that the higher officers must largely rely in the recommendations for commissions. I^ating according to written tests has been relatively simple but rating according to military proficiency has been an en- tirely different matter. Each rating counts fifty in the summary of a man's fitness, and it is not a fight respon- sibility for the officer who must with justice estimate a man's military capabilities from what he shows in training. These officers keep the hours of their men, and they subject their men to no physical exertions ^\'hich they do not themselves undergo. They too must be forever "up and at it." Each man must be trained in the duties of every po- sition in company or battery, each man must be trained in every duty of captain, lieutenants and non-com- missioned officers. The in- structor can assign work to his assistants, but if he is to form a just impression of every man in his com- mand, he must be on hand continually to see and know what each man is doing. Thus from Colonel Wolf down to the most unlikely candidate in the camp, Plattsburg has meant work and work and still more work. An almost \acious concentration has been required to keep up with the procession. A physical hardihood far beyond the demands of the most \agorous civil life has been necessary to the man who would succeed. To most of the candidates, discouragement in the work has been but a passing cloud. There have been disagree- able doses to swallow — there always are, in any army — but few troubles of the day, if they do not succumb sooner, can withstand the enspiriting spectacle of retreat at night. Tired minds and aching limbs, all but spent perhaps in the final work of "shining up" for the event, are dragged to the parade ground and there revived and recharged for whatever tribulations are to come on the morrow. There is no elixir like the Stars and Stripes and no man can pay homage to his colors at a Plattsburg retreat with- out adding a feeUng of reverence to his positions of "parade rest" and "attention," and being glad down to the depths of his heart that he is there. 15 J THE PLATTSBURGER Thus does Pkittsburu; meet the mihtary emergency of the nation and thus does Plattsburg take rank as a mihtary institution. Tremendous as is this emergency, however, and supremely important as is the Plattsburg military task there is yet another and perhaps deeper phase of Platts- burg that must be considered and understood if the camp is to be appraised to the full of its merits. This is the Plattsburg lesson in American citizenship. Bare of its possibilities Plattsburg stands for the purest conception of American democracy; in its intensified development it is a living and visible token of the spirit on which the United States was founded, it is proud proof that if this spirit has seemed to be lacking in the country at times it is only because it has been dormant and not lost. When the war is done it is the Plattsburg idea that, no matter what its mihtary achievements, the camp's inception and maintenance will not have been fully justified if its work does not go on and on, ever building up a more tangible national sohdarity and a clearer realization of individ- ual obligation for serv- ice to the nation in war and in peace. Plattsburg in thi'^ sense is, of course, a generic term. Similar camps have been in- stituted throughout the country according to the same jjrecepts and with the same ideals and aims. Still Plattsliurg \va^ the precursor of them all and it is neither self- ish nor prcA'incial to presume tliat Platts- burg must and will continue to lead the way. at Plattsburg all kinds and all creeds poor. We came from the fashionable avenues of the great cities. We have come e\'en from overseas. The four winds of the earth sent us together, practically every vocational pursuit has its candidate. Into the melting-pot we went. There were no formalities. Colo- nel Wolf immediately began the stirring of the ingredients. He stirred them with the motto of camp and commander. In the Colonel's words: "At Plattsburg we have lost partisanship in patriot- ism." We brought with us prejudices, antipathies, miscon- cejitions. They went the way of the civilian garb. We have heard no more of them. We have not been troubled by traditions; it has been rather a task of moulding tradition than upholding tradition. The groups in which we came were scattered. Extremes met and worked together with mutual benefit. Com- radeship grew where under no other conditions could a speaking acquaintance have been possible. The million- aire discovered that after all he stood for only one in the general scheme, the poor man discovered that he too was one and nobody counted more than one. The work was evenly distributed, the rewards went the way of merit. The only Blue Book on the reservation was the Infantry Drill Ivegulations. We were being taught to command; therefore we had to learn to obey. We acquired a \\holesome resjiect ^^^ t*rH> 'VA/ We are of We are rich and we are for authority. We already knew that loyalty was a sovereign ^■irtue, here we learned why. We knew our American history, most of us, here we learned it under a new light. The foreign born among us gathered much from the native born, the latter learned that there were foreign born so willing at heart that they could become thorough Americans by the simple process of rubbing elbows. JNIan will find for himself an example in the flesh under any and all circumstances. He found his example at Plattsburg — also a new point of view. The bank account disappeared as a goal, comfort and ease were no longer to be sought. Of a sudden it seemed best of all things to be right living, right thinking, efficient, able physic- ally and mentally, capable of giving service, desirable to the man's country only if he could give service, not desirable for the legion of the Stars and Stripes if he could not give service. Men in this manner desirable were the examples, the ones to emulate. Some three thousand additional men are thus adjudged fit by these same standards and they are going forth not only to rid the world 2^ of its imperial ulcer but to disseminate among their own kind the gospel of being fit and ready. Likewise will they help to lay the stalk- ing ghost of unpre- paredness, most dan- gerous of all enemies. Unpreparedness i s usually due to ignor- ance of some sort or another. The citizen who opposed pre- paredness because of his own ostrich-like wJh'-^ i security must have had his iUusion dis- pelled by this time. The Kaiser did that. Many citizens who were against preparedness because in an emergency preparedness was a status easily and quickly achieved, are still to have their awakening. The Plattsburger will do that. The Plattsburger has learned by dint of unceasing toil the folly of the creed that it is time enough to prepare when danger comes. He has learned that an un- trained man in battle is not worth as a fighting unit the cost of the army blanket in which, be he lucky, he is buried. The Plattsburger started the business of soldiering with a heart of purpose and little else. He grasped his gun or approached his field piece with about the same measure of deft familiarity as the hulking but inspired farmer lad when for the first time he spread his great calloused hands over the delicate keys of the piano upon which he ultimately was to win fame. For a week his shoulders ached from trying to stand erect. New move- ments brought pain to old and forgotten muscles. His mind, grooved in the civil pursuit of his choice, was with difficulty brought to concentrate on the mental require- ments of soldiering. The business of fighting after all was not a question of cocking your gun and giving it to them. It was exact. It was a profession for coUeges to teach, for hicisive minds to master. The bravery and courage were taken for granted, but that was the least part of it. IG THE P L ATT S BURGER But the Plattsburger learned the way, step by step. In time his body straightened and hardened in the mould of the military. His hands learned the manual of the gun, his back to bear the pack, his feet to snap while, to sing. Days and sulfering may lie before to place and his heart, the weeks saw him carrying on more easily the farther he went. Finally he emerged, not a finished soldier, not a veteran of wars and West Point, but an able man of arms capable of an intelligent fight and a living lie to the criminal fallacy of men spring- ing over night to the defense of their country. Illusions have had no place in the Plattsburg scheme. The future officer with a laudal)le ambition to wear his country's uniform has by no means been spared a knowledge of what him. Otherwise his training could not have been thorough or adequate. As nearly as possible the grim realities of blood-soaked France have been simulated on the ranges and in the fields. The Plattsburger has dug trenches as the heroic French so successfully dug them to resist the foe that would devour them — and him. He has learned to live in the trenches of his making, to sleep in the rain, to subsist on cold and uncertain rations. He has learned what it means to crawl through the mud and mire of No Man's Land, to keep vigil during the long watches of the night when scurrying snow and pelting rain are the only music to quicken his pulse, when there is no retreat at sun down to stir his soul and the only flag to lead him on through the sordidness of it all is the faith of his heart. The Plattsburger has not felt lead or steel but it can be truthfully said that that is about all he has missed. His "sentry go" has not always been a lonely occupation nor have his snatches of sleep always been undisturbed. Colonel Wolf attended to that. Signal bombs have cracked above him and high e.Y[)losives have l>een hurtled sufficiently close to his muddy habitat to bring him to an instantaneous and palpitating "stand to" — all suffi- ciently realistic, by his own testimony, to set him jabbing with his bayonet at the first doubtful stranger. He has learned to keep his head down and his pluck up. Conditions will no doubt change before the Platts- burger reaches France but fundamentally he will find himself amazingly well equipped for his task. It is half the battle in this war to know what to expect and how to meet it and in that respect the Plattsburger has been fully and thoroughly trained. The initial dose of German frightfulness will have a degree of effect on the newcomer among the Kaiser's foes, but the newcomer will have profited by the mis- takes of those who went before him and is therefore better steeled for the ordeal. The Germans will know of his coming. It will be a deeply secret venture, but the Germans will know. No doubt they will welcome him with a sign h(jisted above their trenches bearing the in- scription, "Welcome, First New York," as they have so often welcomed the Canadians. Then they will try his soul, as a German staff officer once told the writer it was their devilish habit of doing when- ever they found themselves facing a new and untried force. Perhaps for a week they will daily practice their artillery upon him in a manner sup- I)osed invariably to j)resage an attack. Then they will fail to attack. They will send over some gas but fail to follow it. They will shake the newcomer by day and startle him by night, keep him constantly jumping to be ready for the first combat. All this is yet to come to the Plattsburger but he knows it is coming. Also he knows that probably he will expe- rience the same frightfulness which in the last analysis is his sole reason for becoming a soldier at all. Summed up, Plattsburg means national service and all that it entails. At Plattsburg men have learned the meaning of national service, they have made the sacrifices that must come with national service and they hope that in the end the entire citizenry of the land will be brought to an appreciation of the blessings of national service. Wives and children and fathers and mothers have come to Plattsburg to encourage this idea of service and their presence has often seemed to personify all that is best in the Plattsburg hopes and aims. Many a mother has stood retreat with her son at Plattsburg her tears paying tribute to the flag which he has sworn to defend. We who have striven to probe the heart of Plattsburg have often found mute revelations of it all in the barrack highways and byways, even more faithful perhajjs than the blare of the band and the anthem itself. We have seen framed in the softening shades of twilight the silhouette of the man of affairs and family greet a smiling wife at the edge of the parade ground, his gun for the moment in a perilous but proud position on the shoulder of a khaki clad baby son, and afterwards we have seen him jump to the evening mess formation with a snap and a smile that betokens a deeper justification of himself, of Plattsburg and of his country. If in the final reckoning Plattsburg has been a success, the son of this Plattsburger will likewise have become a Plattsburger, national service will haA^e become synonymous with national existence and we shall be a hundredfold nearer our goal of lasting peace by reason thereof. ; 4- ^^. .^ -^ /'^^fkL 17 THE PLATTSBURGER HEADQUARTERS STAFF SiUinK, Left to RiRht— Major Baer Col. Wolf Col. Williams Standing, Left to Right — Lieut. Fulcher Lieut. Brown Capt. Lawes Capt. Waterman Lieut. Dyar JIajor Long Lieut. McCatty Capt. Bull HOW THE CAMP WAS RUN Interesting Facts About the Administration Department and the Men Who Made the Wheels Go Round 70 the casual observer the administration of a training camp, such as Plattsburg, presents little more than a commonplace military problem in the housing, feeding, clothing and drilhng of 3,000 odd men. If army corps can be tossed aroimd the mihtary chess- boards of Europe like so many pawns, it must be a rel- atively simple matter to care for a few regiments of embryo officers in a semi-permanent camp. The comparison breaks down, however, because Platts- burg, or any officers' training camp, for the matter of that, is much more than merely a soldiers' camp. It is a military tutoring and cramming establishment in the fundamentals of the science of war. In size it is five or six West Points rolled into one, with the curriculum sciueczed into an irreducible minimum of three months! And the men who direct such an organization must be natural teachers as well as trained officers and thoroughly practical business executives. It took a group of officers of this type to get this camp under way — to accomplish the actual physical work of building a couple of miles of barracks, with ]al)or at a premium and lumber at a distaiice, and with less than three weeks' notice from Washington that 5,000 men were to arrive on a given date. But the work was done; the first camp got under way in some fashion despite lack of sup- lilies, materiak clothing and equij^ment. Red ta])e was cut. Things were done and permissions asked after- ward. And the result is, that so far as administrative detail and organization routine are concerned, the present camp was able to go ahead almost from where the first one left off. It is this factor which accounts largely for the greater progress in instruction which this camp has made, and which now renders it probable that much more instruc- tion can be given in the same training period. The headquarters staft" (see chart on another page), consists of a group of department heads and senior military instructors, directly responsible to the commanchng officer. Colonel P. A. Wolf, Inf. U. S. A., or to his adjutant, assistant and personal representative, Major J. A. Baer, 2d Cavalry. It is through the adjutant's office — as through a railroad switch-town — that the great bulk of the routine and executive detail of the camp is moved. The commanding officer is the president of the corpora- tion, so to speak, and the adjutant is the business manager. Or the commanding officer is the admiral while the ad- jutant is the navigatuig officer. Colonel Wolf concerns himself with this or that given detail as much or as little as he chooses; when occasion demands, he acts directly through the department chiefs, but in all routine matters it is custoinary to have the orders of the commtinding officer come through the adjutant. It is the policy of the IS THE PLATTSBURGKR commanding officer to tell a subordinate to do a thing but not to tell him how to do it. Broadly speaking, the commanding officer says what shall be done, leaving it to his various subordinates to say how it shall be done. Major Baer, the adjutant, has in turn a personal assistant in Captain H. J. Lawes, 59th Infantry, who is, in a man- ner of speaking, the "Adjutant's Adjutant," especially in charge of routine correspondence, and generally in charge of any odd thing that turns up in the office. Lieutenant Warren Dyar, A. G. Dept. N. A., statistical officer, is another member of the central office grouj), as is Lieutenant M. L. Fulcher, Q. M. C. N. A., the officer in charge of the very important and very successful program of entertainments and plays. From this inner group of the commanding officers and the adjutant's office, the wires of authority reach in every direction. The first great subdivision (see chart) under the commanding officer occurs between the practically co- ordinate branches of administration and instruction. Virtually all administration functions through the ad- jutant's office. Instruction is in one sense a co-ordinate department responsible only to the commanding officer, at the same time inter-related with, and dependent upon, the adjutant's office in matters of correspondence, routine, etc. All activities having to do with the military and academic instruction of candidates are grouped under the department of instruction. Here again there is an ad- ministrative sub-division, which includes the not incon- siderable task of the preparation of weekly schedules, the collection, classification and segregation of reports, and the maintenance of records. Captain H. R. Bull, .30th Infantry, heads the Department of Records, also being in charge of all musters, ]jay-rolls and the like. Captain K. P. Lord, lOth Cavalry, is the casual officer in charge of all unattached men at the camp, cross-func- tions with the Record Department in his capacity as recorder of the Elimination Board which includes, besides himself Captain G. W. Ewell, 3d Infantry, and Major R. W. Andrews, M. R. C. C0MMANDIN6 OFriCER COL. PA.WOLF ADJUTANT MAJOR J.A. BAER MU5KETRY-Pigta-60MBINO CAPTH,N.6R0NINBER -Senior Instrudor X ENOINEERINO CAPT L.M.MILLER Senior Instructor X TRENCH WARFARE LIEUT. HENRI POIRE French Armij X RECORDS CAPTH.JLAWE5 A55t. to Adjutant STATISTICS LIEUT W. DYAR X RE6ULAR ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OFFICERS &i CANDIDATES. JI The actual military instruction is in charge of a grou;) of officers known as senior instructors. There are three Provisional Training Regiments, two of infantry and one of artillery Captain G. E. Goodrich, 30th Infantry, is the senior instructor of the 17th Provisional Training Regiment (New England Division), and has as his adjutant Major Wm. Kirby, U. S. R. Captain G. C. Shaw, 3Sth Infantry, is the senior instruc- tor of the ISth Provisional Training Regiment (New York Division) and has as his assistant and adjutant. Captain G. W. Ewell, 3rd Infantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Danforth, F. A. N. A., commands the 1st Field Artillery Training Regiment, with Major M. Hadley, U. S. R., as adjutant. Captain H. N. Groninger, 5th Cavalry, is the senior instructor in musketry, pistol and bombing. Captain L. H. Miller, engineer, is senior instructor in engineering. Lieutenant Henri Poire of the French army is the senior instructor in trench warfare. The great supply departments include quartennaster, mess, and ordnance — each a small business in itself. Major F. S. Long, C. A. C, is the quartermaster, while Lieutenant G. F. Brady, retired, and Captain H. M. Duffill, Q. M. C. U. S. R., head, respectively, the commissary and the pay branches of the quartermaster's department. The Mess Department, which is a story by itself, is in charge of Captain J. M. Walhng, Q. M. C., who in turn has several assistants under him. The Ordnance Depart- ment is administered by Major H. J. Watson, C. A. C. with Captain F. W. Add- ington as his assistant. The Medical Department is another which includes a story in itself. It comprises a large staff of regular and reserve medical men, head- ed by Lieut. Col. A. W. Williams, M. C, chief surgeon for the post and camp. The upkeep of the department for the three months of the camp runs close to $22,000, the average cost of maintenance approximating $7 per man. X 17™ RT RE6T CAPT aE.eOODRICH Sen h MAJ. W^^ KIRBY AdJ X I a"'" p. T RE6T CAPT eC.5HAW.5e.ljD CAPT e.W. EWELL. Adj X. ARTILLERY PTRE5T LT.COL».H.D*NF0RTH,5en to MAJ MHADLEXAtlj MEDICAL LT COL, A.E WILLIAM: Chief-Surgeon. X 5ANITATI0M H05PITAL SUPPLY ORDNANCE QUARTERMASTER MAJ. FSLONB MAJ H.J, WATSON CAPTf=WA0[»N6TOK COI^r-IISSARY LT 6, F.BRADY BEDDIN6 TRANSPORTATIOtl I^ESS CAPTJ,t«1,WALLIt(S PAY CtPTHWDUFFlU BUILDIN65 CLOTHING.ETC PROVISIONS PURCHASE - PREPARATION SERVICE INTERIOR ADMINISTRATION 1 1 1 1 POLICE LT K M'^CATTY 6ARRI50N DISCIPLINE THEATRE LT ML, FULCHER 1 1 J ROADS BAND _ PROVOST GUARD CAPTJJWATERHAN CAMP EXCHAN6E 6R0UNDS OFFICERS QUARTERS - POST GUARD POST EXCHAN6E BARRACKS TROOP I J L MILITARY COURTS YtvlC.A, 1 -1 JANITORS H0R5ES FOR EQUITATION HOSTESS HOUSE ADMINISTRATION CHART 19 THE PLATTSBURGER THE DIARY OF CANDIDATE USELESS Like Gcncrcil Grant He Offers His Memoirs to an Eugerly Expectant Nation X ATURDAY — I have decided to keep a diary of my Kj militar}' career to help me with my memoirs wlien I become a major general. Grant and Sherman wrote memoirs and there is no reason why the Memoirs of Major General Useless should not be in great demand when this war is over. I will write down everything of interest from the time I enter Plattsburg until I march into Berlin at the head of my troops. Of course they may make me a mere major or even an insignificant lieutenant colonel here; but it wiU not be long before I will be Colonel Useless and the rest will follow. I have read the Plattsburg manual all through and I guess that is about all one has to know to be an officer. I ha\e read right up to the school of the regiment so I am ready to become a colonel as soon as they want. SUNDAY — I am afraid that the reser\-e captain in charge here did not get ni}' name right. I told him I was Mr. Useless. He said, "All right. Next time come to attention and salute. Go with Sergeant Whoosis and draw clothes and ordnance." I thought he should have saluted me first, because he is only a captain, and I am going to he a lieutenant colonel in three months. At the Quartermaster's r)ei)artment they started by giving me two left shoes. I went back and they gave me two rights. When I went back again, they told me to trade with somebody who had two lefts and not to be fussy. They were out of six and a quarter hats so I had to take a seven and a half. The quartermaster's clerk told me to stuff paper in the band till my head swelled to that size. The blouse I got was made for Jess Willard. The pants were made for a bantam. MONDAY— They called the roll for the first time this morning. When they addressed me as Candidate Useless I declined to answer. Fm no candidate. I did not come here to go into politics. Of course I may run for something after the Avar. I said, "Major Useless is present or accounted for — that's the military \va_\"." Eut the captain Wit drilled this morning and 1 am in the hospital. I dropped the rifle on my toe coming to the order. Strange how that happened. 'l read the manual of arms over but it did not seem to work out in practice. said that the articles of war would not permit him to call me major until after the camp. This is very humiliating, of course. A candidate is a terrible thing to be. His status is si.x degrees below that of the assistant janitor. TUESDAY — I got called down terribly b)- the major to-day. I had my bed made u]) nicely only I forgot to ])ut away my purple pajamas. "Whose junk is this?" the major said. "They're mine," I said. " Gun rags must be kept out of sight," he said. And he wrote my name down in a little book. I got called down by the captain at the mess formation for having a button loose on my coat. Then the lieutenant called me down for being out of step though I wasn't — the others were. The first sergeant called me down at the next formation for having my belt too loose and the corporal called me down for being late. Everybody in the camp has called me something to-day. I am beginning to think that I am an insect. WEDNESDAY — They gave us another physical ex- amination to-day. I am afraid that I will never live to reach France. Fve got D tonsils, W in both ears, F feet and I am nutty. It seems that we are all more or less bugs. They have an alienist here and he puts a light in your eyes. If you blink, you're bugs; and if you don't blink, you're bugs. I blinked the first time and didn't blink the second, so I am nutty on both counts. Then the ahenist asks you, "Has anybody in your family ever been nutty; if not, why not? Why are you so stupid, and, if you are not as stupid as you look, what do you mean by coming here under cover?" It's all off. I must be daffy as a toad. THURSDAY— Well, I'm glad I'm not in the artillery anyhow. I saw some of them on the parade ground this morning. They had them all tied together with pieces of string. I guess that was so that they would not be lost. They can trust the infantry without ropes an}'how. We had some very interesting lectures to-day. In the morning one instructor told us that the cavalry was one of the most important branches of the service. At the next period another instructor told us that infantry was the branch of the service that won the battles while the silly 20 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R cavalrymen sat on picket fences like a lot of crows and smoked cigarettes. Later our other instructor told us that this was an artillery war and that cavalry and infantry were practically obsolete. In the evening a French lieutenant said that it was a war of grenades and machine guns. There seems to be a difference of opinion as to the importance of the different branches of the service. FRIDAY — As a company commander I fear that I am an onion. The captain called me out of ranks to drill the company this afternoon and I got them so twisted that a couple of platoons were seen passing the Salmon River at retreat. I shunted the tirst platoon into the lake and the second platoon got tangled with a flock of mules from the second field artillery. It wasn't my fault. I gave a lot of commands right out of the book but I guess I must have shot them too fast. The captain shouted for me to get them to- gether. That put me in the hole. There isn't anything in the book that gets a company to- gether. So I said, "Get together Ijy the numbers in cadence and stay where youbelong. March!" Evidently the man who got up the book didn't have much experience with com- panies that wandered all over the landscape. I guess that I will have to study a little more before I become a major general or even a brigadier. SATURDAY— We took up map-making to-day. I didn't quite get the hang of it. The first thing is to buy a compass at the canteen. None of the compasses point in the same direction, so that gives each man a chance to do some original and individual mapping. Also you have a thing called an Adelaide. I guess the inventor must have been a mushy chap to name it after a girl. Anyhow, it gives you as many bum steers as a girl from the Midnight Frolic. You fasten the compass to the board and when it points to the north you guess where the north is and start out. When you come to a hill you search for contours. If you see any you shoot them on sight. The best way to get them is to lie down in the road in front of an auto- mobile. When they pull the car oEf your neck you feel relieved. I couldn't find any contours on the trip so I drew a lot in when I got back to barracks. _^ ■;■■ Major William Kirby, U. S. R. 17th P. T. R., Adjutant Capt. Hcrbert'J. Lawes Assl. Adjutant, Headquarters Capt. G. W. Ewell ISth P. T. R., Adjutant 24 THE PLATTS BURGER REGULAR ARMY OFFICERS AT PLATTSBURG IFhat Veterans of the Service Aimed at in Training- Candidates. Their Ideals and the Methods Used in ffWking Them Out /F one thing more than another is true about the Plattsburg idea, it is that it has been initiated, developed, and carried through, often over heart- breaking delays and difficulties, by men in the service of the regular army of the United States. This is not to depreciate in the slightest degree the enthusiasm and patriotic services of the volunteers from civil life and from the Na- tional Guard that created and made nation-wide the big idea of the Military Training Camjjs Asso- ciation and other kindred bodies. But the determination of General Wood and his brother officers, who first made Plattsburg a movement and a fighting cause in the half- awakened America before the war, ])ro\'ided the great push that made the idea an actuality. And their spirit laid forever low the ghost of civilian prejudice that initiative and generous enteq^rise lapse with service in the American army. As a cross-section of that army, the regular service personnel of this camp provided one of the most jjrofound lessons the candidate en- JtlffUfM/ J, countered at Plattsburg. Not only —^/^ *jt« in themselves a picked and ex- ^ ^- traordinary group of men, leaders, fighters, and originators, they im- pressed vividly upon the minds of the men under them, reserve officers and candidates alike, that universal miUtary training can be, and indeed already is, a genuine American idea. Under such leadership it is universal effici- ency training, naturally adapt- able to and sure to count fundamentally in the great in- centives of American life. The regular army men de- tailed to Plattsburg brought to the camp two sharj) and unmis- takable guiding principles — dis- cipline and service. These ideas had been more than once side- tracked, notably among our alHes, for what seemed to be modern short cuts to mastery in this weirdest and most un- jirecedented of all wars. Each time, as especially in the gallant and imperishable record of the First Canadian Expeditionary Force, the ensuing tragedy has thrust drill and discipline, iron subservience to the service of the whole, once more vividly to the foreground. As vigilant ob- servers of this experience, and with the responsibility of lead- ing the manhood of a great nation, American army officers made up their minds long ag(j that the new armies of America should start right. This "spirit of the origins" Plattsburg owes to regular army leadership, and to regular army leadership alone. This spirit consists, primarily, in unceasing and remorse- less attention to detail, subject only to the quahfications of good judgment in applying it and the need for effec- tive leadership in making it productive psychologically among self-respecting American soldiers. After a series of interviews among these officers as ex- tended as the time detailed for The Plattsburger allowed, the writer of this brief sketch feels that this idea can not be too emphatically stated as the most fundamental con- ception in the whole idea behind the camp, on the part of the regular army instruction and executive staff. That is why, though drill is not s(} obvious a feature of this camp as of the preceding one, drill and the disciplinary idea have still been absolutely paramount. The only reason why these did not take so large a place at the beginning was that between eighty-five and ninety per cent, of the second camp candidates had had some sort of previous military experience, thus allowing the labor over squad and even platoon drill to be just that much less intense and less elementary. The better aptitude of the second camp only exposed them to the same inoculating doses of discipline in a little more con- centrated form. There are two sides to this disciplinary question which regular army officers clearly distinguish — the leadership side and the obedience side. Captain Ware, who has been superintending infantry instruction in the Tenth and Eleventh Companies at the present camp, has probably had as broad and practical training in the Plattsburg idea 25' THE P L A T T S B U R C; E R as any officer in camp. He has attended every one of the accelerating camps at Plattsburg, as well as the officers' training camps also held at Gettysburg and at Ashe\'ille, X. C. ' "Outside of horse sense and the ability to obey your- self," he put it, "leadership as we try to inculcate it at Plattsburg consists in the kind of psychological insight and subconscious control of your men that will keep them under your moral authority as well when you are not present as when you are there to enforce it. Further- more, it consists in conveying your ideas to a body of men, small or large, so forcefully that they are absolutely unmistakable." Colonel Wolf's generous principle on the same head has been familiar to every one in camp: "We treat every one here as a gentleman until he pro\'es himself other- wise." Not until he leads us to suspect that he may be otherwise, but until he proves himself otherwise — that is the honorable tradition of the American army. As ex- I)ressed by the commanding officer, who has grown gray in its service, this expression has caught and phrased the Plattsburg idea, wherever practised, as trenchantly as it has ever been put. Officers at Plattsburg believe in explaining the reason for a command or for a regulation, but the necessity for obedience is paramount, whether the command be under- stood or not, to the minutest detail. They insist on this axi()m narrowly and minutely, not because they them- seh'es are narrow and minute, but because they them- seh'es have vividly experienced the narrow and minute flistance between life and death, between victory and de- feat, which arises in the every-day life of the army under field conditions out of exactly such petty disobediences. They know, as Captain Fleet, instructor of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Companies, has so often explained, that a soldier who slacks on sentry duty in jjeace time may imperil a whole regiment in war by the immutable habit he has formed of inattention to duty. They know that the la^•in<' out of a blanket so that its folds can l)e seen may sa\-e a soldier from having a bulging pack, from becoming a straggler, and from infecting others with straggling, to the serious loss of morale throughout a whole regiment. They know what men fresh from ci\-il life take much time to learn — that the army is a mathe- matical as well as a moral proposition; and the slightest deviation from any one of its intensively thought-out ex- actitudes may spread the error to the demoralization of headquarters plans at a crucial time. Counteracting the necessary rigidity of this discipline is the conception of service; the common service of the nation, which in democratic America officers and men come sooner to understand as an honor and a ])rivilege than in any other army in the world. As Major Baer put it, "It is by no accident that the armed forces of the nation have come to be known as the Service. Unless they consider their chief aim that of service, with no ulterior motive of ambition or reward, candidates for officers' commissions are out of tune with the whole tradition of the ranks they hope to deser\'e. To guard American hfe against its enemies is the highest honor and privilege in itself a man can win. He gets security and detachment (for he is a subsidized man) only that he may better consecrate himself to that service, only that he may do the job well enough to suit the man who should be his most exacting critic — himself." It is in line with this idea that Captain Lang, instruclor for the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Companies, added, "The big job of an American officer is not to teach his men so much as to learn them." That is the whole spirit of the regular army officer as represented in the exceptionally able contingent at Plattsburg. And in our scheme of social life, it is inevitable that American of- ficers in the new army, as well as in the old, shall learn from their men, as well as learn about them. That is the greatest hope for the co-ordination of the new Ameri- can army, and for its achievement in the name of the American people in the terrible untried fields ahead which already make Plattsburg seem almost plavtime. REVEILLE— TI' (1VERC( ) \rs \\KRE MADI-; OF (iLASS 26 THE P L ATT S BURGER RESERVE OFFICERS SCORE A TRIUMPH Sixty of Them at Plattshurg Camp Prove Premier Teachers of the Military Art f iBEDIENCE is one of the most desirable qualifica- \^^ tions of a good soldier, and it does not take the man at Plattsljurg long to find that out. He is at Plattsburg because he has hopes of developing into a good soldier and is working his hardest toward that end. Hence, when an order comes along, he loses no time in obeying it, even if the order happens to be: "Write a story about the reserve officer instructors in the camp, their work and what they have accom- phshed." If that order had been to write about the officers who are giving the instruc- tion in one's own company it would be easier. Two reserve officers are attached to each company as regular instructors; others on special detail raise the total to sixty reserve officer instructors in the camp; and any candidate who has observed the work of more than a dozen of them, throughout the course, evi- dently has not learned that the position of a soldier calls for "head and eyes straight to the front." The one best method of ffiiding out what the instructors in other companies are doing is to talk to the men under them and get their impressions. The writer being of an inquisitive turn of mind started to do that long before he ever heard that there was to be such a thing as "The Platts- burger," so he had a pretty fair idea to begin with. Then when the order came along, he had the opportunity of getting around and talking to a number of the officers. While he kept the officers busy talking about their fellow instructors, he made the most of the chance to size up the man who was doing the talking. It did not surprise the writer to find that what was true of the officers in one company was true of all the others. Incidentally, it is only fair that the writer (a candidate) give his before-and-after impressions of the reserve officer instructor. He is frank to confess that on hearing that all of the instruction at this camp was to be given by reserve officers, he was somewhat disappointed. And he was not alone in this frame of mind. There was a feeling of apprehension that the last camp should have had the benefit of instruction by regular army officers which was to_be denied the present camp. It was only natural that such a feeling should exist because in the ordinary process of reasoning (not always the correct process) the man would ask himself: "How is it jjossible that a man who was a proverbial butcher, baker or candlestick maker, five or six months ago, can learn in three months and then teach, what it took the regular army officer, four years at West Point and many years in the field to learn?" On the face of it it seemed about like expecting a young man who has just learned to drive nails, to get out and teach carpentry. And this was the way many a man who came to camp felt. However, it did not take the candidate very long to lose any such ideas. In his ordinary process of reasoning, he did not take into consideration the fact that all of the men who were to take up the work of instruction in this camp, had wide experience in many walks of life denied to the man who is a soldier by profession. He also forgot to take into consideration the fact that these were men who had come into the army, much the same as he himself had come in, only to help along the great cause. These were men who for the most part had no thought of making mihtary work a calling and who entertained nn idea of remaining in the service after the end of the war. They had offered their services at a time when their services were needed. Moreover, the very fact that these men, the bankers, the brokers, the news- paper men, the manufacturers of yes- terday, had been out in the business and professional world rubbing shoulders om that moment on, my stay here became most de- lightful. From Colonel Wolf down, everybody has been wonderfully nice to me. 1 have been astonished at the cordiality of my reception. "You must understand that when I came to this camp, a foreigner and only a second lieutenant, I expected to be left in my rank and to be lonely. But instead of that, all the oflicers have associated themselves with me on er^ual terms. Whenever I have a spare moment, I am invited into the most delightful company. So that I have here in these weeks the very best time I've ever had in my life. Wh}', do you know, when I came here, I gladly would have dug in the trenches if that was desired. But, instead, you all have treated me as a lord. The distance between my second impression of Platts- burg and my first, approximates the dis- tance between Heaven and its antipodes. "What," I asked, "do you think of us candidates? " His answer was enthusiastic. "The appearance of the men is very good, indeed. They look like genuine officer material." "But," he qualified, "appearance is a thing that I consider entirely second- ary. It is far better for officers to have the right stuff without the right aj)pearance than to have the right a])pearance without the right stuff. In this war the man with the right stuff will eventually get the command, no matter what is his appearance. You see, under modern conditions, the officer lives so long and so intimately with his men that the rank and file have time to find him out entirely. "However, I believe you Plattsburgers have the right stuff, too. You are all men of education and with ideas of methodical work. And the fact that so many of vou are above the draft limit shows that you have a high sense of duty. This will gi\'e you more ascendancy over j'our soldiers. "You men," he went on, "lose no time and are very industrious. You assimilate new ideas easily and quickly, as has been shown b\r the quantity and quality of your work in trench building. If it had not been perhaps for a too great regularity of parapet I might have thought myself in France while walking down some of those first- line trenches. "In fact, the candidates here give me on the whole the very finest impression. They seem to be made of better stuff than the men in the Fourth French. Army School in which I taught not long ago, even though those men had spent two years in the trenches and had had their courage tried." The lieutenant paused and puffed meditatively at his cigar. 29 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R "Of ct>urse," he LxnUinued, "that factor of courage i^ the unknown quantity here. No soldier can know whether he's really brave or not until he's been tested in the trenches. "I think that the possession of a deep sense of dut\', proved already in the smaller acts of life, is the best guarantee that one will do his part like a bra\-e man. This is the reason why I ha\-e in my lectures insisted on the jjrinciple that the smallest unit on the firing line should always have a responsible leader. For the man who is made responsible will stand fast e\-en though he is terrified. "I think the great difference between the French and the American training camps for officers is that all the French candidates have served so long as privates that they must develop more individuality before they can get a commanding personaKty. While in Plattsburg we ha\-e the opposite problem. First, through rigid army disci- ]jline we must make the American civilian a soldier be- fore we can make an officer of him. This, I suppose, is the reason why you are gi\-en here so much more close order drill than the French candidates get. Close order, 3'ou understand, is the best means for merging the indi- ^•idual in the mass — a process that is much needed in this nation of strong individuality." Lieutenant Poire paused at the window and looked across the parade ground to where, on this peaceful Sab- bath morning, the Sixth Comi)any baseball nine was rout- ing the Fifth with great slaughter. Then he burst out : "By Jove! though, when I think what a race of sports- men you are, I no longer have any doubts about vour jnilitary success. For, as athletes, you have two of the soldier's most important C|ualifications: the fighting s]5irit and the instinct for teamwork." "Sir," I asked, "how you would sum up the most im- portant things for us to remember as we start for France? " He replied quickly. "I would say to you just what I say to our own candi- dates at home. Get ascendancy over your men. And don't you ever be contented with the merely artificial ascendancy of your rank. Be contented with nothing short of the highest natural ascendancy. "Anothi;r thing: never let down in your cfiscipline. It's most imp; rtant that an officer should maintain strict disci])line, not only in close order drill but also in all the work, all the other times, so as U) get the instinct of implicit obedience into the blood of his men. "You see, }'ou make onl)' three or four attacks a j'car. The rest of the time you work preparing your troo]is for those attacks. You must so train them to feel their responsibility that when the great ten minutes of crisis comes and you lose personal touch with all but the six men in front of you, the rest will go on doing their duties with automatic precision. "You must work harder than any of your soldiers. You must be the best man-at-arms in your command, and you must be self-denying. Some officers when they get back to billets think onh' of their own relaxation, of playing at cards and so on. But that is the time when, most of all, they should be upon their toes to prejiare their men for the great ten minutes." And then the interviewer asked the inevitable ques- tion : "How do you Uke America?" Lieutenant Poire's eyes flashed a look more eloquent than words. "At once," said he, "I concei^•ed for this land a warm affection. Except for that first hour in Plattsburg — " he smiled reminiscently — "I have had a glorious time. Everywhere have you Americans gi^'en me a rousing wel- come. In Washington an old woman brought me a flower just to show her sympathy. Chaps in the street would come and bat me upon the shoulder and say, 'Are you a Frenchman? I'm very pleased!' Non-commissioned officers would see these things here" — he pointed to the three wound-stripes on his right arm — "and mistake me for a sergeant and give me — how do you say? — glad hands. And I would not let them know that I was an officer lest they should feel abashed." A serious vibrant note came into his voice. "E\'ery where in this land I have honestly felt that Americans have a real sympathy for my country. You Americans are sincere and not complicated, and, unlike most Europeans, you don't say more than you mean. I am convinced that you honestly like us. My country- men don't know yet how well you like us. They can't believe what they read about this in the books and news- papers. But I and my comrades shall make it our busi- ness to tell the French people how- you really feel toward France." What do ye hear, young men, marching onward together? "A song that no voices shall sing; that shall sound from no ly What do ye see, young men, with your passionate eyes? "A cup that tremendously glows with God's splendor and fire Where do ye go, young men, marching onward in cadence? "To a quiet field in a foreign land and our hearts' desire." re. 30 THE PLATTS BURGER A PAGE OF ARTILLERY SKETCHES ^^' vU.- [ 31 ] THE PLATTSBURGER Pliitl'^lmrLr Mortar in Acti< WAR'S NEW WEAPONS Second Camp Men Took Quickly to Bomb, Mortar and Machine-Gun IFork ■itf-. 7 HE new de\-ices of modern \\-arfare were regarded with special interest at Plattsljurg. Captain H. M. Groninger was in charge of range, Ijomb-throwing and machine-gun work. A graduate of West Point in 1908, he attended the School of Musketry and Machine Guns at Monterey, Cak, fohowing whicli, he saw service under General Pershing in Mexico. When the magic word "bombing" first was heard there were immediate visions on the part of the more daring of real live grenades to go off and put a hole where there was none before in a perfectly good field. What the candidates saw when they first were led out to prac- tice was two parallel wires strung about twenty-five yards aiiart, representing the friendly and the enemy trench parapet. Behind these wires the baseball throw had to be lost and an English bowl culti\-ated, breaking the hearts of diamond stars who could make a perfect hit with their throw Ijut only a measly short pop-fly with the new style. The scoring wasn't bad while the rooky grenadiers could see what they had to hit. When wide strips of cheesecloth cut off the view the prob- lem of getting one home was ncjt quite so easy. P\irther difficul- ties cropped up when a man was stationed directly behind the thrower and another to the side to represent the sides of the trench walls. His position grew even more awkward when it became necessary to throw from an enclosure of sandbags. In the grenade practice, direction was the first obiect sought, and then timing and distance began to play their parts. A feature of the course was a bombing raid staged on the range in which a number of the officers participated. The attacking party was headed by Sergeant AlcClintock, fresh from Flanders with a reputation in such work. The Reds won and, though the battle was with beanbags, ■^ :£:yyx*^.^ '■*^~ it was sufficiently realistic to impress the audience of candidates with the plan of a trench attack. A difficulty that attached itself to the grenade instruc- tion course was the constantly changing methods em- ployed in throwing the missiles. But that was by no means the biggest problem that Captain Groninger and his assistants had to face. There were no bombs to throw in the beginning. The theory and practice of teaching had to t)e literally developed on the spot. An iron foun- dry was commandeered, and seven-hundred-odd dummy grenades moulded. A trench mortar was designed and constructed. Shortly after grenade-throwing practice started. Candi- date McClintock wrote and published his pamphlet: "Notes on Grenade Warfare," the first American text on the new phase of trench warfare. In the machine-gun work taken up at the camp, certain men with mechanical experience were called upon first so that a unit of candidate experts might be ready to help when the detail instruction was taken up. Cap- tain E. C. Schroeder, 71st N. Y., a specialist on automatic rifles and machine guns, was detailed as assistant to Captain Gron- inger in this work. For two hours each morning these men were called upon to study the nomenclature of a machine gun, the use of it, setting it up and dismantling it. So thoroughly were they drilled m the^ construction and use of their weapon that the task of taking it apart or putting it together could be performed blmdfolded, a test that is employed in the allied armies. As soon as they became proficient in this i)reliminary work,, a thorough course of target practice was established similar to the course at the School of Musketry at Fort Sill. This instruction was being carried on apace with the building of the trench system for a regiment abreast of the Chateaugay Railroad. The advantage of this was that while learning the art of grenade throwdng and machine- 32 THE PLATTS BURGER gun o[)eration, the men were also being familiarized with the ground to be defended with these new de\'ices. Machine-gun emplacements were built where the destruc- tive fire of the guns might enfilade the advancing ranks of the enemy. Bomb nests were placed so they might be of the utmost value in warding oft" the attack should a foot- hold be obtained. The range work during the second camp began not on the range but in the company streets with the aiming and squeezing drills. Therewere ten daysof aiming drill, six days of sighting, and two days of elevation and deflection drills before shooting began at the hun- dred-yard mark with guard cartridges. A man was almost a marksman before he pulled trigger on a ball cartridge. The high quality of the instruction made itself a])parent on the very first ranges fired. For, in many companies, men who had never fired a service rifle before had the highest scores, and in the final results a large number of erstwhile tyros led men who had served the i)roverbial fifteen years in the regular establishment. With the experience of the European battle- fields in mind, particular emphasis was laid on the shorter ranges, 100, 200 and 300 yards, kneeling, standing, sitting and prone. Eagerness to win the various prizes offered for the high- est company, squad and individual scores gave a sharper edge to the spirit of competition that was in evidence at all times. Firing with the guard ammunition was not counted in the final reckoning, much to the joy of the New Yorkers, for the New England companies got away to a flying start. Old Mrs. Rumor had it that the scores from up Boston way had something to do with the Down Easterners' initial good showing. Capt. H. M. Groninger The old song abcjut all coons looking alike held good on the range, and as a result a lot (jf |)erfectly good bulls- eye shots went to waste. "Had a ])erfect bull, but shot on the wrong target" was a fa\'orite alibi. The much-talked-of "kick" failed to worry the candi- date because he had lieen prepared for it by the early use of guard ammunition. He kept in mind the admonition to take a l(jng breath, let part of it out, align the sights on the point of aim and squeeze that trigger like the wine boy in Rector's used to fondle a lemon for the forbidden highball. The kick be- came a mere mjlh if the candidate also had his sling projjerly adjusted. In the New York regiment, after ob- serving the workings of .some fanci- fully embellished, cut - on - the - bias slings, a strict order barring all but the common or garden ^•ariety of simjjie one-arm sling was issued — with immediately beneficial results. The shooting ended, the range-work had a necessary complement in the session in the butts. Thick, impene- trable, comforting concrete walls they are, between us and the marksmen. We pull up the target; bang goes a gun and ping goes a bullet through the screen. Down comes the frame; up goes a fresh target and simultaneously the hit is indicated by a colored disk and the wounded target repaired. With scattered exceptions every man in the camp qualified as a marksman — God help Kaiser Bill! Half the camp reached the grade of sharpshooter — God help Kaiser Bill! ■Some hundreds, mostly men with qualified as experts. And these boys are going to take National Army with them, so — good previous training. this into the new night, Kaiser Bill! ^^^^k^^"^' W'ii*^"* 1 5^5^ i^ 33 THE PL A TTS BURGER Wjj-' c— Vi» & '' ^' Physical Torture When into line at re\-eilk- I fall, It is in answer to tlie i^ugle's — "Outgoing laundry" And when I come from mess three times a day, There's half an hour to spend for work or — "Oittgoing laundry" My feelings at inspection I must stifle, When my commander finds dirt on my — "Outgoing laundry" The study hour I ne\'er dare to think. My mind I focus firmly on my — "Outgoing laundry" There's one sweet girl who lifts my soul abo\'e The daily grind, for she has all my — "Outgoing laundry' When this camp's o'er, I think without condition That I shall get some ^•ery fine — "Outgoing laundry' 34 T HE P L A T T S B U R (; E R A LIBERTY LOAN BULL'S-EYE _ jS/l ONEY talks, so 'tis said. If so, men of the ^L/ (7 !• Second Plattsburg training camp sjxjke most effectively in reply to tlie defiant cliallenge of tfie Kaiser on the night of October 24th. The speech burst forth in the subscription offered to the Second Liberty Loan floated by the government. It was a short but dynamic answer. Briefly it was a round sum of $L750,r)0(). Ninet3'-eight per cent, of all candidates subscribed. Doing your bit by your country in its time of trials is a relative proposition depending on your o])portunities, capabilities and the angle from which you \-iew that duty. Most men feel that those who wear a uniform of the service are doing their bit. But men of the Second camp, officers, candidates and camp attaches took a different view. Other opportunities were offered and as to their capabili- ties and sense of duty, you, kind reader, are left to judge. When first the War Depart- ment called on Colonel Wolf to ask men of the camp to take a part in subscribing the new loan, he set a "battle sight" of .1547,000 for the camp. A general committee of candi- dates was appointed to handle the work. This general com- mittee was composed of the following candidates: James Imbrie, chairman, Henry P. Lindsley, William Bailey, Forsythe Wycks, George T. Adee, Philip Benkard, Richard S. Waldo and D. Durant. And to them goes a goodly portion of the credit for the energetic manner in which the proposi- tion was handled. Sufi-committees were named in the various units, to which credit is also due, and the campaign had begun. But a short time was rec(uired to demonstrate that the Colonel had underestimated his range. In the language of the artillerymen the Colonel's site, range, and corrector were all wrongly estimated. Several days before the campaign was brought to a close, the sum total had been pushed far beyond that limit. An ultimate goal of $1,000,000 looming large as a near-impossibility in the beginning began to melt away, and even before the end was anywhere in sight, it was plain that this figure not only could, but would be handsomely exceeded. Came the night of closing on the date mentioned above and therewith appropriate ceremonies befitting the occasion. ]\Ir. Robert Lloyd, voice expert, took temporary charge of a special meeting in the camp theatre to start the men along with a few favorite songs. By the time these choral efforts had been expended the meeting was fullv charged for the big task ahead of it. Guests of the city of Plattsburg, Governor Charles S. Whitman and United State Senator Calder were invited by Colonel Wolf to address the meeting in the interest of the loan. In his direct and forceful way Colonel Wolf stated liriefly the situation which confronts the country. If YOU ARETOOOLDTO FIGHT iUY A LEHTY ii« IF NOT TOO OlD, DO BOTH. mm. Bud Fisher's Poster Then followed the i]itroduction (jf the governor ard the senator in order. As [jrincii^al s[)eaker of the occasion Go\'ernor Whitman took up the subject feelingly. "I feel almost ashan.ed of myself to ask you men to subscribe to this loan," he said, "You men, who by your ^'ery ])resence here aff(ird ample proof that you are already giving more than any living man can give in mere dollars and cents to a cause than which there can be none more just and right- eous. But I know that men who are read}^ to offer their li\'es are more than willing to give of their means. And it is the moral effect of y(jur giving that will do more good than the actual money toward waking a dormant people to its true sense of duty." Senator Calder followed with a brief speech outlining certain financial facts concerning the government that made a second loan necessary. Then followed the first volley of the closing fusillade, winding up the brief, but intensive camjjaign. Candidate Henry P. Linds- ley, vice-chairman of the candi- date committee, took charge of the meeting, and the drive was on. Figures were produced showing that more than 1900,- 000 had already been sub- scribed, and an "over the top'' sight was taken at .«1, 200,000. First one organization and then another was called on for additional subscri])tions. And not once did a favorable re- sponse, fail. By thousands and tens and even hundreds of thousands did additional sums roll forward. Hardly had a company or a batter}' an- nounced further contributions than its sub-committee chair- man was on his feet again with still further additions. By the time the chairman and his committee had suc- ceeded in tabulating the additional subscriptions, a lull was reached and a total struck off. It showed a high margin over the aiming point of $1,200,000. In fact $1,421,000 had been totalled. " WiU we make it a million and a half?" shouted someone, and hundreds thundered "Yes." And the drive was on anew. When the firing finally died out, and the smoke of conflict drifted away, there stood the total of $1,750,000. As that enthusiastic and patriotic crowd feverishly shoved higher and higher the total subscribed to the purpose of sub- duing the Hun, there sat, as interested spectators, two who must have felt a keen elation. They were Captain Powell of the British Army and Lieutenant Poire of the French Army, both detailed to the camp to help in the preparation of forces aimed and intended to take up the great fight alongside of them and their countrymen. The results of the campaign were a source of deep gratification to Colonel Wolf. From the time that first he received the call of the War Department to lend a hand, he bent himself to the task diligently, and the results spoke volumes for himself as well as for e\'erv man connected with the camp, be he officer, candidate, enlisted man at the post, mess attendant or janitor. THE P I. A T T S B U R G K R W u CJ o in ."^ rt kr^ )— 1 r< I-. Q ro rt C_J r^ _J_I ;3 o C/J M hn 1-4 C/!) C C^ 1 1 O a )-i i_) u 'i? P^ cfi ^ w H f^ f/) <; Pi W ^ W H Ifl -1-^ P^ OJ < M h^l +J 1 O be ^ rt <^. i^ t-l o ;« CJ u Pi 36 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R UNCLE SAM HOUSEWIFE Hoiv the Q. M. Fed, Housed and Clothed 3,200 Embryo Officers for Three Months A^// HEN, on the mornings of AugusL 23 and 25, the r r 3,200 candidates for commissions at the second training camp stepped out of the trains at the D. & H. siding and clambered up the bank to the can- tonment, their first clamor was for breakfast. They found it awaiting them, tables spread and food preparedi, and over 300 attendants ready to serve them. This was accepted as a matter of course. How many appreciated the fact that the machinery behind the scenes was running smoothly indeed, to make such an arrangement possible? A single defective cog would have thrown the entire mechanism out of gear, and we might have gone hungry. The next demand was for bedding. Blankets, a mat- tress, pillow, two pillow-cases and four sheets were im- mediately issued to each man. The number of the first named article distributed was 16,000. Then came the question of clothing. There was a slight delay in securing this, but in no instance was a man urgently in need of it left unprovided for, and in the vast majority of cases each candidate secured his full allotment on the day of his arrival. This consisted of one hat and cord, two pairs breeches, one blouse, two 0. D. shirts, one belt, one pair leggins and one pair shoes. It required about seven minutes and forty-five seconds for a man to draw his complete outfit. Over- coats were issued later and woolen uniforms were dis- tributed early in October. A good deal of the clothing had been worn by candi- dates at the previous camp; but every article had been thoroughly washed and slaoes had been resoled. Each man, with a list of the things to which he was entitled, filed through a narrow passage flanked by low counters; behind the latter were piles of clothing, all sorted ac- cording to size, and as a man passed the proper stack an attendant handed over his portion, which was then checked on the list. There was practically no confusion, and men who drew misfits were given the opportunity to exchange them later. The issue of second-hand clothing caused some unfavor- able comments, and it is true some of the uniforms were so washed out and misshapen that they would stand about the same show of passing formal inspection as the pro- verbial snowball in Hades. However, the demand upon the Government for uniforms was enormous, and to throw away quantities of still serviceable apparel would have been unpardonable waste. Candidates were permitted to purchase such necessi- ties as socks and underwear from the department at an increase of 10 per cent over the issue price. This meant in most instances a saving of one-half the retail price. The work of the quartermaster goes back many weeks before the beginning of the first training camp. The The Beginning of the Barracks barrack shacks were erected under the supervision of the department. Construction began on April 28. Every man within a radius of many miles who owned a saw or hammer was speedily hired. Within two weeks buildings, which, if placed end to end would have total length of 9,082 feet, had been completed. Four weeks later the length of buildings actually completed was 2.74 miles. By the middle of July, or ten weeks from the day the first nail was driven, three and one-eighth miles of structures comprising the cantonment were read}^ for occupancy. This included thirty-five company barracks, each 252 feet long and 20 feet wide, and thirty-six mess shack sections each 67 feet long. The stadium, which seats 4,000, was built in a grove of pines a few hundred yards from the barracks. During fair weather it was used for lectures, and Saturday and vSunday night entertainments. The structure was erected in exactly three days, the men working in sixteen-hour shifts. With the coming of winter, the interior of the post gymnasium was remod- eled and raised seats in- stalled which enable one to secure a clear view of the stage from any part of the house. The construction of a mile of board walks, three miles of roads, shops, sheds, gar- ages, etc., are merely inci- dental proof of the thorough- ness with which everything was done. We must not omit mention of the bakery where 2,500 two-pound loaves of bread were baked and delivered daily. The expense of maintaining the camp at Plattsburg barracks amounted to not less than .SI, 000,000 monthly. This did not include the cost of buildings. Each candi- date received $100 a month, and carfare to the camp. The first payment was made on October 8. Provisions for the messes required §100,000 each thirty days, or over .§3,000 daily. Officers in charge of the Cjuartermaster's department at the second camp included: Major F. S. Long, C. A. C, Acting Q. M. Major Chas. E. Jaques, Q. M., U. S. R., Charge of Construction. Major J. M. Walhng, Q. M., C, Mess Officer. Captain H. M. DuffiU, Q. M., U. S. R., Disbursing Officer. Captain A. J. Wicks, Q. !M., U. S. R., Transportation. Captain A. J. McGrath, Q. M., U. S. R., Motor Trans- portation. Captain J. W. Chandler, Q. M., U. S. R., Prop. Store- house. Captain D. H. Shea, Q. M., U. S. R., Clothing Store- house. 37 THE PI ATTS BURGER "SOUPIE, SOUPIE, SOUPEE-E!" the man who yy / EXT formation in ten minutes, for mess! *~y \^ ^laybe you had just finished an invigorating ^ — ' httle hike of four, five or six miles, or, possibly, it had been a short session of "in cadence exer- cise." Then again, it may have been any one of half a hundred other little things that headquarters had planned to wipe away the ennui of an otherwise bored existence. At any rate, you are about to fall in to get on speaking terms with the inner man. Now about this chow. Lots could l)e said and written. Maybe you think most of it had best be left unsaid, and maybe you are not playing a lone hand in the belief. But it was all a part of the game, and doubtless you find that, like most other things that struck you as wrong at the time, there was a definite j)lan and a well-aimed purpose back of it all. Pursuing the trail of information as to the mess, we first encountered Major Jason M. Walling, officer in charge. After listening carefully to the details of the quest, the captain summoned Steward J. H. O'Donnell. (Name sounds like he ought to be in another end of the game, doesn't it? But the steward is on past the age.) And a word here about Steward O'Donnell rationed out your frankfurters and spuds, the C. and C, and other delicacies and otherwise that smote your palate. A good-natured little man is Steward O'Donnell, not a bit calloused with stopping the cuffs and knocks of thirty-three odd hundred men; a restaurateur and hotel man of wide experience, a man who can talk with a knowing air of calories, mineral salts and fiiod nutritions. With the steward at hand began the real quest of information about the mess. " So vou want to get information about the mess, eh?" he began. "Seems you'd have a pretty fair sup|ilv first hanil by this time," he added with a twinkle of his eye. So much was admitted, but it was explained that a somewhat different angle was sought. "Well, we are feeding thirty-three hundred and fifty men. We are allowed sixty cents a day for each man. Out of that allowance, we must pay all of our help, waiters, cooks, and even office help here in handling the business end of the job. Food prices, as you know, are high, though we manage to beat the open quotations." Having entrenched himself back of this rampart, the steward then bared his frame to a bombardment of queries with a pledge to answer any and all if possible. Accept, therefore, the following n(.)tations: Say, for instance, you had "dogs" for dinner on 'Thurs- day. That day the camp cooks prepared for you 1 ,900 pounds of that well-known edible. If you care for figures this item may be pursued a bit further along to inform you that this bunch would make a chain V^ potato contains a mineral salts are if hnked together something like 1 ,250 yards long. Some kennel, eh, what? And when it came to ap- portioning potatoes, which you will recall was a rather regular performance, you consumed roundly thirty bushels of that commodity per diem. And speaking of potatoes, you may as well be let in on the secret of why you so frequently got them "sjiuds a la jackets." There was method. You must understand that the peel of a high amount of mineral salts, and highly essential to your physical well-being. As for eggs. You remember the eggs, all right. At least you should, if lurks in your memory e\'en such \-i\id impressions as that of the time you had mumps. No deeph- detailed information as to exact numbers was obtainetl. But suffice to say that enough were consumed at each meal to have chased every "ham" from his scene of operation since the day when the first barnstorming troupe d(jing "Uncle Tom's Cabin" hit the road on down to the present day. Through deference to the kindly good nature and enduring patience of Steward O'Donnell, no deep inquiry was directed toward soh-- ing the mystifying process em- ployed somewhere between the hencooj) and breakfast table in disguising and otherwise cam- ouflaging the innocent egglet into the consistenc)' so frequently en- countered. Then there was the stew. Yes, of course, the slumguUion. And here, score one for Steward /^ O'Donnell and his co-laborers. If L^ mother ever made better, bring her around, and she can get a job. If your migrations permit, imag- ine a kind of cross between a New England clam chowder and a Mississippi Brunswick stew, and you are face to face with its counterpart. Whenever it was set before you, Uncle Sam had i)arled with the price of 1,700 pounds of beef, an e cj u a 1 poundage of potatoes, 300 pounds of onions and 35 pounds of tomatoes. There are both formula and components for the army stew. No frills, no flounces, no glamour- ing French nomen- clature, but good old rib-plastering stew, that's all. And now both bread bread. .\r.( the Ijread, and O. D. 1 about this I 3SI THE P 1 A T I 8 B U I< C IC R atter, let's account for its frequency. The husks of grain are also strong in mineral salts, and you can't get away from those mineral salts any more than you could get away from that l)ran bread. It required about thirty barrels of flour per day to provide you with the staff of life. That means around 2,500 pounds. The army post baked this bread, and all Steward O'Donncll and his detail did was to slice it up and wheel it in for you. You'll be interested to learn that 175 pounds of coffee were required to make the 350 gallons that you consumed at a meal. If it was tea you had, then twenty- ";> five pounds did the trick, and 110 jjounds £ of cocoa were required '^ij»!i>' when it was served. Mo^'ing along down to desserts, you drew from 800 to 850 pounds of jams or jellies — when they were served. Also you were allowed half a pound of canned peaches, plums, or pineapple when either fell on the menu, whether you got them or your neighbor was a bit more fortunate in catching the deal before the re-shuffle. Possibly you have reflected over the pity of necessity in the packer's having had to cut short the pleasant ruminations of some kindly old longhorn, switching flies under a mesquite bush on a Texas prairie, to provide you with corned beef. And maybe you have even idly cal- culated the tonnage of ice that preserved the eggs unto your consumption, to say nothing of other similar visuahz- ing. But this much you must admit. It served. As Steward O'Donnell pointed out, conditions and equipn-.ent for service weren't just what you would ha\-e doubtless ])rescribed. For good hel]) was not to be had, ajid surroundings and settings hardly conformed to conven- tions. But if you performed the sim[>le task of getting your ration flown in satisfying quantities, it pro\-ed digestible, nutritious and sustaining, which was the main thing. Perhaps your "linen" came from a Canadian forest \ia some paper mill, and your "china" was probably ne\'er any nearer Dresden than Coshocton, Ohio. Hut you missed also the presence of the itchy palm of some sleek Senegambian or son of southern Euro])e at your elbow. And e\'en sitting on your coats wasn't so \'ery much worse than a perpetual tax for ha\'- ing one and paying to have it dry-docked every time you slip into a metropoli- tan food emporium to attend to the little detail of eating. And si)eaking of class here — one of my chief assistantsis an alumnus of Jack's restaurant in New York. He says he got disgusted when they had to find the key and close that famous athletic club up at one o'clock. He misses the oysterman, though, who can and does open Ca])e Cods with his thumb-nail when feeling in good health. And I can't get him to go to bed until after breakfast at six. "The habit of a lifetime," he explains. Looking at the situation from the angle of an alleged victim, it might have been better, or at any rate it left room for improvement, according to the standards of }e Epicurean. But even so it might have been worse. And ''Forsans olini hiec meminissc iuvabW as it went in X^rgil's time, or, spanned down to the present, "Some day it may be a ])leasure to remember even these things.' FREEDOM'S BLADE I am the wrath of Jehovah! I ghtter in the sun hke the soul of man unloosed. I am the joy of the brave, the terror of the timid. I am the ecstasy of victory, the despair of defeat. I am valor's comrade and the poltroon's Nemesis. I am courage incarnate. I am the avenger of murdered babes and ravaged women. I know no mercy. I freeze the blood in the coward's veins, but my sheen is the strong man's flame. I am Right's resistless weapon and Death rides on my gleaming point. I am Freedom's mighty blade; the enslaver's hosts cower at ni}' assault. I am the hope of Civilization, the doom of tyrants. I am the steel of destiny; empires crumble at ni}' approach. I am the fear of God. I AM THE BAYONET. 39 THE PLATTSBURGER THE IDEAL BAYONETEER EXPLAINS His System is Simplicity Itself— All You Need is a Good Imagination V ECRETS which produced in the second Plaltsbura; kJ camp one — count 'im — one Ideal Bayoneteer are now revealed to an expectant pubhc through that enterprise on which The Plattsburger justly prides itself. Through the elTorts of a persistent correspondent we are enabled to present to our readers a series of remarkably suggestive hints guaranteed to make bayonet work a joy and a delight. These hints may be modified to suit exist- ing conditions. They are not intended to set forth hard- and-fast rules, but thorough assimilation of the principles involved is vital if adecjuate results are to be obtained. (,)uibbling over the minutiae will show a failure to grasp the spirit — and a woeful lack of imagination. (See I. D. R.) "My system," said the Ideal Bayoneteer, "is like all great discoveries, simphcity itself. I reveal it now only because The Plattsburger has finally convinced me that it is my patriotic duty. There is only one prime essential. The aspirant must have a few violent aversions, but I am sure no one who has spent a few months at Plattsburg will find that a hard condition to meet. These, then, are the secrets which have enabled me to inject into the bayonet manual that measure of realism which has won me the appellation of the Ideal Bayoneteer." Lesson 1 Gc.VRD — Visualize the man who says, "When I was in the army." As the unceasing refrain rings again in your tired ears direct the point of the bayonet at his imaginary throat. Picture again his sneering lips as from them issues the unending chant, "Now, in the regular service." If you do this conscientiously j-ou will find yourself in a position of aggression, alertness and readiness to go forward for immediate extermination of this vicious pest. Lesson 2 Long Point — Being in the position of guard, form a mental picture of the candidate who says, "When we were on the border." It will add effectiveness to merge into one the pictures of several veterans of the Mexican bull ring. When you have this firmly fixed in your sub- conscious mind, grasp the rifle firmly, repeat distinctly the hated words, "McAllen," "Mission," "El Paso," "Juarez," and deliver the thrust to the full extent of the left arm. If you can't see blood on the bayonet's edge, you are lacking the imagination necessarv to make a good baj'onet fighter. Rem.'Vrks — The long point may be used against Philippine Scouts, Spanish War veterans, men who were "crack shots ten 3'ears ago." The candidate should always thrust at a specific part of the body of the pest he is visualizing. First determine where you would like to inject the point of the steel, then thrust it home. Some may prefer to see this class of pest die a lingering death; others will favor speedy extermina- tion and thrust accordingly. A wide latitude of discre- tion is allowed, but squeamishness will prevent adecjuate results. Lesson 3 Short Point — Mentally photograpli the mess officer responsible for powdered eggs. Shift the left hand r(uicklv toward the muzzle and draw the rifle back to the full extent of the right arm. With the piece momentarily in this position murmur rapidly, "beans," "jam," "war bread," "unpeeled spuds," "corn willie," and at the word "hash" deUver the thrust vigorously to the full extent of the left arm. This thrust will undoubtedly be so powerful that a strong withdrawal will be necessary. Rem-ARKS — The temptation to let the blade stick will be almost irresistible. This may be overcome by quickly registering a mental picture of the waiter at the first table on the right in the brick mess hall. It will be easy then to withdraw the bayonet quickly and rapidly assume a forward, threatening attitude toward the new enemy. Lesson 4 J.AB Point — This should be reserved for reminiscent veterans of the first camp. From the position of short jab shift the right hand up the rifle and grasp it above the rear sight, think of one of the innumerable first campers who says second camp discipline is "light," then send her home. Lesson 5 Butt Strike — Choose your own particular pest. This lesson cannot be given in detail for obvious reasons. General Remarks Fighting with the bayonet is individual, which means that a man must think and act for himself, but he must play as one of a team and not only for himself. As a general rule it is best to think of a company rather than a personal pest. Remember that the object of a bayonet fight is to kill. Go forward with that aggressive determina- tion and confidence of superiority born of continual sufl'er- ing without which the nuisances of a military camp will never be exterminated. It is well to make out a hst of pests so that the most important will not be overlooked and greater versatility in extermination will be acquired. The following are a few suggestions in addition to those already mentioned : The candidate who takes four portions while you are waiting for your first. The candidate who puts the meat spoon in the sugar. The candidate who indulges in barbershop chords while you are trying to study. The candidate who insists on giving the ca- dence when the com- ]3any is keeping perfect time. The candidate who talks about the good times he would be having on Broadway and probably lives in Flushing. The candidate who steps on your heels when you are keeping your required forty inches. candidate who The snores. The dresses call. The insists after everv exam Etc., etc., etc. candidate who before reveille candidate who on an inc[uest 40 THE PLATTS BURGER THE PLATTSBURGER Bv WILLIAM ROGER BURLINGAME Somewhere south of dreamy Plaltsbur;,' there's a town that's long and low Thousand-windowed, wind-swept barracks where the soldiers come and go Where the rookie, green, unbroken, learns by mystic sign and tolcen Tongues of war as they are spoken; learns to live and learns to grow. Have you seen him swinging, singing d(jwn the long white lake-shore pike? With his broad-shod, rhythmic feet pounding out the numbered beat With his rations rolled beMnd and his dinner on his mind; Bacon grease and rice and coffee at the finish of the hike. Have you seen him by the thousand thronging down the Pe-ru Road W^th his scientific pack slowly creeping down his back; With his caterpillar pack grimly clinging to his back, i\nd his cadenced heart forgetful of his load. Just a silly, soft civilian ciuite undisciplined and free, Waked from dreams of golden grubbing by a war across the sea. Plunged by feelings patriotic into realms of things exotic Tactic nightmares, drills chaotic, lands of contoured mystery. Have you seen him plotting, jotting down the lonely lakeside trails; He is mapping all the way from the camp to Indian Bay, And his slope-board in the breeze swings from one to twelve degrees And his compass orients itself along the railroad rails. He has crossed his graveyard crosses, he has starred liis hemlock grove, Ruled his fences, dot by dot; put in houses that were not Numbered contours every one till the gorgeous thing is done And his Captain files it neatly in the stove. Pie's a fuddled, dazed civilian in the chilly damp of dawn When the first call blares its blatant blast to wake the midnight morn For his clothes he vaguely reaches, into unfamiliar niches. Dons his shoes before his breeches; late, definquent and forlorn. Have you seen him squeeze his Springfield at the bulls eyes on the range Squinting darkly, full of fight through his camphorated sight. Now he's lying, stark and prone, now he's kneeUng, bone on bone. Holds his breath until he's dizzy and the disk looms large and strange. Then he shuts his eyes and goes, something hits Irim in the nose, And he screams "A' four at four" till the red flag waves his score And liis last white hope is born to blush unseen. He's a tactful tactic leader still in filmy embryo; y^V He's a new-born Hun-destroyer, quick to harden, quick to grow, With his butt-swing-strike-advancing; ugly looks and grunts enhancing, Sets the Teutons death-dance dancing, thrusting thudding blow on blow. Have you seen him leading flank patrols tlirough swamps knee-deep in shme? Have you seen him wig his wag with his flinging, flashing flag? Have you seen his quick-wit eye catch the point of S. P. I. "What would you do?" and his instant judgment snaps it just in time Swinging by the Hostess House, have you seen Ms sly "Eyes Right" Have you watched his vicious thrust at the flour bags of dust. In his washed out oUve drab with his "Long point, short point jab." Have you heard his smoke bombs bursting in the night? He is leaving soon to learn in France the ceaseless "Carry on" With his bright new yellow pigskins and his U. S. R.'s hard won One short, frenzied free vacation, fed on rich, civihan ration, Frantic female adoration, . . . don't forget him when he's gone. Don't forget him when he's trudged his "Last long mile'' through "CUnton dust," When he's lived and learned and grown; fledged, he's felt his wings and flown, Burst his caging long and low with his spirit all aglow And his Plattsburg's Springfield's laid away to rest in Plattsburg rust, And when his fighting soul hands loose 'twixt earth and the swinging stars, And the night's a crimson hell spUt with Hun-hurled flame and shell When the flesh is dull and dead and the spirit strains ahead, Keep in heart the Plattsburg rookie when he's flown to far-flung wars With his washed out oUve drab and his long point, short point jab. And his collar bronze and dear-bought shoulder bars 41 THE PIATTSBURGER SPEAKING OF MESS AND OTHER THINGS Bv BUD FISHER 5PeAK'^/6 OF MGSS A FLX SHOUUD OP fi\ RUSH OR.\)e^ OF ST^W /\RTlLl.€R>r ABURSkT ON STUFP, 42 THE PLATTSBURGER GIVING PERU ROAD THE ONCE OVER Thrilling Adventwes of a Candidate's Escape from Ferocious Contour the L air of thi i/Jf/ E were told that Lake Champlain was ninet_\--fivc r r feet above "mean sea level, "that theLake'Shore road by the cemetery was one hundred and sixty feet up, that the distance out the Peru Road to South Plattsburg, returning by the lake, was approximately eleven miles, and then we were told to bring in a map of that country as we covered it in our round trip. We were given all day to do it. The thing sounded easy, sort of a pleas- ant day's walk. That is, it sounded easy until we came to think about it. Then all that we had read and heard about contours, critical points, roads, streams, bridges, etc., came back as a blur. And what we saw ahead of us as we started out looked like "country," not like a map. It was not going to be such a pleasant day after all. The sketching outfit that we carried with us was one of the first trials. Drawing paper spread out on the board and fastened with thumbtacks looked very neat indeed, but that was not all, not by any means. Over in the corner was a compass, and hanging from the side by a string was a three-cornered rule called an "alidade," and the two taken together were supposed to tell you not only where you came from, but where you were going from there. If treated kindly they would also impart such intimate information as how fast you were going uphill or down, and how far that hill over there was from you. They did all this preferably at the corners, or at a turn in the road. They were really reported to be quite a help. I beheved this at the start. My first shock came when I stopped at a corner be- cause I saw a lot of other men hanging around there, spread out my board on a neat little tripod and waited. The compass spun round and round. I waited for it to stop, but it never did. Somebody told me that \ the electric wires affected it. I moved to the other side of the road. It was still excitable. The trolley track was said to be to blame then. And by the time I was away from the tracks and the wires I was down the road, away from the corner. Even then the, compass didn't point north. When I had the board the way I thought it ought to be the old compass said, "Northwest," and then I didn't know where I was going. Since then I've learned that it really doesn'tmake any difference whether the compass does point straight north, so long as it hes consistently, but I was young and innocent as to compasses that morning. I took the thing seriously. Anyhow I started out with my faith in the general scheme of things considerably shaken, but taking in the "sights" as I went. This meant marking down with cute little marks not only the things that were on each side of the road, like cornfields, houses, barns, etc., but all the "ups and downs." We were supposed to hold the board in a certain way, squinting down the side, and it would say whether that valley to the side was up or down, and how much. The first low place I looked into was considerably "up," and then I knew somebody was lying. That "adelaide" or whatever they called it — I'd forgotten b}' this time — was as fooHsh as the compass. And the "pacing" — that was another thing that was supposed to help us. We had stepped off one fine morning across a stretch that measured a quarter of a mile, we counted our steps, and then we were told that the number of our steps multiplied by six or something and divided by x equalled the number of yards in a mile. We made a lot of fool marks along the side of the "adelaide," and then we were supposed to know by counting the number of steps and measuring off that number on the "adelaide" stretched out on the map how far we had gone from there. Meantime I was wondering more and more what good it did us to know that Lake Champlain was ninety-five feet above the "mean sea level." I hadn't seen the lake that day. But I kept on figuring just the same, with more and more of a leery idea that both compass and "adelaide '' were playing me false, until finally I landed down where there was a river. My figures told me that the river was one hundred and eighty feet below sea level. And yet when I followed along the road by the side of that so- called river — it was much more like a brook — I found that it flowed into Lake Champlain, How I ever made the trip home I'm not quite sure, but in dizzy fashion I kept on putting down figures, and sighting and pacing. I still took it all seriously. But when I got back to the barracks I found nearh' everybody there already. The man in the bunk opposite me was reading a livelv novel ;■, : cahed "Infantry Drill -'-' Regulations." I asked him about his map. He said he'd handed it in an hour ago, and he'd shaved and had a" bath in the meantime. I wondered. Next morning his map was ;J pinned up on the bulletin board as an example. He got ninety-five on it. I asked him how he ever guessed the figures so near to what they should be. He said he didn't guess them, he read them oft" the telephone poles I MORAL: The man who keeps his eye on the compass isn't alwavs the man who gets there. 43 THE PI ATTSBURGER POINTERS -^om z^c^ Inoculation Needle! and we do this on our own lime LATER H(l(IK£nL 44 THE PLATTSBURGER AS YOU WERE Things That May Happen When an Officer of the Medical Corps Begins to Apply Mental Tests CHARACTERS Major Frederick Means, M. C. Captain William Johnson, U. S. R. Lieutenant Howard Stafford, M. C. Candidate Ferdinand Van Rensselaer. Private Tom Jones, M. C. Scene: Room in the Infirmary, PlaHsburg Traiuing Camp. Doors right and left, two wi'idows center, looking Old on porch. The roo7n is furnished in severe plainness. Table down stage right, three chairs near it. Another chair left. Coat hooks on wall R. Time: 9 A. M. Discovered: Private Jones, 45 years old, is arranging papers on tabic R. Whistling ragtime air. Door L. opens and Lieutenant Howard Stafford, M. C, enters. He is in full uniform, cap in his hand. JONES (Saluting) : Good morning, sir. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (Acknowledging the salute) : Good morning, Jones. Is everything ready? (Crosses R. to the table.) JONES: I've followed orders, sir. The paper and pencils are here on the table. And the hammer with the rubber head. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD : That's correct. JONES: Are )'ou sure that's all. Lieutenant? I should think the major would want a lot of apparatus and stuff, a doctor as famous as they say he is. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (Crosses behind table): No. You've the orders. The major is a psychopathist. He has come to observe the men in training. Yester- day he picked out men with symptoms of nervous troubles as well as the abnormal mental types. These men have been notified to appear before him here this morning for a personal examination. You understand that much, don't you? JONES: Yes, sir. But if it's just "nuts" they're looking for, anybody can pick 'em out. I can pick 'em. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD : It will be suificient for you to obey orders. The men will come in through this room (Indicating room L.). And you will bring them in one by one as the major directs. When he has finished, you will send them back the same way they came. That room (indicating R. with a nod of his head) is occupied this morning by Captain Johnson. He came in last night for treatment for a heavy cold, and we recommended that he stay over for a rest. He's still asleep there, and he's not to be disturbed under anj^ circumstances. JONES: Yes, sir. (Enter Candidate Ferdinand Van Rensselaer in uniform. He's an eccentric type, the son of a wealthy family who never would make a soldier, but wants to be an officer. He salutes elaborately.) VAN RENSSELAER: Candidate Van Rensselaer reports, sir, under orders from INIajor JMeans. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (Acknowledging the salute) : You will wait in that room (indicates L.) until Major Means sends for you. VAN RENSSELAER : Yes, sir. JONES (Goes to table — turns to Van Rensselaer) : Your name? VAN RENSSELAER: Ferdinand Van Rensselaer. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (To Van Rensselaer): That is all. (Van Rensselaer salutes and goes out L. Lieutenant Stafford acknowledges the salute and crosses to table R.): Flow did you spell that name, Jones? JONES (Rising): I didn't spell it, sir. I just wrote it. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (Picks up slip of paper): I see you did. Spelling Ferdinand with a "u." (Exit Lieutenant Stafford L.) (Enter Major Frederick Means, M. C, through door L. He is an exceedingly brisk individual, forty years old, with a "professional" manner. Jones comes to attention at once and salutes.) MAJOR MEANS (Acknowledges the salute and goes to table R.) : Your name is ? JONES: Jones, sir. MAJOR MEANS: Lieutenant Stafford gave you your orders? JONES: Yes, sir. The first man in the room there is — (Picks up slip of paper and hands it to major.) MAJOR (Reads) : Ferdinand Van Rensselaer. (Then, reminiscently.) Most eccentric, as I remember the case. (Looks up at Jones.) Your handwriting is unusual, Jones. (Jones stares at him.) I see you are surprised. But that's how I work. I notice even the smallest things. And keen observation, Jones, keen observation. That's the secret. The smallest things are often the most important. Now your handwriting reveals an unexpected amount of character JONES (Unable to hold in any longer) : I didn't write that, sir. Lieutenant Staft'ord did. MAJOR (Consideraljly annoyed, looks down at table, and then speaks sharply): There's no flashlight on the table. I ordered it. JONES: I'm sorry, sir, but they didn't tell me MAJOR: Don't argue. Get it. JONES: Yes, sir. (Salutes and exits L.) (Major Means paces up and down with hands behind his back, then goes to wall right, and hangs up his cap on hook. As he does this, enter Captain William Johnson, U. S. R., from room R. The captain is in O. D. shirt, with breeches, spiral leggings and marching shoes. No insignia on his collar. He is thirty-five years old, but looks to be about thirty. He comes into the room quickly as if he were look- ing for someone, then sees ]\Iajor Means, stops and salutes.) MAJOR (Acknowledging salute): You've not been ordered in here. CAPTAIN JOHNSON: No, sir. I was looking for an orderly. MAJOR MEANS: But as long as you're here, we might as well begin the examination at once. Take a chair. CAPTAIN: Isn't there a mistake, sir? MAJOR: Sit down. (The captain does so.) How old are you? CAPTAIN: Thirty-five. MAJOR: You don't look it. You don't look more than thirty. (Watches to see what effect this questioning will have, but so far Captain Johnson merel}- answers in puzzled manner): Are ^■()u married? 45' THE PL A TTS BURGER CAPTAIN: Yes, sir. MAJOR: Do you lo\'e your wife?' CAPTAIN (Looks up at him amazed): Sir, I'm a gentleman. MAJOR : Then you're not. CAPTAIN (Rising): Will you tell me, sir, wh)- I should be subjected to this examination? MAJOR: Steady, steady. Don't get excited. CAPTAIN: But why should I be selected for examina- tion? MAJOR : Because I have oljserved that you vary from the normal t^i^e that makes a good officer, and I have ordered you here for further close observation. As my subordinate, you obey. Sit down. (Captain Johnson sits again C ) Were you in business before you came into the army? CAPTAIN: I was. MAJOR: What was your income? (Captain looks at him, and major repeats his question) : What was your income? CAPTAIN: .§1.5,000 a year. MAJOR: That is good — for a young man. Why did you sacrifice it to come into the army? CAPTAIN (Looks up at him angrily, but decides to answer): Because I Hke army work, sir, and because I knew men were needed in the army — with the nation at war. MAJOR (Sharply): Confine your answers to facts. How did you know that you liked army work? CAPTAIN: Because I've been in the army seven years and a half. MAJOR: And you were successful in business as well. Quite a remarkable young man! CAPTAIN (Annoyed) : Are you trying to make fun of me? MAJOR: I am not. CAPTAIN (Rising) : Then I suppose you're implying that I am a liar ! MAJOR: Steady, steady, young man. CAPTAIN: And you might find it possible to talk to me without so much of that "young man" stuff. MAJOR : Remember you're addressing an officer. CAPTAIN: I remember that you've asked me a lot of impertinent questions, and when I answered politely you tried to make me out a liar. Now I'd like to know what the hell you're up to? (Faces the major.) MAJOR (Now angry himself) : I'm up to this, that I have authority to examine you men and those whom I report unfitted to be officers will end their training now. CAPTAIN: Well I'll be damned! MAJOR: And you, young man, will be so reported at once. (Captain laughs. This makes the major more angry): The first thing a' candidate for a commission has to learn is discipHne, and I observe that you are totally unable to submit to discipline. I shall recom- mend your discharge from the camp at once, Mr. Van Rensselaer. CAPTAIN: What's that? MAJOR: I shall recommend your discharge at once as being temperamentally unfitted CAPTAIN: I heard that stuft'. What was the name? JMAJOR: Mr. Van Rensselaer — your name. CAPTAIN: That is not my name. MAJOR: Not your name! What are you talking about? I hnYv it here on a piece of paper as the orderly wrote it. (Goes down to table R. and holds up piece of paper.) CAPTAIN: I don't care what you've got written there. AL\JOR: You are excitable. You never would do for service under any conditions. The least argument, and you don't even know your own name. Cx\PTAIN: Certainly I know my own name. ]\IAJOR (Ignoring this) : I don't see how you've lasted even as a private, Mr. Van Rensselaer. CAPTAIN (Angrily): I am not Mr. Van Rensselaer, and I am not a private. MAJOR: What, are you going to tell me now that you are an officer already? CAPTAIN: Of course I will, I am an officer, you damn fool. MAJOR (Having lost his temper completely) : That's the end. You are discharged. I'll have you out of here before the day is over. (Enter Private Jones L. with serge blouse and an electric flashlight in his hand.) JONES (Saluting) : The flashlight, sir. MAJOR: Put it there on the table. (Jones does so.) And take this man at once to his barracks. JONES: This man— why, this is Captain Johnson! (Major stands astounded. Jones crosses to captain, stops and salutes): Your blouse, sir. The camp tailor brought it just now. CAPTAIN (Takes blouse) : Thank you. (Puts it on, the collar having insignia of his rank.) MAJOR: Then you really are an officer! CAPTAIN: I am, sir. MAJOR : And what were you doing here? CAPTAIN: I stayed here last night, sir, under medical care. Now I report for duty. (Enter Lieutenant Staftord L. He salutes. Major Means and Captain Johnson both return the salute. Private Jones is upstage R. at attention. There is an awkward pause of a second.) LIEUTENANT STAFFORD: Are you ready to begin, major? MAJOR MEANS: Yes, at once. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD: Captain, I should like to have you meet Major Means MAJOR: We've just been getting acquainted. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (Turning to captain): You probably know about the Major's great work in psychopathy CAPTAIN: I was Ijeginning to learn about it. LIEUTENANT STAFFORD (Turning to major): you, major must have heard of the captain's He is rather well known for his fighting fact we consider him one of our best And brilliant record qualities. In officers MAJOR : I was beginning to learn about him. CAPTAIN: That's enough, lieutenant. You em- barrass me. I'm off, unless (Turns to major) the major has some orders for me. MAJOR (SmiHng): As you were. (Captain salutes and goes out R. Major goes down to table and turns to Lieutenant Stafford). There's just one trouble with these examinations, fieutenant, and that is we're so used to looking for abnormal types a regular man will fool us — sometimes. Bring in that first man. JONES: Yes, sir. (Aside) Well I'll be d d. CURTAIN. 46 ! THE PLATTS BURGER MEDICAL CORPS Sitting, left to right— Lieut. Col. S. M. DeLoffre Lieut. Col. A. W. Williams Major R. W Andrews Staniiing, left to right — Lieut. J. A. Lanahan Capt. A. P. Francine Capt. E. A. Tobin Lieut. W. H. Richardson Lieut. F. B.Trudeau Lieut. J. W. Price Lieut. R. H. BoUing Lieut. H. A. Benson Lieut. J. R. Hogan PICKING THE FIT cnv _ PHYSICAL fitness is an entirely relative term. In JL civil life it is a reasonably possible achievement. In the army it can't be done. The rigors of Plattsburg training are endurable. One survives sixteen hours per day of military contortions, gets by somehow; but to meet the demands of the medical corps is a different story. They, we of Plattsburg know, are the discoverers and compilers of all the imperfections of mankind. Back home you may have delivered ice or moved pianos twelve hours a day and sought diversion in a night school of pugilism, but all that availeth you nothing at Plattsburg. You may be allowed to continue army work — most of them are — but do not forget that it is by the grace and charity of the medical corps. The mental state of a promising heifer at a county fair must be beauteously placid in com- parison to that of the Plattsburg candidate. Still the inquisition is inflicted by degrees. That much can be said for it. Your benign family physician lets you down easily in the beginning. In fact, he smiles proudly as he scans your lithe Kmbs, and lays his head against your manly chest again to hear the rhythmic functioning of the organs he has kept in repair these many years. To give you anything but a perfect score would be self -incriminating, which is unethical and not done in the best medical circles. The record he gave you is not even of casual interest at the next examination. To even re- fer to it at Governor's Island is treason to the very country you hope to serve. It isanaft'ront to the medical corps whose favor }'ou seek. Major Gregory — Cerberus They start all over again and the pace quickens. They give you a brand-new record sheet unsullied by civihan practitioners, and you are dead till they bid you live. You spend an enlightening afternoon on the Island, weighing in, identifying the colors of brilliantly hued yarn, memorizing the lines on the optical test sheets against the moment when you will be asked to read them, repeating the whispers hissed at you by a personage in a far corner, who is interested in your hearing and curious to know whether he can frighten you by the noise he makes, trotting in your tracks so that the patience of sorely tried heart and lungs may be adjudged — in short, at the end of it all you are anatomically card indexed from corns to bald- headedness. If you find yourself still con- scious after the air of the corral you are morally sure of your own immunity from gas attacks. After it is all over you feel good about it. You haven't lived such a wild life after all. You always knew you were strong. You regret deeply that other men refuse to live as you have done. If they only knew the joy and satisfaction tiiat comes with the pronouncement that you are fit to battle for }'our country, that you are among the elect chosen to throttle and vanquish the proud Prussians ! You are ready now for Plattsburg. Before the day of departure you do some vigorous walking and deep breathing for good measure. There is no physical examination on the train, not even suspicion. In camp all goes well for a week or so. Your herculean bodv is at rest ^^■ith \qvlx 47 THE P L ATT S BURGER patriotic soul. Then the medical corps find it out. They mobilize. The serum is uncorked and needles unpacked. Iodine is placed within reach of desperate men. The dis- pensary' doors are iiung wide, and j'ou and the others of the first three thousand are bidden enter. You are jabbed and painted and picked up anwhere between the rear door and your barraclis bunk. This has happened on Sunday. On Thursday you are feeling more hke work. The new typhoid germs within you are knocking off for the week- end and you begin to think you may go along. Somehow this gets to the medical corps. On Friday you are informed of another jabfest for Sunday. There is a month of this. It stops suddenly. Several hundred men are pronounced immune from \-arious diseases. You figure that they are by this time so crowded with germs that not even one more could possibly elbow his way in. It is also rumored that the Government is considering tr^dng to get a little serum for some of the other camps. Any^vay the job is done and candidates everywhere are reported as recovering. Now for work! Perfect in being and a guarantee for the future stamped right on your arm ! Nothing ahead but a hop, skip and a jump into a uniform. It was tough while it lasted, but in the army one must expect those things; and since it is all over, why worry about it.? Such is youth, hopeful and trustful youth, unmindful of the indiscretion of appearing to be happy, sublimely forget- ful of the medical corps. Immediatelv another phvsi- cal examination is necessary. It is announced. There are dark rumors. The work is begun. Those that have gone before become but faint mem- ories of soft-hued days with gentle friends. Long lines of blue men clad " All Over in khaki are led to the dis- pensary. The meekness of despair has quenched any and all smouldering fires of revolt. A mysterious order takes a section from the waiting ranks and it disappears through the rear door of Barracks G. Five men enter the dispensary and a scowling, perspiring figure closes the door behind them. Five more go in and then five more. There is now a constant drain on the forces assembled outside, but more men are coming up. In time appear some of those who were bidden farewell at Barracks G. One hstens to their accounts with misgivings. "I never had any heart trouble," says one. "Now I've got to go back to-morrow for another examination. Too fast. Beats like a steam engine. Wonder who that big guy is?" " Trudeau, I guess " we glean from another as he buttons his shirt. "You know, Trudeau from Saranac. Lung expert. Reserve officer now. Lieutenant. Big as a brigadier, though, and better natured than one." "Well, I didn't have the big fellow, only saw him. Couldn't help it. Price was my man. Also from Saranac, reserve lieutenant, and lungs and heart. Fine chap, Price. Acts just as nice as if he were going to treat you for five years and had an advance fee. He could tell you you had T. B. and make you glad of it." Even while we are listening to the foregoing, comes a call for volunteers to fill the diminishing ranks in G. A dozen brave men go. Captain Francine — reserve, lungs and heart— takes a hand. The trio get into^ action. They listen gravely to hearts and thump on chests in rejily. You say "Ninety-nine." That seems to be the niystic sign of the Order of the Lungs. You repeat it. It is not difficult to memorize. You cough, perhaps for the first time in your hfe. Meantime you are being given the stethoscope massage. Finally you are permitted to go, sometimes scot free as far as the Francine-Trudeau-Price combination is concerned. Some are commanded to return on the morrow. Even-tempered hearts and sturdy lungs are ultimately consigned to barracks, the others to the "hospital. The chronic cases are discharged, returning to their work of moving pianos. Hopes are still being blasted in the dispensary, whither you now go. En route you see Major Andrews, lord high director of the tortures, solemnly enter with the mien of a man who has just placed the morgue in readiness. You soon follow. Inside you ghmpse shirt-sleeved^ forms performing weird rites over downtrodden candidates. You run the gauntlet. One man doesn't believe you can read, and you prove it to him by naming the letters on a card on the wall, reading them right oft' — by memory, as per Governor's Island. Lieutenant Buck — he of the pipe— looks at your glasses and informs you the lens are plain plate glass. Lieutenant Benson looks in- to your ears with a flashlight apparatus. You are careful not to wag your ears lest Major Gregory nearby see you. Benson also looks at your throat and you say "Ah" just as if you had discovered what it was all about. Again you identify little balls of yarn. Practice has made this easy. Lieutenant Lanahan guesses your exact weight, and if you don't believe he's right he weighs you and proves it. Lieutenant Boiling and some others search for other defects. You now approach the ordeal of ordeals, the test that makes strong men clench their fists and nervous men gnash their teeth to still their wrath. You guessed it, Alajor Gregory. Dapper, professional, military, alert, confident is he. Occasionally he dares a horrible death by merely asking a question. Before he deigns to speak, his assistant explores your eyes with a flashlight. What he sees there besides lack of sleep no man knows. He feels your hand. You have been standing by the stove and your hand perspires. He deduces that you are nervous and asks you about it. If you stoutly deny it he agrees with you. If you admit it of course he was right. Either way, it's up to j^ou. If you are made to return the ne.xt day and the fire is out and your hand is blue from the cold of the dispensary, you are nervous because your hand is cold. Major Gregory manifests a condescending interest in you at this point. At first j'ou think he constitutes the Board of Morals. You marvel when he tells you right oft'-hand that you have occasionally drunk too much and that you smoke too many cigarettes. You begin to feel that if they are really so particular about a man's habits it wouldn't do any harm to sign the pledge. Then he inquires as to your domestic relations if any. He is also interested in how much money you make. You are about to tell him that you are loaded up with insurance, {Conlimied on page 69.) 48' THE PLATTSBUKGER The Last Long Mile By E. BREIl^ENFELD {By pciviiiss/ou of Ilcnry W . Savage, Inc., owner of copyrighl.) H, they put me in the army and they handed me a pack, They took away my nice new clothes and dolled me up in kack, They marched me twenty miles a day to fit me for the war, I didn't mind the first nineteen, but the last one made me sore. Chorus : Oh, it's not the pack that you carry on your back, Nor the Springfield on your shoulder. Nor the five-inch crust of Clinton County dust, That makes you feel your limbs are growing older — And it's not the hike on the hard turnpike That wipes away your smile. Nor the socks of sister's That raise the blooming blisters; It's the last long mile. SECOND VERblE Some day they'll send us over and they'll put us in a trench Taking pot shots at the Fritzes with the Tommies and the French, And some day we'll be marching through a town across the Rhine And then you bet we'll all forget these mournful words of mine. [Chorus: Oh, it's not the pack, etc.] [49 1 THE PLATTSBURGER THE LAST LONG MILE—Chorm ^m^^^^ ^^^^^^m ^ ^^^ Oh its not the pack that you car- ry on your back, nor the 5 :? =^^^^= mm V tt^ ^' ^^^W f ^ !^ f ± ^ Spring- - field on your shoul - dor, Nor the 1* m m ^ ^^ W ' i r^T^fT ^ i ^ five gi J' I . J' nch crust of Clin - ton coun.ty dust that H^^ r ^ P - 4 f ^ ^£ i -s- iij(i * ^ hi ^ *" ^ P i' -^^ ^' J' p Ei ^ f makes you feel your limbs are grow - ing- ol der, And it's ^^m ^m ^ itf tif ^ ^ i: V=^=P= 50" THE PLATTSBURGER THE LAST LONG MILE— C^ orus m ^^ •g n'ot the hike on the hard turn- pike, that wipes a - way your m i i i i ^i ^ p ^ ^ i^i^i^ ^^ i smile. Nor f ^ -m the socks of sis - ters that m m f w m P 7 ^ t ii^^ i P P P ^' P 6e P raise the bloom -ing- blist-ers. Its the last long ^ a: i i i^ "^ P s^ 1 1 $ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ * ^-^^^ '^ * fc^ ^^ Oh it's mile. mile! m m: ^ t r w=^ -W-^-M^ J I L - 11 51 THE PLATTSBURGER Wi£ Wag WILLI^E I He looks so veri) silli) - ^VV>'W' "z^. "--^-— JK^ The poor old D. aud H. is (iettitio — Ueart disease ! WitK kis dot dask dot so snappu — f===:_^-_-- Everii six ioot enmrLeer "TW '^ Simplu sl^ks - Ok dear I Ok dear !■ vt I. He inakes Kis Captain kappif Minii<.fft — M'" NY THE P L A T T S B U R G E R C''^ / ■• ,7 ,'^ Ji Ji j) h i' J) Ji ^ m looks so ve . ry sil - ly As he waves his lit - tie ban-ner in the ban-ner in ^ I a ^ ^ 1^ — » « -t-^ :^ [>5 Tar • 7 r s s ^ I) J) i' J) J> ^ ^ breeze, With his dot - dash - dot so snap-py. He t.^ — »- S r ^ J ^ ^ J J'^ h! ( 7 f- 7 f- 7 ^-^ 7 -•- ?^ ^ ^''l> i^^ ^' J-^ i» J) [^, J) J) I i) J) lli' p p^^-^M makes his cap - tain hap-py, Awhile the poor old D. & H. is get -ting- 54] THE PLATTS BURGER WIG WAG WlLLlE^Chorus S ^S=^ r^ =t heart di seasc; For he flags each freight, ^ On ^ JM ^ J J) J f ^ *" f^ ^ r 'i : ^ l ^^'i' J) Ji Xf, r J»-JU> J) i> Ji r i^^ 1- r > ^' Jm J'p ppr J'i' i J' pp pr ^^ code; And each sil foot en-gl-neer simply slghs"oh dear, oh dear'" When ^ $ i W ff * • a S f f T ^ r FTfF e P 1^ P ^ji J) J' p ^^ m ^ ^ 22 Wil - lie wags the wig wag on the rail -Tjtjf * road ^ * [55; THE PLATTS BURGER CAUGHT ON THE HIKE Time. Cold, Rainy Day in October. Place. Battery Park and on the March. CAPTAIN (To himself) : I'll get away wdth it all right, but I'm blamed scared some of the boys will kill a horse or rmi a carriage off a bridge. SWING DRIVER: Say, is this horse's collar on straight? ARAIY SERGEANT: You have it on backward, sir. (To himself. ) Where do they pick these boobs? CANNONEER: I'm glad I'm a can- noneer; nothing to do but ride on a caisson. CAPTAIN : Stretch the traces. Right b}' section, ma-a-a-arch. Col- umn right, ma-a-a-arch. (Look- ing around.) Where you going with that second section? I didn't say by the right flank march. SECTION CHIEF: Yes, sir. (To lead driver.) See here, you watch out or you'll get me a dirty mark. LEAD DRIVER: I have all I can do to drive this pair, and feed them grass when we halt. You listen for orders yourself. Don't you bawl me out because you have a tin ear. WHEEL DRIVER: Take off that brake, think you're running a cable car? CANNONEER: Don't get peevish, haversack. CANNONEER ON LIMBER (As horseman passes): How'd that guy get on the B. C. detail? SECOND CANNONEER (Average A 46 P 32): Not by looking over my shoulder. CAPTAIN: Lift that limber pole! Wake up, you're in the army now. SECOND CANNONEER: Yes, sir. (To companion.) I told you he had it in for me. FIRST SERGEANT: For the love o' Mike, don't let those wheel horses do aU the pulling. Now don't jerk 'em into the collar. Ooze 'em in; take it up gradually — gradually. LEAD DRIVER: I'd like to see you drive this pair. They don't make dynamite strong enough to move this off horse. CAPTAIN: H-a-a-a-alt! Pass it down the line there. Keep out of that jam. Pull over to the right. Mr. Blank, you ought to know better than that. Put down that limber pole. Who's holding that pair? DRIVER (At roadside): I am, sir. some grass. CAPTAIN: A horse hasn't any sense. out of the traces, and then what '11 you do? leave their heads without having some one in your place. D 'you I was fixing my I pulling They'll walk Don't you ever (To himself.) Horses are monuments of intelligence com- pared to some of these drivers. CANNONEER (To wheel driver): When you trot, I wish you'd trot more gently. This ]iiece hasn't any springs, and you're jarring my counter recoil buffer up through the top of my head. DRIVER: I'll change any time you say. My riglit leg is permanently out of action. CAPTAIN (To brother officer) : I should have made it hearts, but I thought I could get away with it no trumps. She roasted me good. (To driver.) Mr. Blank, fix that loin strap. Do I have to keep riding up and down the line all the time thinking of nothing but harness? IN CAMP NO. 1 (To relief) : I have si.xty-nine horses, thirty-nine on this side the picket line and thirty- two on the other; my post extends CORPORAL OF THE GUARD: Wait a minute, that's more than sixty-nine horses. NO. 1 : Well, you know I always was generous. CANNONEER (Piercing water blister): And I thought a cannoneer had nothing to do but ride! I've dug and I've shoveled and I've filled grain bags till I'm a credit to the army. NO. 2: Loose horse! Number Two! Loose Horse! Number Two ! STABLE SERGEANT: There he is. Over by that caisson. Grab his halter. NO. 2: I'm afraid he'll kick me. DRIVER (Awakened by snoring) : What time is it? Almost morning? TENT MAKER (Flashing hght) : It's 10.20. Gee,it'scold! NO. 1 (So whole camp can hear) : Who goes there ? STABLE SER- G E A N T : Stable sergeant. NO. 1 (At top of lungs) : Advance and be identified. CAPTAIN (Wak- ing up) : Get me a cup of coffee. (To himself.) I'd give $10 for a bath in a bathtub. FIRST SER- GEANT: Strike that tent there. CANNONEER: But it's raining. FIRST SERGEANT: You're a heluva soldier! Get down to the picket line and help pull on that 'paulin. BUGLER: Shall I sound the mess call? COOK: Those guys give me a pain Us cooks is the ones that gets to know human nature. CANNONEER: Where can I wash my hands? BORDER CAVALRY VETERAN: Oh, that's all right. Why, man, you'll come to like it that way. CAPTAIN (To brother officer as hike ends) : Good- bye, old chap. We've had a fine war. 56 THE PLATTS BURGER Want to Do Thing's o a Military Way Give Me a Kiss by the Numbers By J. F. TROUNSTINE Onel Two! Johnny came to Plattsburg When the U. S. went to war; He had energy galore, But he'd never fought before. His specialty was loving Pretty girlies by the score — Said he always satisfied them When they shouted out for more. But Johnny changed his tactics on that day; Said when they asked him why, here's what he'd say: Chorus: Give me a kiss by the numbeis, I want to do things in a military way; I used to kiss without any thought of cadence. And oh, oh, what pleasure I used to give the maidens ! But it's different, oh, so different Since they put a uniform on me! So-o, give me a kiss by the numbers, In cadence — One! Two! Three! Three! THE PL A TTS BURGER GIVE iME A KISS BY THE NVMBERS. Chon^s fe ^ P * Give me S I * a kiss by the aum-bers,- ^ i\i j J i ^ ^ ■* — : r:: a-- i^m 3 t l ! M tt3 * * i E ,| j~"3 r:3 1 [_^-^ s I want to do things in a mil - i - ta - ry way; ^n n fc f g m IS ^ r: r-j S 4 I used to kiss with - out an. y thought of ca - dence,. 'N il l m ^c — ^ 9 r -*' — •- — ^ — -- 1 f-^ 1 g ^ w • ni_r2 n ^m And oh, oh, what plea - sure I used to give the maid - ens! i i ij> ^Zl 3 58 THE PLATTS BURGER GIVE ME A KISS BY THE NVMBERS.— Chorus ^ ^^ But Its dif - fer ent, oil, so dif fer . eat ^ rv^ f M p 1 t^i: P Since they put a f ni form * ^W # on me i ^ i t> T 3 ^=^H ^ i p ^ s *s^ So give me a kiss by the num - bers, In ca-dence m -» ■ ■-* ^ r=^ 3 l^U MM m tt3 * tt^ 3 m ^^ V ? P ^^ f One! Two! Three! ^^=f ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^ J) 7^t S s 8 [59] FRAGMENTS FROM FRANCE Brought from ''Over There" by a Candidute Who Compares Plattsburg Training with Actual IFar Conditions / t'i ia^*?*""-- "This is a cinch — nothing to do all day and all day to do it in!" ■/.:■ I - - ^' /J FTER training in England for three months, dur- V-«/x ing which time it rained on an average of six days in every seven, an American, serving with theCanadians, was heard to remark, "Now I know why the sun never sets on the British flag; — the d sun never comes out to set." And Sunny France has also done very well, all things considered, in proving the folly of accepting a poetical expression as an index to actual conditions. If a man has the proper "viscera" and can put up with the hardships and trials of inclement weather, there is a possibility that he may become a fairly good soldier. But don't misunderstand; putting up with the hardships doesn't necessarily mean that he won't "grouch." To "grouch" is a soldier's one privilege, and to retain this privilege it is expedient that it should be properly exercised. A Canadian or any other Colonial would be considered a poor soldier if, at some time or other, he hadn't expressed the desire that they "give England to the Kaiser with apologies for the condition it was in." And unless I am greatly mistaken and human nature has been turned upside down, the American troops are going to be well represented when claims for this pri\'ilege are filed. :|! * * * * Owing to conditions changing from day to day, the difference in the lay of the land, whether you are on the ofiensive or defensive, in a quiet part of the line or in a sector where there is heavy fighting going on, it is impossible to lay down anj' set rules to govern the present and future methods of trench warfare. So in the training of the American troops today the best one can do is to give general ideas and as clear a conception as possible of what has been done and what is going on at the present time. With this knowledge, both theoretical and practical — with emphasis laid on the practical — they will be in a position to adapt themselves to circumstances which will be confronted when they come into actual contact with the enemy. The system of trenches that we have constructed in Plattsburg, by the sweat of our brow and the criticisms of a favored few, are for the purpose of trying to instill in our minds a general perception of what will be found when we get to Sunny France. The trenches were laid out as if an actual enemy was intrenched just beyond the railroad. Advantage was taken of all points that would give a good field of fire and make well-disposed observation posts. Communication trenches, or "assembly trenches" as the British call them, were put in; not that there are very many sectors with this type of trench in use, but if we should run across something similar, we will at least know its purpose. Before a battalion takes over a new position some of the officers, non-commissioned officers and scouts are sent in to reconnoiter and get a general idea of the lay of the land. According to trench phraseology, these trips are called "Cook's Tours— Personally Conducted"; and if a member of the party is unlucky 'or lucky enough to get killed or wounded the remark is always" made by some- one that "he failed to get a round-trip ticket." When a working party is assigned to a certain task each man should be gi\'en so much \vork to do and when this is completed he should be permitted to lay off. We were unable to do this at Plattsburg as we had no organization for trench-work to start with, and that is the reason things appeared to move along a little slowly at first. It was GO THE PLATTS BURGER surprisiiif?, though, how much was accompUshed by men who before couldn't teU a shovel from a three-inch field piece. During the second day of digging I was walking about the trenches when I came upon an individual sitting in the bottom of a trench industriously consuming a ten cent cigar. He evidently didn't notice Captain X standing only a few feet away. He remarked to me: "This is a cinch— nothing to do all day and all day to do it in." I said nothing and walked away. A few seconds later, upon looking back, there appeared to be a steam shovel working from the amount of dirt that was coming out — and from the exact place where only a few seconds before there was a soldier really enjoying himself. I wonder what happened! And then a certain instructor said; "Do you want to see a miracle?" "Yes." "Well just take a look at those eight men over there. For years their exercise has been confined to club windows. They have been in that shelter for a half an hour and it's almost deep enough already." When the battalion actually goes in to take over a portion of the line they are met at a prearranged point by guides from the unit that is being relieved, one guide for each platoon and four or five for headquarters com- pany. The guides conduct the battahon by the shortest and safest route to the trenches. At times the whole distance is overland, while at others you may have to go through two or three miles of communication trenches. Always remember to obey the orders of the guides ex- plicitly; if he says "drop," drop and don't attempt to do it "by the numbers." There may be points that the enemy knows that you must pass, and which he periodically sweeps with machine-gun fire; and it isn't particularly healthy to be caught admiring the landscape when he gets in this mood. When met at the rendezvous by the guides the advance is always made in single file, it being impossible to move through the trenches in any other manner. Great emphasis must be laid on making the men keep closed up and always in touch wdth the man ahead. Companies and even battahons have been lost, for the time being, by just one man lagging behind. On the Somme last summer white tape had to be stretched along the ground, owing to the absence of landmarks, for two or three miles until the first trenches were reached. When my old battahon went in this sector for the first time only half of them reached their positions the first night, owing to C and D Companies getting lost. The whole trouble was attributed to one man. About a mile from the front Une the first communication trench (boyau) began; upon com- ing to a junction, where one trench went to the right and one to the left, this man, who was some distance be- hind, turned to the right instead of the left and led the platoon and the following ones two miles from the position to which they hadbeen'assigned. By the time the mistake had been discovered and the return to the junction made, it was broad daylight. Some four hundred yards of the way from this point was overland, so here these two companies had to remain until the next night, for it wasn't considered military etiquette to cross this open place in clear view of the Boche gunners. So because one man was thinking of that "girl he left behind" instead of paying attention to where he was going, five hundred men were held up for twenty-four hours; and in twenty-four hours anything might have happened. The food situation on the western front is a serious one. The rations are good — sometimes very good — when you get them, and when you don't get them they are just about the same. The food controllers are individuals who know no hunger and hence have no sense of justice; they are, namely, the quartermaster sergeants and the cooks. They know more about war and the way it should be conducted than the general staff. To prove it here is what they say about the high command; " If bread is the staff of hfe, what is the hfe of the staff? " And their answer — "Why, a long loaf." In addition to the regular rations, each man carries an emergency package which is popularly known as "iron rations" and must under no circumstances be opened until the man has been without food for forty-eight hours or on the expressed permission of an olEcer. This package contains a tin of bully-beef, hard tack and tea, sugar and powdered milk mixed, and is wrapped in oil paper. When your artillery is popping off some "heavy stuff"" this is known as "iron rations" for Fritz. The food that we attempted to masticate in France had its origin in two sources, that which the "powers that be" considered sufficient to keep us from starving ta death and that which was received from the loved ones at home. The government rations were usually delivered, while in the trenches, in sand bags, and an attempt was made, with some degree of success, to keep the various articles of food segregated. But they all acquired the distinctive sand-bag flavor, which was far from being displeasing after you had become accustomed to it. The communal spirit was strong among us, in those days in France, and one package from home went a long way 61 THE PLATTSBURGER [y^ikM^iuc^ A brief pause in trencli digging when our young embryo ol'licer has at last a Iceen realization of what digging a trench reallv means. to make one section (about sixteen men) happy. Home- made fruit-cake and ration bully-beef was rather a case of extremes meeting, but so far as I could judge it produced no ill effects. I honestiy think that we could have defied the dear ones at home to cook and send us anything so indigestible that we could not have enjoyed and assimilated it. Mark Twain said, "The North American Indian could enjoy an^'thing that he could eat and could eat anything that he could bite." The North American Indian has nothing on us in that regard. This may sound like a reflection on home cooking, but it is not so intended. As a simple statement of fact, however, it may give rest to consciences at home made uneasy by worrying over what would happen to one of our soldiers who ate a whole fruit-cake at one sitting, that the other young soldiers would take good care that he would not eat the whole of a fruit-cake, or the whole of anything else, and, if he did, 0. D. Pills can always be pressed into service. All troops "stand to" arms a half hour before dawn and before dusk and remain in this position for an hour; the reason being that practically all attacks are pulled ofl' at this time. The advantage of attacking at these hours is that those attacking can see a short distance ahead while the enemy are unable to see what is going on until they are at close quarters. During the period of "stand to" an inspection takes place by the company and platoon commanders of rifles, gas masks, ammunition and ammunition stores and sanitation of the trenches; orders for the next twelve hours are issued and rehefs notified. At "stand down" the men are dis- missed and the new relief posted. In England the "pubs" (places where one may pur- chase alcoholic beverages) are open for business from 6:30 to 9 o'clock every evening, Sundays included. If you have an engagement with a friend the habitual remark is, "I'll meet you at the Savoy at 'stand to' and at 'stand down' we will go out and caU on Miss Blank." In the sending of messages we come back to the old primitive method of using runners. Each company has a telephone in the front hne, but ^^- ' it is used for matters that pertain only to general routine and affairs of minor importance. The Boche has an instrument, and we have the same, that, when placed in a certain manner on the ground, enables the operator to pick up all telephone messages within a radius of three miles. Of course, messages in code may be sent by wire, but it would necessitate the change of the code every day and it would be liable to misinterpretation and subject to delays; so now aU commanders rely on the old-fashioned runners and orderlies to deliver their orders. Flares and rockets are used in signaling to the artillery and for the purpose of illuminating No Man's Land at night. Each night there is a different SOS signal to the artillery — one night it might be two reds — the next night a red and a green — the next night three reds and so on. Another method we used in conveying information to company headquarters during a raid was a type of rifle gren- ade that upon striking the ground burst into a flame that could be easily seen, then picked up by an orderly and delivered to head- quarters. Inside the grenade was a smaU metal recep- tacle into which a message had been placed. * * * The average infantryman knows very little of the func- tions and technique of the artillery, but as he gets pretty close to the receiving end of the guns he gets a fairly clear idea of what it is trying to accomplish. When ad- vancing behind a barrage his proximity to where the shells are bursting is such as to be entirely detrimental to his previous condition of good health and spirits. To sum up the whole situation, there appears to me to be two different systems of trench warfare on the Western front, the French method and the British, and the only difference is in the details. The details merely represent the characteristics of the two nations. The French deliver the quick, dashing, lightning-like blows, while the British, in their stoical manner, continue with their smashing, sledgehammer drives. The British and French organiza- tions are practically identical, their arms are similar and they use them in practically the same way. At the present time the Americans are sitting tight, taking it all in and digesting it well. Before long, after our troops have been in action for a few times, you will hear that General Pershing has taken these two methods, scrambled them together, added a little Yankee to it, divided it by two, and brought forth a new method labeled — AMERICAN. [6;; THE PLATTSBURGER ORDNANCE AND ORDER The Two are Synonymous, this Account of the Department's Activities Sh ows Major H. C. A. C. IN the final analysis of the strength of any military J. organization, major importance must be attached to the work of the Ordnance Department. The day of the army's waiting on the supply departments has passed; modem methods require that the fighting forces encounter no delay. Efficiency on the part of the Ordnance Department is imperative. Anything short of A No. 1 efficiency — and disaster steps in. Just where the work of the Ordnance Department stops and that of the quartermaster begins is not a matter of general knowledge. Yet there is a certain well-defined fine, a line which makes pos- sible the closest and most profitable sort of co-operation between these two branches of the service. Included in material un- der control of ordnance are all articles of personal, squad and company equipment — roughly, articles of offense and defense. The Quartermaster's Department has to f do with material pertaining to personal comfort such as clothing, sustenance and pay; ordnance concerning itself with the procurement of ordnance stores and sup- fe phes that are needed, the issue, care, repair >»— ^ and record work entailed, and, eventually, the packing up and shipping to the arsenal of such stores and supplies. At the head of ordnance at the Platts- burg camp is Major H. J. Watson, C. A. C, U. S. A. Major Watson came here during the last camp from Fort Wadsworth, N. Y., where he acted as personnel officer for five months. Previously he served four years as inspector and instructor of the Coast Artillery Corps of the New York National Guard. When the second camp started in August, Major Watson had on his staff eight officers and two ordnance sergeants, but the number of officers has dwindled to two — Cap- tain F. T. Addington, N. A., and Lieutenant W. M. Cum- mings, N. A. When the first camp closed there were available some 6,000 sets of equipment, which had to be inspected, re- paired and made ready for re-issue by the time the present camp opened, seven days later. Fifty per cent of the camp personnel arrived on August 23, and the remainder foHowed two days later. Three thousand men had to be completely equipped within forty-eight hours. To accomphsh this, a plan was evolved which brought about a system of distribution which combined speed with efficiency. The organization was speeded up to the point where 1,800 men and their equipment were cared for in an hour. The various parts were assembled on the rifles and all other articles of equipment were laid out on long counters in piles of ten each, ten condiment cans in one pile, ten cups in the next, and so on. Officers then checked each pile, and then rechecked one another's work. Still another check was afforded when the items were placed in the barrack bags, so it is not to be wondered at that the department looked mildly skeptical when some few candi- dates registered complaints that they had been short- changed on their equipment. Quite a number of these mistreated few found that they had inadvertently dropped things en route to their quarters or had carelessly left first-aid pouches and the like in the barrack bags when they turned the bags in to the Quartermaster's Depart- ment. During the period of range practice ammunition is gotten ready every evening and loaded on trucks ready to be transported to the range the first thing in the morn- ing. Thirty-four thousand rounds of rifle ammunition and 16,000 rounds of pistol ammunition are prepared each evening to meet the morrow's requirements. Besides a mass of record work, con- siderable time is expended on the receiv- ing of ordnance from candidates leaving camp and the clearing of their records, and on the repair of rifles and other articles more or less the worse for wear and tear. The number of damaged bayo- net scafibards turned in attests the \agor of the candidates in that popular outdoor pastime, the bayonet drUl. When the average member of the camp has worked on a dirty rifle for a few hours and by dint of sustained effort has brought to himself that feeling of satisfaction that comes but seldom, is the rifle clean? Listen to the answer of the Ordnance Depart- When rifles are turned in to the department they J. Watson , U. S. A. ment. are put in the hands of civihan employees, who give them continuous cleanings for a period of four, five, or even six or seven days. When the foreman of the clean- ing force puts his O. K. on the rifles, does the depart- ment consider them clean? Again the negative has it. The rifles are then placed, minus oil, in racks exposed to the air, and left there for four days. If they stand the test they are then given a coating of Cosmic, inside and out, and then packed, ten in a box, untfl they are required for re-issue. And we, who have all along secretly cherished the notion that we were considerable httle rifle cleaners, can only sit and wonder. An interesting part of the Ordnance Department's work (we mean interesting from the viewpoint of the bystander) is the decapping of the shells fired on the range. All this decapping is hand work, and add to this the fact that there are some 50,000 shells to be decapped daily and quite a stupendous proposition is faced. This work is handled by civilians employed by the department. After the shells are decapped, washed and cleaned, they are shipped by the carload to the Frankford Arsenal. Located near the Post Gymnasium, the four buildings that house the Ordnance Department, comprising the central office and three storehouses, form a center of activity within the post that is both essential and efficient. And, moreover, afford a good idea why the affairs of the second camp ran so smoothly. THE PLATTSBURGER "It Can't Be Done-, Captain, That Shave in the Ice Dr;i\vn }jy Ciifjt. J. W. Lang THE PLx\TOON LEADER REPLIES When the last faint groan is uttered And the last short prayer is said, The last faint Damn is muttered And you wish that you were deafl. When the last long hike is over, Map making left behind. And you say, "By God, it's over; It surely was some grind." You're wrong, my son, dead wrong If you think that this is hard. The Lake Shore Road is not so long Compared with the Somme Boulevard. So, what if the CaiJtain is a dul), And the Lieut' is not much more. The Commandant a good-for-nix, And the work a deadly bore. And what if the sytem is quite all wrong, And the Mess not fit to eat, And the coffee weak, and the butter strong, Some day it'll be a treat. THE REPLY Lay off, good friend, lay off that lay And pipe a cheerier tune, I've troubles of my own to-day. For I'm leading a Platoon. —11' A . S. ji', -jas^"' .J \, i; ^^•^S" Aw' --vhere s your ey^'s. ,1 - c(, ■'' . ■out. y.^,. '% ■3 h i.' 'v^if ^':} x% Uu Mark 27 ! ! ! 64 THE PLATTSBUKGER It Can't Be Done" by Bud Fisher CORRECT POSITIONS AS THEY FEEL Sitting Standing THE PLAT TS BURGER -SIX A.M wi-th y c ^^ v/atei". only cold ^%,. ;? ,5V>" ( fir .\i / i,, 1 r T \ ! ^1 \ i d Q^^' -■ine iiniG yon v^gj-q - coinpanv ccn-iinancler -m cadenc exei'cise. 66 THE PLATTSBURGER THE CANDIDATES' CLUB Y. M. C. A. the Centre of Camp Social Activities r JNE of the most appreciated features of the camp V-X was the Young Men's Christian Association. It was on the ground before the first camp opened, and at the formal opening of its building the men had their first opportunity to see and hear Major General Bell. The association soon found a demand for more service than it could give in its one building and so opened a large and roomy tent in the heart of the New England section. Shortly after this a tent was also opened for civilian em- ployees of the camp and this branch of the work caused much favorable comment. When the First New York Field Artillery was ordered to Plattsburg so that the student officers might have the use of their material, a large tent was erected at their camp and manned by three men. The Y. M. C. A. in its quiet but efficient way filled a large place in the life of the camp in many ways. Its recreational secretary suggested and helped in the organiza- tion of all the big field events that were held. He directed baseball games, loaned quoits and all kinds of physical equipment to the men, and made himself generally a useful part of the camp life during all of its spare time. The correspondence tables of the Y. M. C. A. proved the most popular spots in camp. One could never go into the building during the off time without finding the writ- ing space taxed to capacity. The library, at first a small and little used part of the equipment, grew rapidly, and in its modest way proved its real value even to such busy men as Plattsburgers. The Y. M. C. A. was an information bureau, postofifice, library, bank, musical conservatory, movie house, sport- ing goods supply station, messenger service and a general first aid to the busy candidate all rolled into one. Nothing was too trivial for its attention if it contributed to the comfort of some embryo officer, enhsted man or candidate, or even the man with the commission already won. There was never a chill too cold, or a grouch so blue, that couldn't be banished in the warmth of the big cheery room with its piano and books and writing benches and innumerable conveniences. Money could be deposited at any time and withdrawn with- out fuss or red tape. In fact, red tape was the one thing that could not be discovered at the Y. M. C. A. The candidate who unexpectedly found him- self short of funds on the eve of the week end hohday ex- perienced no difficulty in having h i s check on an out - of - town bank cashed at the desk in the httle green building. The art of letter writing was encouraged by signs on the wall and a generous supply of attractive paper and en- velopes, that withstood all assaults despite the lavish use to which they were put. If "The Girl I Left Behind Me " wasn't forgotten she has the Y. M. C. A. to thank for it. Those candidates, who, despite their addiction to chess, escaped Major Gregory's inspection, were enabled to find worthy opponents by consulting the Y. M. C. A.'s files. For a carefully compiled record of all the can- didates' favorite diversions, as well as a mass of other information, had been made. Looking through these statistics one could find members of his own college fraternity, lodge or club or perhaps a companion for a little reading in Browning, for quite a few gave that as their favorite indoor amusement. All the parapher- naha of baseball and footbaU were provided for those with brows not so elevated. The literature distributed, like the amusement furnished, was equally broad in its scope, with books and magazines dealing with adventures "over there" easily the leading favorites. Not satisfied mth six days of good deeds in the week the Y. M. C. A. men were up and at it early in the morning on the seventh day. At 7:30 they had a communion service and at 9:00 o'clock the regular Y. M. C. A. service, for which they were able to draw on the best speaking talent this country and Canada could produce. In the time of our country's need the men all felt the necessity for a man's religion and responded to the virile messages pre- sented at these meetings. When all has been said, the most vital part of the hfe of the Y. M. C. A. was the personality of the secretaries in charge of the work. By their courteous response to every call for service, no matter how much work it entailed nor how far away it seemed from their regular work, they made a place for themselves and their work that will not soon be forgotten. Theirs was to serve, and no task was too small nor too large for them to tackle with a vim that got results. By just this attitude they preached silent sermons from the first day the men entered camp that helped to hold the men steady under the stress and strain of the intensive training. 67 THE PLATTSBURGER HOSTESS TO AN ARMY How a Tradition was Shattered and Home, Sweet Home Brought to Plattsburg PF^ HAT a story a Manhattan sob sister could write about this unique home of romance and good food, the first and probably the only military institution of its kind in the world. In its coffee were drowned the troubles of a brigade and on its veranda were forgotten the aches of rain-soaked trenches and forsaken boyaus. It was born out of sheer des- peration. For while Colonel Wolf can handle three — or three times three — thousand men as easily as you and I, brother candidate, move pins on the ' ^ }^ 3L, Gettysburg-Antietam map, he T /JB^fcfc- fovmd himself up against a real conundrum in the hundreds of womenfolk who besieged the porches bordering on the parade grounds in the earl}^ days of the first camp. He couldn't very well order them to ''double- time" away from there, and out of his predicament was born the Hostess House. The I. D. R. warns you if you are in a fix, "Don't Do Nothing," and Colo- nel Wolf didn't. He shattered a tradition by consulting women on an army problem, and in less time than it takes to answer mess-call, that haven for the homesick on officers' row was brought into existence. On June 23d the Young Women's Christian Association joined its brother organization as a recognized friend of the man in khaki. Just a plain wood shack from the out- side, but with comfort lurking in every cranny, and the girl who wouldn't be left behind on the cozy porch, the Hostess House rapidly became the favorite gathering place of the post — officers and candidates alike. Its initial development was made possible by a dona- tion of 110,000 which had been contributed for Y. W. C. A. work in and about Plattsburg. At Colonel Wolf's suggestion most of this sum was put into the project. It was designed primarily as a meetmg place for women friends of the men in camp, but in the second camp, be- came in a measure a rendezvous for candidates longing for coff'ee and cake like mother used to try to make. Its cafeteria, with trays, silver, glasses, and honest-to-good- ness food that you procured for yourself, was intended to serve one hundred fairly hungry mortals a day. In the last two months of the second camp, it satisfied the hun- ger of as many as 350 persons in an hour. The director's desk became an information bureau for perplexed sisters, wives, mothers and sweethearts where all sorts of data from the next train for Flushing to the reason for Candidate Soandso's failure to keep an engage- ment furnished. Much credit is due to the ladies in charge and to their assistants, those who provided a menu guaranteed to offset the most ambitious attempts of the mess officer — bless him — and to those as well who ably took charge of the business management. It is no secret, by the way, that what started out as a philanthropic venture, soon developed into a self-sustaining proposition. Reveille sounded at 8:30 A.M. and tattoo at 9:30 P, M. — thirteen hours of work a day and no commissions to spur them on. If they'll have a Hostess House in France, "Over There" is going to lose half its terrors for a good many ex-candidates — particularly if they adorn the veranda as it was here. "Now please don't say any- thing about beautiful girls and cosy corners, and all that sort of thing," the Hostess warned the writer, "because, after all, 3'ou know, this is a Y. W^ C. A. institution." We won't. Speak for 3'our- self, John. 68 THE PLATTSBURGER PICKING THE FIT (Continued from page ^8) when he demands an explanation of your presence in camp. You lay bare your motives, you declare again your unshakahjle faith in the cause of humanity, thinking the while that you would like to include yourself under this general classification. _ In time he is done with you, is the major. You are either to return to finish the story of your life or the story as far as you got wasn't interesting and you are allowed to go. Incidentally, Major Gregory is a psycopathist, an alienist — in our own language, a "nut specialist." To belong to the Gregory legion of suspects was at first deemed piteous predicament, later an enviable distinction. You too wanted to hear the clima.x of the story of the man who had lived. On into the next room one carefully folded his clothes and laid them by with a prayer for their recovery and joined the circle of primitive man. Then began the hunt for whatever the energetic Lieut. Boiling could find or somebody else had overlooked. There was instruction in dancing and calisthenics, there was pirouetting to and fro •on one's toes and uncertain squatting and rising and swing- ing of legs and arms. The lieutenant stole in and out, back and forth, spotting a corn here, a bunion there, a double-jointed knee where a single joint would have been sufficient. Trivial dents and mars were labeled with names that sounded fatal and listed by an orderly who was as eager at his work as if he had bet on a certain number of rejections. And of course there were rejections. Occasionally it was evident that the benign family physician had been near-sighted as to hernia and had never lost sleep over painfully flat feet. In time three thousand men and more survived the tortures of the dispensary. In time their youth conquered again and looked hopefully ahead to the day of the com- mission and the final physical examination. For those who fell by the dispensaryside there is the consolation that their ailments were discovered by men who know their business and who practice it with a vengeance. Those who were sent to the hospital to linger back to health discovered as sweet and able a corps of nurses as ever nursed humans — nurses who, like their patients, are soldiers and who are enlisted because they want to go to France with the men and do their part. Likewise they discovered Colonel Williams and his really p., y,'=f V ff'i J /■' *§ ir ''I r i;'--.:T<-V vy- Si-. "OUT, D.\MNED SPOT!" efficient army hospital, with regular and reserve physicians and surgeons tackling their job in the spirit of the man in the trench. Those who are still alive and whole may be sure, as has been said, of a "final" physical e.xam. SUNDAY AFTERNOON— DOPING OUT WHY WE'RE HERE [69 1 THE PLATTSBURGER AEROPLANE PHOTOGRAPH OE THE PLATTSBURG TRENCHES MAP OF LIAISONS SHOWIKG PrVlSiOHAL. FRONT PRACTICE TRENCHES PLATtSBURG CAMP PLATTSBUi^G, N. ^/; 5CALL 3tn- = 1M:. OCT. 22'^'I9I7 ^< WIRELESS ^ »- TO AR.M I ES ■^ RONT LINE TRUNK PHONE. INF. PHONE. FIELD ART PHOHE OPTICAL LINES CiMM PLAIN 70" THE PLATTSBURGER X AERONAUTICS AT PLATTSBURG 7 HE modern military maxim that an army is no stronger than its aerial power was impressively demonstrated at the Plattsburg camp during the week of October 14th. A Curtiss biplane, secured for the camp through the generosity of Candidate James Imbrie and piloted by R. H. Depew, Jr., made daily flights to prove the impor- tance of aerial reconnaisance and survey and to show per- spiring infantrymen how easily their work may be nulli- fied if they overlook the man in the sky. Candidate C. Arnold Slade acted as observer during the week. He made 100 exposures with a (iraflex camera at altitudes varying from 2,500 to 5.300 feet under a wide range of lighting conditions. In addition he made ocular notes, snap-shot sketches and tried to locate the batteries and sections of the trench system in which camouflage was employed. The photos revealed to artillery, engineers and infantry the absolute necessity of the aeroplane for camouflage work and the fact that camouflage is practically the only protection against the aerial observer. It was also shown that maps may be draughted solely from photos and photographic data. Besides its practical use in instruction the biplane added a picturesque touch to the camp routine. The parade ground served as an aviation field with a new hangar at one end, the length of the field affording a perfect runway for the machine in ascending and alighting. An Aero View of the Parade Ground — Find Your Barracks [711 THE PIATTSBURGER THiE. CAM OiC>*T£'5 NtGHT^\AR.e OF HE l_ L_ , THE CAAJOiOAXe'3 VI5IOM OF HEAvE*^. AT RETREAT y^T RETREAT -^cZZ LAST night I stood with my left THUMB firmly clasped BY my right hand and with my LEFT KNEE slightly bent, my right HEEL to the right and in rear of my LEFT HEEL which was nestling IN A puddle of clean brown WATER while a gentle spray dropped FROM MY HAT brim onto my NOSE, AND I thought WHAT A funnv idea it was FOR GROWN MEN TO stand LIKE THAT in the rain WHILE A squeaky bugle was CROWING LIKE a rooster IN the distance. But JUST THEN the Sun CAME OUT AND A gleam caught the folds OF the STARS AND STRIPES AND ONE of those old THRILLS went down my SPINE AND I thought that perhaps IT WAS not SO foolish or FUNNA' TO BE standing there AND I was glad that I WAS ONE of THAT BUNCH. I THANK YOU. The Thinker — -There's something most damnably wrong here. I make this cursed spot 37Ko feet below the level of the lake. THE ARTILLERYMAN'S DREAM /DON'T know whether the bologna did it or not. But at any rate it seemed that the parallax of the cor- onary band was camouflaging the trajectory, and the panoramic sketch was setthng the deflection difference with the angle of departure, and the bearing rein was tang- ling with the obliquity, and Delta X was shouting "right front into line" to the panoramic sight, but the king's post bridge was missing the center of impact on the height of trajectory, and the contours couldn't take interval be- cause the windmill northeast of D. Wirt was sensing a "graze low," and the corrector was so tangled up in the secondary circuit that the map distance dicba't hear the command "in cadence exercise," and the terrain board failed to recognize the dead space that cleared the crest, because General "Z" was in flash defilade behind the recoil buffer, and I found myself lying in the middle of the floor shouting, "As You Were." OH, BOY! OH, BOYAU! 172) THE PLATTSBURGER THE FIELD DAY t JNE of the features of the camp was the MUitary V-X Tournament on Saturday, October 13th, in which all the companies and batteries in the camp toolv part. The purpose of the tournament was to bring together the members of the various companies and batteries so that they might become better acquainted, and to reveal the talent in the various branches of competition. It was arranged by Colonel Wolf and was carried out by his com- mittee to the entire satisfaction of the whole camp. The Fifteenth Company of New York won the point trophy by scoring twenty-four and one-half, but was closely pressed by the Second Company of New England, only a point and one-half behind, with a total of twenty- three. In spite of the rather raw day and muddy going, which accounts for the time made by some of the stars, a big crowd turned out to witness the competition, and its spirit might have belonged to a football gathering at an intercollegiate game. The "color" in the crowd was equal to that of a Yale-Harvard gathering, and the prominence of the spectators equaled that of any gathering at an ath- letic game in years. The bright-colored fall clothes of the fairer sex had a fine background in the khaki of the candidates and the better fitting khaki of the officers. However, the candidates and officers met on a common basis, probably for the first time since the men took off their "cits," and for the first time a few of the candidates were convinced they really were incipient officers. The democracy of the occasion was a splendid thing and probably would have drawn a frown from any critic of German extraction had he been able to see the parade ground from an observing aeroplane. Andrew Kelly, Joseph Higgins and Earl Bretz were the three stars whose names should be put in electric Ughts for the showings they made. Each was a star in his specialty. The Fifteenth Company was presented with a large silver cup that will go to the regiment of the National Army to which the majority of its members are assigned after receiving their commissions. Incidentally the prominent showing of men like Higgins, Kelly and Bretz calls at- tention to that fact, already strongly regis- tered, that athletics are a firm builder for the soldier. At least two of this trio are viddely known as leading runners of the country. And what goes for track and field events likewise goes for other branches of sports. Owing to the extremely busy daily activ- ities of all candidates baseball got but slight chance, and football drew even a 73 THE PLATTSBURGER shorter deal. However, had circumstances and con- ditions permitted, the material, including former college stars was present, to huxe put in the field both baseball and football teams that would have held their own with the best amateur organizations in the countrv. The strictly militar}' events, however, received the most enthusiastic support from the spectators and resulted in much exciting and thrilling competition, which made the blood of the gathering tingle. The class for officers' mounts, for which Candidate Devereux ^lilburn was the judge, brought out keen competition. It was finally won by Captain John J. Waterman of the Eighteenth Cavalry, with Captain Alvin Untermeyer of the Fourth Battery Field Artillery, second, and INIajor J. A. Baer of the Second Cavalry, third. The contests for the artillery were thriUing, especially the dri\'ing over a course between stakes at a trot and gallop. The young men who have been briefly in this branch showed what they ha\-e learned. The whole tournament brought the camp closer together and Colonel Wolf and his assistants were highly pleased with the results. SUMMARIES Competitive Squ.U) Drill 1st, 2d Compan>-. 3d, 1st Company. 2d, Kith Company. Ith, 3d Company. 100-Y.4ED Dash 1st, Kelly, 11th Co. 2d, Moore, ijth Co. 3d, Reimcrth, Kith Co. Time, 10 1-.5 seconds. SSO-Yakd Run 1st, HiVRins, 15th Co. 2d, Potter, 9th Co. 3d, Finch, 8th Co. Time, 2 min. 4 4-.5 sec. Pole \'.\ult 1st, Francis, 12th Co. 2d, Tuttle, Kith Co. 3d, Manter, 9th Co. Height, 9 feet inches. RuxxixG High Jump 1st, Penning, 4th Co. 2d, Cram, 2d Co. 3^ / Jlolesky, 12th Co. ' I Dunnigan, 4th Co. Height, 5 feet 2 inches. 440-Y.\RD D.\SH 1st, Kelly, 11th Co. 2d, Auray, 0th Co. 3d, Thomas, 1st Battery. Time, 51 3-5 seconds. 1st 2d, 1st 2d, 1st, 2d, 1st 2d, •3d, 1st, 2d, 3d, 1st, Cl.\ss for Officers' Mounts 1st, Captain J. J. Waterman, 2d, Captain \. Untermeyer, 3d, !Major J. A. Baer. Artillery Drintng Competition 5th Batterv. 3d, Gth Battery. 2d liattery. 4tli, 4th Battery. .Vriillery Competition 5th Battery. 3d, 2d Battery. 1st Battery. 4th, Gth Battery. Milit.vry Pent.ytiilon Won by H. Holden, 3d Co. Tent-Pitching Competition 6th Company. 3d, 2d Company, loth Company. 4th, 17th Company. Cl,\ss for Jumpers Dempsey, 1st Battery. Becli, 1st Batterv. Allen, Uth Co. Interregiment.yl Tug-of-War Won by 17th Regiment (New England). Mile Run Higgins, Potter, Alexander, Time, 4 min. 51 sec. Intercompany Relay Race Time, 2 min. 1 4-5 sec. 15th Co. 9th Co. 7th Co. 14th Co. Final, 220-Y.4rd Dash 1st, Kelly, 2d, Moore, 3d, Atira>-, nth Co. 9th Co. 6th Co. Time, 22 4-5 seconds. Standings of Companies and Batteries 1st Company', 2d 3d 4th 5lh 6th 7th Sth " 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 1st Battery, 2d 3d 4th 5th Gth 15 Points 23 mi 18 11 14 3 3 15 12 241.^ 14 7}i 11 10 1 22 \B' ?,*'c/ "What did you get today?" ".50" "That's a lot"of>ull [74] THE PLATTS BURGER New York Team NEW YORK vs. NEW ENGLAND The New York regimental baseball team won the championship of the camp by defeating the New Eng- land regimental baseball team in two consecutive games 6-2 and 8-5. Pos. C.F. 2nd s. s. R.F. 3rd Isl NEW YORK Pos. Kane, G. H. L. F. Duncanson, D. D., Mgr. C. Blankfort, Herbert P. Willers, J. A. P. Galloway, J. P. P. Carney, D. J. NEW ENGLAND Hubner, G. A. Lee, Harry Lewis, William Galleghar, C. H. Royce, Stephen Pos. P05. 3rd Slterman, Hoyt C. F. Parker, J. A. S.S. Kerr, N. H. L. F. Denning, H.H 1st Burns, J. J., Mgr. R.F Peacock, R. H. C. Woolev. F. P. P. Smith. T. H. 2nd Foss, A. E. P. Holden, H. W. >< -W England Team THE PLATTSBURGER The Stadium MAKING MERRY WHILE WE MAY The Traditional Spirit of Camp Balladry and Army Roundelay Finds Expression in Entertainments at the Gym Theater 7 HE spirit of play is strong in the soldier. Camp balladry is as old as camps and army romidelays run back to the beginning of armies. In the old days — and the now-a-days, too, when troops are in cam- paign — it was the fife, the drum or the fiddle and a group about a flickering wood-blaze. Music and yarn and song: they are part and parcel of the life of the army. The circumstances and methods of creating and main- taining military estaljlishments change, but our old standby, Human Nature, stays pretty much the same right along. Soldiers are soldiers. So when the first officers' training camp opened last May and some 5,800 men came to Plattsburg barracks to learn the trade of arms, the old yearning was not long in asserting itself. The demand for entertainment after the hard week's tussle with I. D. R. was spontaneous. Result: the Stadium. It took the place of the old-time campfire, and the delight it gave the first lingered for those who came for the second training course, for we appropriated, and had our weekly Saturday and Sunday evening merry-makings there until old Jack Frost stepped in and took possession. Then a few leading lights in the miracle line stepped in and the post gym- nasium became a theater. With Lieu- tenant K. McCatty, U. S. A., 19th Cav- alry, in charge, a crew of willing workers built a stage, with lighting system and scene loft complete. Proscenium in the Gvmr in four days. Everything looked comfortable for an evening's entertainment, but the first performance," Mary's Ankle, " given in the theater showed the need for raising the seats toward the rear of the auditorium. Before the next performance the seating arrangement was entirely re- modeled, giving everybody a clear view of the stage and the happenings thereon. The offerings during the second camp were just the right sort. They included big time vaudeville attractions and dramatic and musical comedy successes. One of the successes of the Plattsburg season was scored by Stella Mayhew, whose husband, Billy Taylor, was a candidate. Among the plays that were only too eagerly received were "Mary's Ankle," through the courtesy of A. H. Woods; Laurette Taylor in "Out There" through the courtesy of George C. Tyler and Klaw and Erlanger; "The Man Who Came Back," with Henry Hull, through the courtesy of William A. Brady; "Good Gracious Annabelle" with Lola Fisher, and Billie Burke in "The Rescuing Angel," both through the courtesy of Arthur Hopkins; and Raymond Hitchcock in "Hitchy Koo" under his own management. Julia Claussen, Helen Stanley, Albert Spalding and John Hamlin were among the soloists at Sun- day night concerts. Other popular pro- ductions were: "The Country Cousin, " 76' THE PLATTSBURGER with Alexandra Carlisle, b_v courtesy of Geo. C. Tyler; "A Tailor-Made Man," with Grant Mitchell, by courtesy of Cohan & Harris; Laurette Taylor in "Peg o' My Heart," by courtesy of Geo. C. Tyler and Klaw & Erlanger; "Fear," a dramatic play in two scenes, with Candidate Robert Warwick. To Lieutenant M. L. Fulcher must go a large measure of credit for the success of this feature of the camp. Lieutenant Fulcher, specially detailed to the Headquarters Staff, was chairman of the Entertainment Committee. He was "the man beliind the scenes" from the start, working tirelessly and not only bringing the best Broad- way attractions to Plattsburg but helping to fit them to the limitations of the gymnasium stage and then sending the companies back to New York happy and glad that they had come. Assisting him were Robert Warwick, John Willard, P. F. Broughton, Jack Devereaux, H. W. Bergman, Marc Lagen, David H. Wallace, Bud Fisher and Emil Breitenfeld. From time to time the candidates themselves turned a hand at entertaining their fellows. "Efficiency," a satire on the well-known Teutonic quality, and a barrack-room sketch — the first time on any stage — by Candidate Breiten- feld, entitled, "All Out in Five Minutes with Rifles, Belts and Baj^onets, " were among the best examples of camp talent. In short, the men training for the new National Army have learned to play as hard as they have learned to work. This augurs well for our future forces. THE TALE OF THE BLUE-PRINT Come gather 'round me, Candidates; Give me your timely heed. A tale I would impart to you — 'Twill int'rest you indeed. I stand before you as the only Man in all this hoard Who understands the Blue-print That is nailed upon the board First, your bunk is near the floor, With your shoes beneath the bunk Your hand-bag's at the head and at The foot you put your trunk. Your pillow and quilts are on the top, Your books are on the shelf — Now find the coldest, hardest place, And in it — put yourself. CHORUS: That's the tale of the Blue-print, That hangs on the wall. 1 » l^>.,,,^>.fj .J0if^' ^ <- fi: // ^ V J ' / ' 4 A Stadium Lecture at Night VI, t Tr\ 'W ''*'^' "" ,^.l^?'^'f^' ** ' ^ Drawn by Capt. H. R. Shurtleff / / THE PLATTSBURGER INSPECTION The whistle blew; on dragging feet Men formed upon the sandy street, And anxious eyes, betraying fear, Watched for the Captain to appear. He came at last, and through the ranks A shiver ran, lest sad Fate's pranks Should lead that eagle eye to find The little crevices, dust lined. 'Trepare for inspection — and open ranks," The Captain cried. (Then we all knew that joy had died). When we were formed the fun began For them — not us — since shivers ran In single column, double time, Right where our back bones used to climb. The Cap the front, the Lieut the rear — Inspected all the guns and gear While we men of the fourth platoon At Ease (O God!) wondered how soon Our turn would come to be the "goat," For now and then some words would float To us like these: "A rotten gun;" (How officers enjoy such fun); "A dusty chamber, filthy bore, "Work on that gun a few hours more. "Your hat's on wrong, your shoes aren't shined; "Belt wrong, no first-aid pouch I find. "What call you this?"; he sneered a trifle; "A smoke-stack or a bloomin' rifle?" And then, oh Lord! he got to me And grabbed my gun ; in agony, I quickly dropped a trembling hand And waited for the blow to land. He twisted it to left and right. Gazed at the bore and at the sight. The chamber and the magazine — But nowhere could the dust be seen. I thought that I'd got by on "crust,'' When that man found a speck of rust! WE ALL KNOW HIM The man who post-mortemed after every e.xam. The man who talked after taps. The man who would have made a perfect score if the Captain hadn't set his sights too high. The man who snored — in cadence and out. The man who wore a 7;' 4 hat because he was at First Camp. The man who talked jjack to the Ca|)tain — under his breath. The man who thought he would get a commissi(jn because of his age. The man who was in the Harvard Regiment. The man who feared he'd be sent back to the draft armv. The man who talked in his sleep and woke up everyone but himself. The man who knew the e.xact number of commissions to be awarded. The man who bored you with accounts of how they did it on the border. The man who was so studious that he read the I. D. R. while taking a shower. The man who had a few parts left over after cleaning his pistol. The man who feared his social standing would be damaged if he palled with his squad or section. The man who said he would go to Canada and get a commission if he lost out. The man who walked down the aisle in holj-nailed shoes at 5 A. M. THE WRECKER OF DREAMS Black night enshrouds the bosom of the lake. The weary camp lies sonorous in sleep. The bat patrols, their wheeling courses make And sentinel frogs their ghostly watches keep. No sounds disturb the silence of the hour. Save only where some open mouth e.xhales The ancient gurgling of a dinosaur. Or spoutings of a flock of singing whales. The barracks square in soundless as the tomb Plus fitful creaking of protesting slats On tortured bunks, in cadence with the tune Of prostrate heroes piping sharps and flats. And some who sleep, now wander far in dreams To hostelries of gastronomic joy; And some who linger by Arcadian streams With Her, find night pure bliss without alloy. And some toast cold feet by a friendly fire; And some sleep late into the afternoon; While others strut in officers' attire And pass the "same old bunk" beneath the moon. But hark! What ribald sound defiles the night To rend the enchanted fabric of each dream? What horrid chanticleer mistakes the light And turns each vision to a lemon green. What demon fills each barracks with a roar Of curses from a shivering company. As laggard feet descend to dirty floor; When that d d bugler sounds the Re\-eille? ■JJI^BB^JKSSS^iifeSJrE^JSiSS ■ ■;izm iu^ t?w>-' ivm THE PLATTS BURGER "IN CADENCE— EXERCISE!" How the Soldier Writes His Best Life Insurance Policy — It's Mastery of the Bayonet ^ Capt. as W. H. Wilbur ; again the down- "One — two. One W J NE hundred and thirty backs prostrate on the V-X green; one hundred and thirty nether Hmbs of varying shades of symmetry and bulk uplifted to the skies; one hundred and thirty grunts as the offended members gratefully resume their normal axis. The passing motor halts. Its occupants gape forth in "V. startled apprehension. But this is no field of writh- ing maimed. It's merely a company of the Reserve Officers' Training Camp of Plattsburg engaged in physical drill. Again the upward pull of straining muscles to "high port ward swoop to Mother Earth. — two. One — two." At length the welcome "Halt." It's all a part (a small part, it is true) of the game — the biggest ever played. And on the major issue hangs the fate of nations and humanity. Hence the thorough course of physical training prescribed for the American soldier. Hence the startling combinations of movement dailv seen on the parade ground of this post The candidates at this camp are men with one idea. The sole business in hand is to make of themselves, as quickly as possible, efficient human machines, mind and body trained to their highest possibilities for the supreme end at this juncture of the world's affairs, the defeat of the Teutonic allies. The soldiers of the Kaiser being, in the main, neither dunces nor weaklings, it behooves the American soldier to pre- pare in the most vigorous manner possible for the task which lies before him. And this the Plattsburger well knows. To the novitiate, perhaps, there may reside a subtle humor in the spectacle presented by a group of candidates, hatless, shirtless, and per- spiring, desperately double-timing in their tracks, yet advancing never a hair; urging their limbs and bodies through all manner of unaccus- tomed gyrations; grunt- ing and snorting as they are conducted through the gruelling drill. That short, rotund individual on the right is having no easy time of it. And the lanky baldpate with the gray moustache has troubles of his own with the knee-bending exer- cise. But it's all a part of the game and " damned be he who first cries, 'Hold, enough!'" Through it all sounds forth the crisp commands of the captains: "Arms to the thrust. Move! Thrust the arms forward, sideward, upward and down. In cadence. Exercise! To the side straddle position, arms over- head. Hop! Bend trunk to the right at one, recover at two, to the left at three, recover at four. In cadence, Exercise!" No dawdling, no simulating in this business of the drill. It is serious work. The men are intent. And with increas- ing facility and augmenting mus- cular strength, there comes that confidence and self - reliance which are the greatest assets of the soldier. But the single idea of physi- cal fitness does not pervade the pecuhar and at times weird- looking contortions and gyra- tions alone. There is another purpose back of the work. It's a habit the army has, this thing of killing two birds with one stone. Whenever you see a khaki-clad individual perform- ing some stunt that may appear to you extraordinary and bor- dering possibly on the ridiculous, just remember that there is pur- pose born of careful study back of it all. In this case the men you saw doing their turn at physi- cal drill were adding further to their qualifications as army officers. Doubtless you heard them shouting at times some chorus, indistinguishable as to wording but undeniably voluminous. What they were really doing was repeating in chorus the command which they were executing. Not every man is fortunate enough to have a voice of volume and carrying power. But what each has he can improve by training and adapting to special needs. Hence that raucous roar- ___ ,. . ing rumble. Hand in hand with physical drill goes train- ing in the use of the bayonet. Thesamequali- ties of alertness, organic vigor, self-rehance and precision so eft'ectively developed by physical training are called into play in even greater measure in the use of the keen-edged weapon which has played so important a role in the present war. The best results pro- ceed from bayonet train- ing when the student can be made to visualize an opponent. Every lunge must have the punch behind it. Every thrust, stroke or jab must be directed as at an actual adversary. Every charge upon the dum- mies must be carried through with dash and with the spirit of battle in the pupil's mind and heart. 79 THE PLATTSBURGER Building the Piattsburg Front'' Engineering Corps Officers Wlro Have Contributed Largely to the Success of the Trench Warfare — Left to Right Capt. L. W. Miller Lieut. G. V. Sweet Capt. H. J. Wild Ch rt Showing Trenches and Machine Gun Emplacements Laid Out by the Engineer OlBcers and Constructed by Candidates THE PLATTSBURGER POST IMPRESSIONS 600T3, SHOtS, ETC. Come on, be reooonable! EQ.UlTftTiOC4 " THE <5-LOOi^ XA/AQON THE JOY vv/Ac^oM v/hcctcha. gonna, do when comes? yoncteir, ihe. T-Kftde ground ' 56-5T-S8-i THAT NELW ^HlNie [ A LITTLE BIT OF HEAveM 81 THE PLATTSBURGER PREVIOUS MILITARY EXPERIENCE " ^xLc^i\w.c^,K1. -'n Reveille About November 1 THE PLATTSBURGER 1 T T-t Co . THE MAIL Weary and sore, or contented, (It's always the same old tale) After the drill or the trenches. There beckons the thought of the mail. Thinking to hear from Mary, Or maybe a word from Jane ; Only to find some tailor Has taken one's name in vain. Swearing it doesn't matter Whether we win or fail; When all of our training's over. We'll still be watching the mail. SIMULATION Yes, we've learned to stand inspection. And we sometimes can get by. We can measure a deflection, And can sense a "low" or "high." We can take inoculation without any hesitation, But the bloomin' simulation is the thing that makes us shy. You can simulate a pony, or a caisson, or a gun. You can simulate a battery in action. You can simulate a buzzer and can have a lot of fun. You can simulate a knowledge of refraction. But when you're cold and hungry, and there's one you're thinking of, You may try, but j-ou will find it can't be done — For the best imagination can't succeed in simulation Of some food, a little fire, a little love. A VALENTINE FOR KAISER BILL 83 THE PLATTSBURGER STATISTICS THE PLATTS BURGER /N attempting to draw specifications for the aver- age man in tliis camp it became necessary to call upon the respective companies and batteries for information. This data was arranged according to scjuads, sections and companies depending upon whether the or- ganization was a company, battery or regiment. Curves have been constructed as far as possible for each subdivision of the camp; the companies of infantry 85] THE PLATTSBURGER New 40 England m (17^) eo PX 10 Regt. n 34- 170 75 3a 166 72 30 158 70 154 69 ee (50 K ^. 146 S7 ?5 142 66 I3fi 65 -Br Companies Average Age Average Height Average Weight Married Military Experience T3- NewEnsland 2.7.3 Yrs. 68.9 In, 15 1 .9 Lbs, 21 % 65.% NewNork 29.5Yr; 68.9 Ir?. 151.9 Lb; 27% 67/o New 40 York 30 RT 10 Regt. n LEGEND. Average Age. Average height. Average Weight. ,o 170 73 52 166 7Z 162 71 . 30 158 70 154 r 28 150 I 26 142 66' Mumberof Married Men. -— ^5 l.-Wi 65 ComfianieSi being numbered consecutively from one to seventeen, inclusive and the batteries of artillery in the same man- ner, beginning with the New England organizations. The following plates attempt to give the reader a means of comparing his organization with any other similar ele- ment in camp on a basis of age, height, weight and the total number of married men. Four different lines are used to indicate the variation in units. The heavy one represents height, the broken or dash line gives the average weights, the light one shows the variation in ages, and the dotted line gives the num- ber of married men in each group. In order to read the plates, pick out the particular element regarding which you desire information. For example: To determine the average height of the men in the 7th squad of Company Thirteen. The squads are numbered consecutively from left to right along the top and the number of the company appears in the left column of the plate. Place the point of a pencil on the heavy line and in the center of the column designated as 7th squad, then take a sheet of paper and place the edge against the pencil and parallel to the top of the plate. Holding the paper in place run your eye along the edge to the scale on the left, and at the intersection of the edge of paper with the height scale you read 69. This is the average height of the 7th squad in inches. Similar information may be obtained for weight, age, and number of married men by placing the pencil on the particular curve and carrying that point in a horizontal direction to the corresponding scale. The last plate depicts the average man in camp. This composite figure, designated as The Plattsburger, has been constructed from a compilation of the averages of the dift'erent organizations. 86 THE PI. ATT S BURGER THE; PLATT>35URQm Hair da^rk brown ark ey&s 3fs*ger Biceps 11.2" Fc Calf 145 orcdorm ¥rut 625" ^y Collar 15J^ ¥d,ij-t 34" ig'K^ck7I.6" Tbigk 21.1" HeiriM 68.91 ir2(h&s. Wli^bt 0.72 Ibo: PrevioiivT Militd^ry Training 87 THE PLATTSBURGER » i^^^-i^l^ i-1 j)'4 '■7> ••'* 4^ COAST ARTILLERY CORPS COiMPLETING THE ROSTER The Coast Artillery Company which left us returns in Print. Plattsburg's roll is completed with this vigorous off-shoot, the Coast Artillery Com- pany, which, after a month spent in the barracks on the shores of Lake Champlain, moved to Hampton Roads to grow in knowledge of the big guns of the coast defenses at Fortress Alonroe. It was a picked company of 190 men, chosen from the New England and New York companies of the early Plattsburg camp period, and throughout its training maintained a lively interest in Plattsburg and the men that were of Plattsburg. The Coast Artillery took from the camp as commanders two popular and efficient officers. Captain C. C. Griffiths, C. A. C, compiler of the well-known "Officers' Notes" of Captain Parker, had been a familiar figure to the men of several of the New England infantry companies as an early instructor. Captain David Dows, U. S. R., a Plattsburger himself, also left behind him at Plattsburg a reputation that his brother officers were pleased to recall. COAST ARTILLERY CORPS [88] THE PLATTSBURGER CO Pi W o o A o 5 O o o fe -c d <; O h-i Q. i O • ,^ c ^ a P^ ^w w pl; ^ f„w is w 2; 5^ '-^ PQ _QJ ^ s-3 C2 o o y. 2; liV ^ o ^ ^ G OJ a o ^H H 13 a rj r1 ra 1) H CJ t; W o K h^ h-] W F^ Pi p< U i O -C ^ c; o 2; l-H 2; 1— ( p^ o H 1 — . o a 1-1 h— I 2; P5 ^ o u 5 Q k: r^ h-i 2 H C/) o CO 5| cu +i CO > ^ ^ <" O Pi s.° J C. 60 Ph S 5 "^ O 1. ^ s s ^^ J J3 CJ -^ & -Q rt ^ . QJ O M Ui J PQ dg 1o t^ S Q ^ < M rt THE P L A T T S n U R G E R * i** ' ' *^^f*'^> «r*^- "a«» THE FIRST IN NAME AND FACT That is if You Believe the IPriter of this Feracious Chronicle of itsAchievements camp this year Captain Paul his first taste of /yfx HEN the one hundred and thirty-six of us were r r regimented together away back last August and informed that we were the personnel of the First Company, Plattsburg Reserve Officers' Training Camp, we felt that there had been shifted ui)on our shoulders an additional responsibility. The First Company —it had a rather select ring, that numeral. We liked it, and straightway determined to make our outfit first in more than name only. That is the soldier's priyilege and his duty. Take an old timer from the reg- ular ser\-ice. His always is the best regi- ment in the army, his the best company in the regiment, his the best platoon in the company, his the best scjuad in the platoon and there is nothing in the regulations which forbids him from entertaining the secret conviction that HE is about the best soldier in the squad. So saying, the First determined to be first in all that the name implies. Maybe we were and maybe we were not, but we tried. There is no dispute about that. Barrack-room life is a sociable form of existence. If one man knew three of his company com- rades at the beginning of this camp he was in luck. Here we came, from the ends of the earth, to go up against the stiffest competitive test of our lives. Then, as if by magic, we became one big family almost overnight. And with us every inch of the way, whether at work, song or play, were our officers and instructors. Major Benjamin Joy, the company com- mander, started things oft with a bang by suggesting on the first day that our motto be; "First in the trenches, first on the range and first in everything." Major Joy's military training began at Plattsburg in 1915. The following year he attended the training camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and was commissioned a Major G. B. Stcbtiins, 2d first lieutenant. At the first Plattsburg UyV,n. Aisi. Baiiallon in^irudor Capt. R. O. Barton 1st Bn. 17th P. T. R. Assl. Sonoy Jiislnictor step once, on O range.) he was promoted to major. A. Merriam, second in command, also had army hfe at Plattsburg in 1915. He liked it and enlisted in the First Connecticut Infantry as soon as he got home. After his border service he was made a first lieu- tenant. At the first Plattsburg camp this year he won a captaincy. Now for a few fleeting pictures of com- pany life in barracks and afield: How well we remember Sergeant Grif- fin's lecture on the nomenclature of the rifle. "Now this particular part of the rifle, . . " said the sergeant, as he took it out with ease, while we later struggled with it in despair. "Father" Fearhake, with his "Major Joy, sir," and his check roll-call of his squad at 5:301.2 A. M., enlivened many a sleepy moment. "Hart, get in step with your own com- pany." (Note — Hart was found to be in ctober 8th, returning to barracks from the MAJOR JOY: " I'd suggest a position and aiming drill for accuracy in dropping the cigarette stubs into the pails." CAPTAIN MERRIAM: "You have all day to cover the area." "How far is it?" we asked. "Eleven miles," was the laconic reply. Then there was "Waddling Ware," who gathered his uniform in small sections, and took ten days to do the job. "Kaiser" Gil turned his head one- quarter inch to the left while marching at attention on October 1st, and later on the same da>' was noted on the bunk-report. Protest pending. William W. Burke was our long-distance eater. Our comi)any baljy was Ruth Ethel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest L. 90 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R -i*- :r" :.■•« ;kV ^^SSB^-N^ ^V Saxton, born October 5, 1917; weight, eight and one-half pounds. Loring and Noxon at least agreed on one thing: "There is a war." Buckley was our baseball dopester, Fuller our chief musician, and John J. Murph)'- our company's first "first- aider." Star athletes were Walter S. Dillon, Dartmouth '05, football; and Lawrence A. Whitney, Dartmouth '15, foot- ball and track. Fernald Hutchins found the cemetery lawn or the company street more resilient than a pine-board bunk and thus acquired the sobriquet of "Cemetery Joe." McCann and Carr denied that they were representatives of a hat concern. Who can compute the muzzle velocity of a rumor? Ask Kirkpatrick. The company's tallest man was "Shorty" Parkman; its midget, Albert E. Hutchins. The First's hall of fame also includes our snappy supply sergeant, Joseph J. Matthews; Merry, the company's walking box-office; Estey, our official mail distributor; and Sullivan's "Big Ben." The watchword of the compan_\': Captain Merriam's "Smash it! " Darby and Grant, company cooks and heavy weights. If they eat their own cooking why should we worry? "Dick" Fuller gained distinction as our glee club leader, and as Captain Barton's busy orderly. As rustlers, Estey, Guild, and Moulton had far more than a local reputation in the trenches. There was no question as to the company's Beau Brummel — Sergeant Ackerman. "Duffy '' Lewis had an I D R all his own, on his day as company commander, and it wasn't so bad at that. McLoughlin's vocal imita- tions after taps cost his squad and four others, nearby, extra police duties, but Mac always came back strong. Cutler's Sunday morning 'phone conversations with Major B. Toy Boston averaged a five spot, ijt Co. but Cut said it was worth it. Instructor There was no competition for talking in one's sleep. I-ord took the money, uncontested, while we all gathered in the secrets he divulged. These are only a few of the company's sparklers. It would take up the entire book to note the good qualities of all the men, and those not mentioned will be continued in our next. We'll meet the rest of the camp in Berlin, that is, if the others hurry. Co. 1, 17//? P . T. Regiment Edmund Q. Abbot, Leonard L. Abott, James F. Ackerman, Lesley B. Allen, John M. Barnard, Henry D. Ballou, Forrest E. Billings, Raymond A. Bond, Bert L. Breed, James .\. Brennan, Wade L. Bridgham, Frank L. Buckley, William W. Burke, Philo C. Calhouji, Angus W. Campbell, Harold G. Campbell, Russell Carr, Thomas J. Carey, .\rchibald F. Cheney, Leo L. Cleveland, Sidney Clifford, Dennis F. CoUins, Edward F. Collins, Chester W. Cook, Frank M. Coombs, John C. Coughlin, Raymond L Cowles, Gifford Cutler, Myron G. Darby, Walter S. Dillon, Daniel \. Donoghue, William H. Eckert, Irvin C. Elmer, Edward R. Elwell, Samuel G. Enders, Roland W. Estey, Heman S. Fay, Jr., John D. Fearhake, Eugene R. Fellows, Stephen E. Fitzgerald, Ashley R. Flood, Ralph T. Foye, Henry .\. Frothingham, Richard S. Fuller, Robert JI. Gilson, .\braham S. (ioldman, -\rthur Grant, Arnold J. Grant, Granville C. Gray, Martin G. Grifiin, Walter W. Gross, Sydney T. Guild, Harr\' D. Guthrie, Sheldon B. Goodrich, John H. Flail, jr., Kenneth S. Hall, Martvn L. Hall, Albert B. Hart, Jr., John P. Hartigan, William D. Ha'ssett, Walter Hatfield, William A. Hitchcock, Albert D. Holbrook, Eugene P. Hubbard, Arthur W. Hunt, Albert E. Hutchins, Fernald Hutchins, .\ndrew G. Jenkins, Wilbur W. Jenkins, limery E. Johnson, Paul T. Kearney, Vincent L. Keating, Aden J. Keele, James J. Kelley, Gelston T. King, W. M. Kirkpatrick, John \. Leakins, John W. I^ee, W. ]\L Leonard, Jr., Walter E. Lewis, Sidney H. Lincoln, Herbert E. Lord, Robert JI. Loring, Philip W. Lowry, John D. MacCalla, Everett H. MacLeod, John J. Maginnis, John .\. Markliam, William H. Mason, Joseph J. Matthews, William F. McCann, George F. McCanna, Clarence G. McCarn, Charles J. McLaughlin, Arthur B. Merriam, Amos G. Merrj^, F^noch R. Moody, John E. Moore, Harold F. Moulton, John J. ilurphy, John F. Noxon, Jr., Henry Parkman, Jr., Earl F. Perry, Geo. E. Plaisted, Jr., Edmund T. Price, Corrado Ratti, Timothy J. Reardon, Edward J. Renehan, Gerald K. Richardson, Charles Roehrig, Hans F. B. Roes- sler, Charles P. Rugg, Ernest L. Sa.xton, Everard D. Seely, Thomas H. Smith, Parke H. Struthers, Homer V. Sulli\-an, Lloyd J. Thayer, lirnest 0. Thomas, Jones R. Tro«- ^ ., . , . ^4 , . bridge, Ralph Thrall, John E. Ward, .\lbert P. Ware, Wentworth Wil- •'■'l''- ■'■ A. ifernam Uams, Lewis K. Wilson, Lawrence ^st Co. A. Whitney, Evan A. Woodward, AssisUiiil Inslnnior Richmond Young. 91 THE PLATTSBURGER ^^ THE SNAPPY SECOND A Company that Dug Trenches and Hunted Contours with as Much Vim as it Devoured Stew I ONG after the magic of military commands has (^f become second nature to (some of) us; when ^^^ we have been with the troops of the National Army through the period of their training and arrived at last at the seasoned veteran stage on the firing front — how then will we look back and regard the three months which we spent at Plattsburg, which constituted the kindergarten of our schooling in the military art? That's a fher in futures for fair, but it's no poser for the men of Company Two. There can be no doubt about it — Plattsburg is going to be a big word with us wherever we go, whatever we do. As the opening chapter of the Great Adventure, our three months at these barracks quite fills the bill, according to all the rules governing first chapters. It has aroused and maintained interest in our subject, which here happens to be the military game. Men of the Second Company will go their ways at the close of this camp carrying with them impressions and inspirations which will make them better men. We feel we lived these three months right up to the limit, slighting neither the lighter nor more serious aspects of the camp. How easy it is to recall that August morning when as raw civihkns we tumbled out of our comfy Pullmans and climbed the slope to the camp on the hill. The first man we saw on reaching the company street was Cram. To him was assigned the duty of figuring out the sizes in wearing apparel and shoes that the men would require. He admits himself that he never delved deeply into math. No one doubts him. A look at the fits is ample proof. However, he cannot be blamed for the hat sizes, for heads have swollen and heads have shrunk in varying degree with the smile or scowl of the powers that be. Hat sizes therefore cannot be standard at this camp. Capt. R. C. Booth was our first company commander. He organized the men into preliminary squads and gave them their first lessons in military etiquette. On August 27 he was transferred to the Sixth Company and was Capt Inf., N. A., nd Company Inslnidor succeeded by the permanent company officers, Capt. Marshal Stearns and Capt. John F. Rhodes. Captain Stearns reported to the camp ill and was in the hospital for two weeks, during which time Captain Rhodes was in sole charge of the company, working night and day to make it one of the best drilled and disciplined at the post. The men were back of him, so that when Captain Stearns took active command he found a body of well -instructed troops. About this time Capt. Robert A. D. Ford was assigned to the company as an addi- tional instructor. He is a man of many years' military service in every corner of the globe. In the British service he fought in the Boer war, in China, in France, and later against the Germans in German West Africa. Between times he put in eleven years' service in the Philippines. He resigned from the British army in September to accept a commission in the National Army. Our battalion, which is composed of the first and second companies, was commanded by Capt. Raymond 0. Barton of the 46th Infantry, with Major G. B. Stebbins and Lieut. F. S. Long as assistant instructors. They have set a high standard for us to live up to, representing the highest tyjje of American manhood. During our first week James R. Webb was appointed first sergeant for a few days and handled the men so well that he was made permanent "top." Although in a try- ing and difficult position, he acted at all times with such tact and good judgment that, while playing the part of a good soldier, his popularity with the men never waned. Drilling was the popular pastime for the first two weeks. At least it was popular with someone, for we passed The commands gave the regulars Stearns, lot of time at it. a grouch that lasted until the open season for digging set in. Buell had the company out marking time one day and could not bring them to a halt. Many gave up through exhaustion, but "Hap" Hopkins, "Fat" Morse, "Slim" Schirm and a few other marathoners would 92 THE PLATTSBURGER 'X have been going yet but for the timely arrival of Spitz with an I. D. R. Halsey -wanted the company to give 'way to the right and ordered them to "Fall Down," on another occasion. It not being specified in the regulations, no one did it, but as Eddie remarked, "He nearly took a fall out of us." "Lanky" Brewster gave the order "Right Step" one morning, but no one moved. He cried it out again and then again, until finally in despair he cried out, "Well, go to it." "Put" Putnam was the "People's lawyer" of the company in addition to being major of the cereal detail, which ate hay at the "Dirty Spoon" at nine every night and drilled on the equitation field every Sunday. Goldy was adjutant, "Beck" N. CO. in charge of argu- ments. " Boots" Hynes, Jerry Callahan, Campopiano and Daneker had charge of arguments in the second barracks. The trenches took the heart out of many of the boys. Others, however, discovered for the first time that the shovel was the ancestral weapon. They wielded it as naturally as though they had signed up with a big league subway builder. "Monte" and Dudley were probably the most scientific shovelers; not that they did it in cadence, like Doak and Boucher, Brocker and Bowman, but they did it with a pride and a precision that demon- strated they had gone deep into the matter. In fact, Montague teaches the subject "somewhere in Massa- chusetts" and "Lofty" Dudley picked up the science in an agricultural school. "Needles" Kendall was the promptest man in the company at mess formations. He spent his few leisure moments waiting in line for the next mess assembly. He, with Armes, Thayer and Codaire, formed the point on which the company marched to mess. The cry of the Knife Swallowers' brigade was, "Front and center on theO. D. bread." The company log would be incomplete without mention of "Skip" Benware, our garrulous janitor. Profiting by the anti- valet order, he reaped a small fortune from cleaning countless pairs of shoes and leggings until laid low by the constant use of cold water and saddle soap. "Skip's" chief worry was his inability to find a resting-place for the many unclean shoes on Capt. J. F. Rhodes, his hands. First driven from 2nd Co. Assistant Instructor, the corner of the barracks, as the result of a battalion inspection, he sought to share the space around Candidate Mclnnes' bunk, but was again forced out, after a stormy session with the corporal, who had been credited with twenty-seven pairs of "Skip's" dirty shoes. The piano depended upon the cleanliness of the company, for it was paid for by a 10 per cent, dividend on the laundry. Soon we will be separated, but always with a warm place in our hearts for the Platts- burg camp, our officers and company friends, and with the hope that our military future may be as pleasant and profitable as these three months were here. / Capt. R. A. D. Ford, Inf., N. A., 2nd Co. Assistant Instructor Co. 2, 17th P. T. Regiment Herbert W. Aiken, John L. Ames, Robert J. Anderson, Roland K. Armes, Leo W. Banks, George A. Barnes, William L. Barry, Carl R. Beckert, Albert Beliveau, -William Berman, Edward H. Bond, Edmund R. Boucher, Scearle M. Brewster, Eugene L. Brine, Wesley G. Brocker, Francis J. Buckley, Albert A. Buell, Frederic M. Burn- ham, William H. S. Callahan, Gerald J. Callahan, Jean C. Campo- piano, Roland P. Carr, Elmer C. Carrier, Walter Channing, Jr., Colby M. Chester, Jr., Ernest W. Codaire, Frank C. Cooper, Walter W. Comings, MajTiard Craig, Ralph H. Cram, Archie W. Crandall, William T. Crawford, Harold S. Cutler, John L. Daneker, Ralph M. Darrin, James R. Dearden, John C. Dinsmore, Clarence A. Doak, Eleazer J. Dole, Lofton L. Dudley, Rockwood S. Edwards, Dean A. Emerson, Emmons B. Farrar, Arthur Fay, George M. Ferris, Eugene B. Floyd, Benjamin A. G. Fuller, Morris E. Franklin, Louis Goldman, Franklin E. Halsey, Charles F. Hamilton, John L. Hannan, Harold B. Henley, Robert Highley, Frank B. Hills, Donald R. Hinds, Edwin L. Hopkins, C. A. Huntington, Jr., James M. Hynes, Daniel B. Jones, Arthur T. Kelly, Frank F. Kendall, George E. Kendall, Furber M. Libbv, Robert T. Linehan, Dustin S. Lucier, James H. Mahoney, Jr., Justus C. Martin, WiUiam T. May, Jr., Guy McCIusky, John F. Mclnnes, Henry M. Merrill, Enos J. Montague, Frederick W. Moore, Arthur H. Morse, John L. Murphy, Gustaf A. Nielson, Walter H. Nolan, John H. O'Brien, Maurice M. Osborne, James C. Oshurn, Amos T. Pagter, Aurin E. Payson, Dudley L. Pickman, Jr., Sidney T. Pollard, Arthur N. Potter, Edmund F. Potter, Franklin D. Putnam, Robert S. Quimby, John E. Redmond, Howard W. Robbins, Hiram D. Rogers, Earl A. Ross, James H. Russell, Edmund M. Rutledge, Charles A. Schirm, John Seerj', Earle H. Segur, Clement G. Slattery, Charles G. Smith, Percival L. Smith, George C. Sommer, Julian H. Spitz, Clarence iL Steadier, George C. Stookey, John A. Sullivan, Harvey H. Sunderland, Charles W. Tartre, Wilfred J. Taylor, Robert E. Thaj-er, William F. Upton, Jr., Charles H. "Vaughan, James R. Webb, Aaron D. Weld, Sargent H. Welhnan, Arthur E. L. Westphal, Harry L. Wiggin, Carlos F. Williams, W. H. Wilson, Carl G. Whitaker, Harold P. WiUett, Grafton L. Wilson, Bernard J. Wolf, John G. Wright. 93 THE P 1. A T T S B U R G E R :aS£* gP&^afi^^-^^^/:-f'^^r^'' -= -lis--' 3*--- .*>.L4X^-' *■■ COMPANY THREE "THE HAPPY THIRD" The Married Men Throiv Missiles Best^ Other Secrets Revealed ZJS a company, the Third New England wasnot wilh- _ji~l out certain marks of distinction. We showed instinctive aptitude for "close" and "extend" wiihout command during battalion drill. We developed cunning in the tactics and strategy of shoe-polishing and broom-handling. Early in the course we learned what a blessing bayonet and bombing drills were for married men. When we come home from the war and the C. 0. commands, "Dismiss the cook," we can advance — with a mop-handle at "guard" — well versed in the execution of long point, short point and jab point. Imagine the dismay and demoralization of even the powerful Katrinka if after dodging the rolling-pin she hurled, we stood over it and, remarking in a clear, well- modulated voice, "Pick up bomb; pre- pare to throw ; aim ; withdraw pin ; throw," executed these movements and lobbed the implement gracefully at her. But there are disadvantages in military training as well. It may prove embarrass- ing if we salute our neighbor's groom in a snappy manner, having absent-minded ly made a mental observation of leather leggings. Yet this is as nothing compared with the horrors that will follow a lapse in the execution of nursery guard duty, in the quiet hours before the dawn, that makes us bring a well-fed, vocally active baby to the "port " wrong end up. We have played " Blister, Ijlister, whose got the blister? " in trench digging. We have heard seven of the eight candidates carrying a fascine give detailed but different directions to the eighth as to its proper carrying — and yet men dare to say we are not leaders ! We felt a thrill as the shovel cadence leaped from 4 to 108 at the approach of the battalion commander and his adjutant. At mess we developed a technique which enabled us on Sundays, when our loving family came three hundred miles for a glimpse of their war-worn hero, to straight-arm our aged aunt and beat her to the sugar-bowl four times out of five. Capt. J. M. Murphy, 17lh P. T. R. 2d Bn. .In\/. Senior I iislyuclor There came a day when the company was told that on the morrow it n'lust go forth and cook its mid-day meal "individually." But prayer and supplication and even fasting followed, and was efficacious: violent rain fell on the following day. However, our Waterloo was only postponed, for on a Friday following— Friday was always fateful— we "moved out." And having moved out a considerable distance and having marched and patrolled and deployed our- seh-es into a ravenous condition, the time for the preparation of the meal arri\'ed. At the same time the heavens began to supply us with running water and certainly did a good job of it. It washed the f)ota- toes as they were peeled; it filled canteen cups, likewise anything else fiUable; it swelled the hardtack; it poured on to the feeble fire at inopportune moments from hat brims as one fished with an all-too-short fork for the bacon that had just fallen in the ashes. Yet every one arose from the rei)ast voting it a tremendous success and with facial expressions indicative of having "swallowed the canary." Then our first "day" in the trenches will always be remembered. Half the company was put in the first and second line trenches, while the other half was for the most part in the support line. From the outset it may be emphatically stated that "a good time was had by all." (Possibly those w^ho groaned beneath the mess- can may murmur a bit.) The conditions were realistic, especially in the "dugouts." In the early part of the evening conversation waxed furious — the wag would relate his "newest" one and all would laugh heartily as they sat in the candle-light and enjoyed the excite- ment of it all. Then crafty old Morpheus executed a raid — he knew the password and got b}^ the sentries. He entered the dugouts and began to make captives. The way was saluted by yawns first smothered, then aimed blatantly at him. A little "crabbing" became noticeable, showers of dirt from the roof and heels placed on the instep were remarked on somewhat unkindly. Corners were at a premium and violent contortions and 94 THE P L A T T S B U 1^ G E R Capl. C. M. Abbot 1 3d Co., Inslnictor combats to secure reclining space were frequent. .Vs the hours passed and patrols and sentries came and went, the activity of Morpheus increased. In one corner one discovers a huddled mass — possibly a man — his head pillowed on a meat can. Around his legs and feet is coiled his erstwhile squad leader who utters rasping breaths as he lifts the prone body of his immediate neighbor, who in turn is draped artfully across his chest. There lies another who appears to have died pain- lessly, for a smile is on his face (he does not know that his hat ■' ^btHiS^. '^^® crushed beneath him) his ^^"'"^ ^^I^B^^ ,, cheeks are puffing gently with each breath and merely a little . ' r , ' pile of sand on his chest and j.i.l,i^i.r-ui^A,,is>-2ii,^ t^ the foot of a comrade against the side of his face mar the picture. It is only when the first suspicion of dawn lightens the shadows that one is unyjleasantly conscious of the close resemblance of the recumbent occupants of the dugout to the "movies" representation of a "pile of dead Russians near Magski.'' In spite of these things we were a cheerful, happy lot. Early in the game, the last five squads — a big burly, troublesome lot — were shifted to barracks No. 5. Even there a partition had to be constructed to prevent them from beating up the head of Company Four. Members of the last-named organization crouched shivering behind the thin board wall while the king of fistic encounters sharpened his teeth on a bunk-post, or the Soldier Solomon unrolled another six reel film of his vast mihtary experience. In barracks 4 the unwary traveler found it hard to avoid the clutches of the vampire of the third platoon if one ventured near his Circean palace. Reports came frequently that the cartoonist of the company had to be held by main force to prevent his making up the bunks each morning for the whole first and second platoons. The explanation was not industry, but just the fact that he loved bed-clothes and couldn't keep away from them. The first platoon was eventually provided with a port- hole through the partition to the orderly room. So once again its restless members could sleep in peace, for nightly — in squad columns — they could move up and receive their "good-night" kiss from our "top" sergeant. This was to have been a company history. Of our sins of omission and commission (save the marks) we will not speak. Suffice it to say that our comjjany quickly became a real organization. When the great test comes, may the tireless thought and effort and energy of our officers and instructors bear their deserved fruit ; and may we all uphold the traditions and fulfil the hopes of our country! Co. 3, \lth P. T. Regiment Russell Allen, Frank O. Alley, James F. Armstrong, Har\-ey P. Barnes, I^awrence J. Barton, Geoffrey H. Beals, Edward E. Benson, Charles D. Bourcier, Milton A. Brann, William L. Brumby, Frederick Burns, Norman R. Clark, Alfred T. Crane, Emanuel Davis, Frederick B. Dodd, William B. Doggett, Joseph D. Donovan, Alpheus T. Enghsh, Leo F. Farrell, Harold P. Faisneau, Clayton E. Fisher, Edward Fitzgerald, Edward J. Flynn, John Foster, Francis H. Foy, Charles P. Garland, Wallace H. Garrett, Frank Gleason, Bertram E. Goodman, Frank J. Googins, Roland L. Greene, Edward Gunnerson, William L. Hamilton, Charles E. Hartford, Harold H. Heltzen, George K. Hendrick, Henry C. Hicks, Stanton Higgins, Harlan W. Holden, Herbert A. Horgan, John P. Hoyt, Roger J. Hudson, Lewis G. Hunlon, James J. Ingoldsby, Donald A. Ingraham, Volney G. Jenkins, Paul D. Jones, Lloyd W. Jordan, Arthur W. Joyce, David T. Keay, William V. Killion, G. W. Knowlton, Jr., Waldo J. LaCrosse, Remick H. Laighton, John H. Leeming, Alexander F. Lippitt. Clarence C. Little, Hubert H. Lord, John f. Loughlin, James S. Lo\'e, Fred B. Lund, Jr., William F. Manley, Fred T. INfarsh, George T. Marsh, Charles X. Martin, Milton A. Matthews, George H. McCaffrey, James J. McGuire, Edward A. Mc- Lean, Albert F. McMackin. John S. Montgomery, Patrick F. Moran, Edward W. Mudgett, Lawrence H. Nichols, Gustave W. Oberlin, Charles M. O'Brian, James C. OUver, Soren K. Ostergaard, Charles Palmer, John W. Peterson, Daniel W. Patterson, Frank B. Pigeon, Kenneth P. Pond, Joseph E. Pooler, David Potter, William G. Powell, Thomas W. Proctor, Thomas F. Quinn, Jeremiah T. Reardon, .\lbert J. Redway, Jr., Joseph RL Reilly, John W. M. Richardson, John R. Rid- low, Reginald L. Robbins, Harry E. Root, Nestor S. Rowland, John P. Ryan, George A. Sagar, WilUam A. Sargent, Charles W. Sawyer, Richard T. Schlosberg, William J. Schmidt, Edward L. Shaw, Walter H. Simpson, Caleb A. Slade, Charles F. Smith, Stuart P. Speer, Henr\- V. Spurr, Foster W. Stearns, Howard A. Stevens, Walter P. Stewart, Emmons J. Stockwell, Roland M. Stover, Jeremiah Sullivan, William B. Taylor, Rene P. Thalmann, Gardiner Thompson, Harold N. Tryon, Bayard Tuckerman, Jr., George W. Tupper, Newman C. Wade. John C. Warren, Louis V. M. Washburn, Walter W. Webster, Ashbel R. Welles, Hallcck Welles, George D. Wheatley, Horace H. White, Hollie L. Whittemore, Edward B. Wood. 1st Lieut. Lvman Nichols 8d Co. Assistant Instrmior 95 THE PLATTSBURGER THE GLORIOUS (!!) FOURTH Looking Back on Three Busy Months — Yarns of Field and Barracks //^ the time drew near when the popular query ^l^'^Z was, "Who wins the gold leaf?" instead of "Who wins the brown derby?" the Fourth Company gazed bacli with pride on its record at the second Plattsburg camp. Whether we go on marching down the paths of glory under the considerable weight of shoulder- straps or not, the three months spent at these barracks form the background of recollections which will remain with mem- bers of the company as long as they live. Unforgetable are those cold mornings that witnessed the collapse of so many ex- cellent resolutions regarding 5 A. M. showers; the rooky C. O.'s who were slow in turning on the lights, thus leaving their bewildered comrades to chmb into their warlike raiment as best they could in that inky darkness which is said to precede the dawn; the pre-reveille plaint of "Who started this war, anyway?" And, ah, distinctly do we remember the beds that had to be made with nary a wrinkle; the floor that had to be swept and re-swept; the omnipresent bologna and the weird-hued coffee; the delectable waffles at the Quick and Dirty; those uniforms which had nothing in common with the contours of our bodies; and the strange commands that sounded Uke the I. D. R. to none but the rookies that uttered them; the first sergeants who mis- pronounced so many names; the bolts thrown on the ground at inspection; the wee speck of dust that disgraced your rifle and made it "one of the dirtiest guns in the company." Just as long will our thoughts hark back to the trenches that caved in; the towering peaks on the parade-ground, discovered only when we took up map-making by ear; reliable Sergeant Hill, who always knew what to do; the broken hearts when the order aboUshing valets was issued ; the Saturday night church suppers; the welcome boxes from home; the pay day that came at last; the prices that rose automatically when a red, white and blue hat-cord Maj. A. B. Collins, 17th P. T. R. 2d Bn. Asst. Ballalion Inslriiclor appeared; the police squad that polished the officers' bicycles; the midwinter club's raid on the mess woodpile; the enemy on the banks of the Salmon River — they are our rosary. Not all of the men in the company became intimately acquainted with the officers with whom they came in con- tact in Hne of duty, but from our far and distant stations we observed them. Lieutenant-Colonel Wolf was envied for being the only man in camp who could come in late to Saturday and Sunday evening theatricals in the gymnasium and still get a good seat. Hardly a candidate in the company failed to win at least once the mythical brown derby put in competition by the roebuck squad. The first squad shone almost every day by the gallant way in which it turned a deaf ear to the acting company commander. When it came to singing, the first platoon with its original lullaby, "Ain't you Comin' Home, Nell," was away out yonder in front. What could compare with Phil Hurley's slogan, "Ease Off"? Big Pevear manipulating the salt and pepper shakers during the week the trenches were built was better than a Bud Fisher cartoon. Pop Houston will go down to posterity renowned for the naive way in which he asked Captain Murphy what that command was he gave at formal retreat. Braff certainly showed he possessed some of that initia- tive, judgment and ability that they talk so much about when he told Hap Haley he was thirty-two men and coolly proceeded to capture the pride of the first squad. Gone but not forgotten by a long shot were Pat Gaudreau with his lame shoulder and Old Man Davidson, who suc- cessfully camouflaged his face with a moustache and goatee. The prohibition of gambling probably was the only thing that prevented Kid Lanouette from winning afl the pennies in the outfit. Also among those present — 96 THE PLATTSBURGER ) i 1 «««, «=j=^ f \ ; ■ ',■- ",- V.'*," '^AfTT/-, ; ; ; pM ^'-^ ■ '■■ ;"T",' ""'(' 'V ■■*■ X1,x^ ."T^- i? *A ^ J|S 4'?'i*i'^-s:?ri^^;f if ^^1:.%% Tjy^V*^ especially along about mess time — were General Meyer, chairman of the company's board of directors; Little Oby and his imperial moustache; Young Josh Brooks, formerly of the Springfield First Church Cadets; Red Smith, who would even chew P. A. in a pinch; Grandma Middleton, who said it would be easier to mark targets if they would use larger bullets; Bill MacKenna, who claimed he could call the battalion to attention without raising his voice; Herb Guenther, who told Captain Murphy the position of attention was not a comfortable one; Chauncey Batchelor, the champion knitter; and Reg De Lacour, the sugar king. Honest John Verbeck won the company no little notoriety during its stay in the trenches by getting lost in No-Man's Land. Trench life certainly went far to make men of the Fourth Company candidates. It cured Jarge Morris of talking about the prowess of his brother Tom, much to the delight of Elpy Reed, who, in consequence, agreed to abandon the 750-page military manual which he had planned for the guidance of the Peperell police force. The only mutiny in the company during the camp was broken up at this time by the judicious assignment to the mess can detail of the ringleaders. After that little occurrence Gertrude was known by his right name, Fitzy, and for a while Ham Hammons and Bob Kelle- her thought of inviting him to one of the weekly $7.50 meals they used to alternate in buying for the big fellow in their squad. Glancing over the roster it was easy to get the impres- sion that the Fourth was composed entirely of famous men. No Fourth Company man would deny the soft impeachment. And when a company admits it's good you have to watch it. As Tommy Shea was fond of saying: "If a man will bet $5 he can do a thing, he can do it." Judging by the number of Liberty Bonds sold in the company, 15 to back themselves against the world didn't mean any more to the men than a joke did to Beri Berry or a new pronunciation of his name did to Waw. Waugh. The carpenters almost always helped out with some inapropos remark. Occasion- Capt. F. M. Sawtell 4th Co. Instructor ally sleepy-eyed headliners getting material for their evening turns would appraise us critically. A regular little Eva bloodhound nearly put the whole company to flight the Saturday after the Post Exchange was broken into. Another advantage was the head start the Fourth Company had in any race for food between and after meals. Furthermore, the barracks were ac- cessible to the latest rumors, which helped out con- siderably the last month. Co. 4, nth p. T. Regime7it Norman I. Adams, Jr., Maynard R. Ale.xander, Albert E. Anderson, James S. Armstrong, Frederick M. Atwood, John W. Baker, Frank M. Barney, Chauncy C. Batchelor, Frank E. Bel, Charles R. Bell, William P. Berry, Joseph F. Blake, Carl H. Blocklinger, Joseph Bower, Mitchell Braft', Philip H. Brass, Lawrence L. Brooks, Arthur J. Bryant, Howard L. Butler, Wilber D. Canaday, Bernard L. Chapin, Henry Chapin, Roy W. Chase, Robert R. Clark, Donald S. Clark, Albert G. Chfford, John A. Connell, John Coonan, Howard S. Crane, Isaac A. Crapo, Lome L. Cupples, John G. Daiger, John C. Dalglish, Eugene M. Darhng, Reginald B. DeLacour, William T. Donegan, Charles Douglass, Herbert C. Eggleston, Walter A. Pen- ning, Max C. Fisher, Stephen S. Fitzgerald, John J. Flynn, Frank D. Frazier, Patrick J. Gaudreau, Arthur W. George, John T. Gibbons, Earl W. Gooding, Roger F. Goss, William T. Granfield, John W. Grant, Bruce J. Graydon, Herbert F. Guenther, Stanislaw A. Gutow- ski, Bartholomew J. Haley, Everett A. Ham, Russell L. Hammons, Henry B. Harris, WiUard H. Hasey, Weston B. Haskell, Ernest R. Hedstrom, Clarence P. Houston, Cyril J\L Hollander, Charles J. Hurley, Jr., Phihp Hurley, Robert G. Hutton, George E. Ingram, Edward N. Jesup, Harold T. Johnson, Robt. J. Kelleher, Edgar O. Kennerly, George P. Kimball, Ronald M. Kimball, Durant F. Ladd, Kenneth H. Lanouette, Joseph A. Levy, James M. Lena- han, Charles J. Lennihan, Felix Lepage, Theodore R. Lockwood, Thomas C. Lull, Herschel Lutes, Donald S. Mackay, William S. Maulsby, Thomas F. McCarthy, James McDonnell, William J. McKenna, William N. MacKenzie, Albert C. MacLellan, George V. L. Meyer, Jr., Alexander C. Jliddle- ton, Stuart Montgomerj', George W. Morris, Perry J. Moynihan, Warren H. Munsell, Armand L. Murdock, Leo M. Murphy, Joseph jNIeyrscough, Joseph G. Nathanson, WiUiam J. Nolan, Ralph M. O'Brien, Raymond M. O'Brien, Richard J. O'Brien, Robert P. Osborn, Chase K. Pevear, Shepard Pond, Vincent F. Pottle, John H. Pratt, Jr., Joseph R. Proctor, Donald Ramsay, Leslie P. Reed, Roger S Robbins, William H. Russell, George S. Ryan, Thomas P. Shea, Edward 0. Shepard, William J. Smith, Lewis W. Spaulding, Wesley A. Sturges, Wycklifie 0. Sullivan, Wendell P. Turner, Harvey C. Waugh. Hobart S. Weaver, Caleb West, James F. Winston, FrankUn Wyman, Roland H. V«rbeck. Capt. J. C. Shaw, Jr. 4th. Co. Assistant Instructor 97 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R THE FIFTH TO THE FRONT .1/ Company of Faricd Types and Training that Took to Trenches as Aptly as to Stoves > /y T.T, along the line — from Murphy's weather \^_/^ bureau at Eastport to Parson's California gold mine — they came, these men of Plattsburg's Fifth. Leaving plow and plane, bar and barracks, desk and dinner coat, a company of varied types and training made their way here, zealous to acquire that military bearing and edu- cation which would mark them as leaders in this effort to restore an "organized living together among the nations." Candidate Joyce scaled his straw Kelly into the lake; "Pop" Barrows shed his green silk shirt; Candidate Crehore com- pared Plattsburg with the medical corps of the army; and then Sergeant Brown marched the company to Barracks 7, where it assumed its real entity, report- ing to Captain Alexander Kendall and Captain Robert H. George, with Capt. J. P. Cole and Major Ohver J. Schoon- maker commanding the Third Battalion. It was a hard blow to leave Fifth Avenue, but to be in the new Ijarracks was a great stroke for Middlemass. The mess shack was hard by, and the breezes from the lake afford- ed him an early opportunity to bring into play his aeroplane nightcap. The peaceful cadence of the first few weeks in the army was immediately and ruthlessly shattered with a three- time prophylactic deployment against typhoid and small- po.\. Being in a "colyum" of squads, the company posed for the artists of the medical department and then passed on to the needle. The pepper market fell off perceptibly during the ne.xt few formations — Bill Lynch faltered for a moment, a dozen others came out in sympathy, and the result was that he who encroached beyond sighting dis- tances of a left arm — well, he was out of luck, that's all. One old army veteran thought he knew army life, but these tactics were too much. "This ain't no military .1 Capt. J. P. Cole :W Bn. 17th l\ T, R. A.sV. S'liioy I }islruiior post; it's a madhouse," he said. But Rucker didn't know; he never fought with Sherman. The business end of military training began with a scientific treatment of the U. S. Magazine Rifle, Model 1903. Captain Griffiths furnished a few salient facts, but it took Squire Pierce of Woodstock, Vt., to furnish the flowers. His discussion on making the piece his pride and joy, tucking it under the sheets and kissing it "good night" carried an embellishment of diction that was the last w(jrd — one might say the period — on the nomenclature and care of the rifle. The plus and minus of the rifle was thrashed out by Captain Lang and Candidate Hurst. After a word on the hat-cord and an assurance that no man would gain belt territory in this camp, the captain allowed Hurst to illustrate the trajectory and the jump of the bullet. It developed into an argument, and Hurst "guaranteed" he was right. Why the I. D. R. is revised from time to time might easily have been realized at any drill conference. When Ainsworth succeeds in guiding the company on the rear squad, and if Donovan and Candidate Maginnis leave anything at all, Jim Gillen will add another volume to his military library, besides the work to be published by Charles Parsons on "Daily Hints on Cleaning the Springfield." This same collection, however, has been seriously threatened around pay day. Five to one Mr. Gillen cannot pick the day, is some wager, and a rumor here is a bad hunch even if the band does break the day with "Under the Double Eagle." Many a wonderful dream of a week successfully com- pleted was proved a flivver by a speck of dust on Saturday morning. It failed, though, to agitate the serenity of Charles Blanchard. Captain J. P. Cole, the battalion instructor, observing his toil-worn leggings, remarked. 98 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R "Those leggings are pretty- dirty, Mr. Blanchard; tiaxen't you got another pair? " "Yes, sir." "Why didn't you put them on for inspection? " "Because they were fully as dirty as these, sir," said Charlie, without batting an eyelash. A rigid inspection was in order for that day all along the company. Candidate Volkmann, the first man in barracks, was spotted by Captain Kendall. "What are you doing with that heavy sweater in your equipment, Mr. Volk- mann?" "It's not a sweater, sir," said Volkmann, "it's a pair of socks." Next Bunk. For a time after the stoves became a part of company home life, inspections came so often that one was hardly prepared to greet the inspecting officer with due courtesy and honor. Now, Charles Parker Howard, for instance, might be called the last candidate in camp who would fail to pay honor where honor is due. But a burned hand is a burned hand, and Candidate Howard could hardly be blamed for warning an of&cer of imminent danger, even though the choice of words was not consistent with his professorial dignity. The simple, frugal tastes of week days, broken only when Johnny Butler got a package containing some of Mrs. Thomas's Willowmead cookies, faded away with the boiled dinner on Saturday noon, and after the dying cadence of the last mess of the week dissipation was in order, ranging from the Greasy Spoon to the Presbyterian suppers. Lads of the Fifth may have been shy on bologna, mulligan and scrambled eggs, but they were strong on Presbyterian suppers. With Wesley Earle Barrows to drum up trade and carve the ham, with Harold Bates to supply the missing 50 per cent, efficiency, z>t«.>. .^K^H&v '^'^'^ ^'^^' "Twitch" to pour, no ^^/^^^JiPP^^'~*» .. New England Plattsburger felt -■ ^^ the lack of his beans on Saturday night. As a matter '\ of fact, carving for so many persons carried "Pop" right Capt. A. H. Kendall off his feet, and he was forced 6th Co. Instructor to lie low in the hospital a ir-Li:^'~»4,'L Cap(. R. H. George .5lh Co. Assistant Instrurtor week or so to recuperate, "for the first time in forty-two years." Trench warfare, the method pursued "Over There," was presented to the Fifth Company in a manner that left no doubt of its reality. The engineering side of the war was "indubitably" manifested, and after the novelty of the first few twenty-minute shifts had worn out, how some of those boys did camouflage! Co. 5, 17//? P. r. Regiment Glenn M. Ainsworth, Ellis J. Bardsley, Cadella I. Barrows, Wesley E. Barrows, Harold M. Bates, Max A. Bengs, Jos. B. Bisbee, Jr., Chas. B. Blanchard, Walter L. Bouve, Chapin Brinsmade, Philip M. Brown, Ray W. Bryant, Fred C. Bubier, Morris E. Bumpus, Harry E. Burroughs, Edwin G. Burrows, John G. Butler, Daniel J. Canty, Jas. H. Carroll, Roland H. Cobb, Sheldon C. Colhns, Roy E. Connor, Lin- coln B. Copp, Thomas L. Cornell, W^m. B. Cornell, Maxime J. Cornelher, Wm. E. Crabtree, Morton S. Crehore, Jr., Martin L. Curley, Jr., Harry H. Denning, Clifford E. Dennis, Dwight C. De Yette, Lloyd J. Dill, Harold RL Donovan, Wm. T. Dooley, PhiHp Doremus, Arthur R. EUis, Harold G. Elrod, John F. Eenton, Geo. O. Ferguson, Harold F. Flynn, Arthur E. Gardner, James M. Gillin, Nathaniel J. Glover, Ivers A. Hackett, Alfred Hansen, Harold G. Harman, Thos. L. HefEernan, Ralph H. Higgins, Chas. P. Howard, Edward Hurst, Robt. E. Jackson, Ralph E. Jones, Thos. F. Joyce, Winthrop W. Kenny, John C. Ketchara, John M. Kingsley, Frank Lambert, Royal Little, Wm. R. Lynch, John H. Maeck, John H. McCabe, Bertram T. McCarter, Raymond A. McDonald, Francis E. McGuire, Henry P. McKean, Arthur H. Middlemass, William M. MiUiken, Langdon E. Morris, Louis Moore, John J. Jlurphy, Geo. E. O'Brien, Edward J. Owens, John M. Parker, Chas. Parsons, Walter C. Peck, Loren R. Pierce, Harold L. Pinkham, Ellsworth J. Piper, Walter F. Pond, Arnold S. Potter, Robt. E. Price, Lyle M. Prouse, Frank E. Punderson, Howard R. Randall, John Arnold Regan, James J. Regan, Donald L. Richards, Ralph P. Robinson, iJdwin S. Ross, Ernest B. Rowe, Geo. W. Ryley, Ralph Sanborn, Lawrence b1 Sargent, Lawton G. Sargent, Michael A. Scanlon, Herbert Scoville, Jos. R. Sheehan, Chnton E. Sherwood, Norman A. Small, Francis X. Smith, Robt. J. Snidewind, Fred. W. Stafford, Harrj- Staley, Geo. A. St. Clair, Geo. E. Stephenson, Edward P. Streeter, Wm. H. G Teague, Robt. J. Thrall, Chas. M. Toole, Erland C. Torrey, Lewis r! Twitchell, Jas. H. Volkmann, Everett E. Walker, Overton' S Webb' Stephen Weiler, EUery H. Wheeler, Harry F. White, Philip m' Wiggins, Wm. H. Wiley, Kenneth H. Wilson, Chas. F. W^nship' Alonzo F. Woodside, Harold P. Wright, Kenneth Y. Wright. ' 99 THE PLATTSBURGER THE STORY OF THE SIXTH Booth's Bunch of Go-Getters Lined Up "The Sixth Company is the best company That ever got ready to hck Germany." 7 HIS assertion, as expressed in the words of a topical song by Candidate "Bob"' SchaufBer, is un- doubtedly true, because every member of the company unblushingly admits it. Seriously, the Sixth Company believes it ranked high and gives the credit largely to the company ofhcers. Captain Robert C. Booth, commanding, and First Lieuten- ant Branton H. Kellogg by their efforts inspired the men with a spirit of ag- gressive efficiency which drove them onward. Captain Booth, who is a Plattsburg boy, 23 years of age, is a real " Go-Getter." To see him leading a bayonet drill would fill a lazy person with dismay. Captain Booth graduated with honors from Yale in 1916, studied law for a time, and after service in the Plattsburg camp in August, 1916, was commissioned a second Ueutenant, U. S. R. He did duty in the Third Company, First Provisional Training Regiment, and on August 14, 1917, was commissioned captain. Lieutenant Kellogg graduated from Williams, where he was a football star, with the degree of A. B. in 1912, and from Harvard Law School in 1915. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry, August 14, 1917. Lieutenant Kellogg showed his ability to get all the men had when, in the trench work, his platoon was adjudged to have the best section of trenches in the C company sector by a board composed of Captain J. P. Cole, 59th U. S. Infantry, Major Oliver Schoonmaker, U. S. R., and Lieutenant Poire. The lieutenant was assisted in commanding the platoon on this occasion by Candidate John K. Howard, of the H. T. C, acting first sergeant. Major O. J. Schoonmaker 3d Bn. 17th P. T. R. Asst. Battalion Instruclor Speaking of shooting, which no one was, we respectfully call attention to the fact that the Sixth Company has been at the head or thereabout in all range records. In this connection, "Hen" Rising, youthful candidate, in the vulgar parlance of the day, was there like a tent. His score was only 48 out of a possible 50, but we have it on reliable authority that he was suffering from a severe cold which inflamed one eye. "Sniper" Loughlin, the much-medaled former member of the Massachusetts State Rifle team, and Smith, a marksman of parts, also turned in high gun marks. Modesty forbids us to speak of our shooting with guard cartridges, despite the fact that some dastard slid a service cart- ridge into "Eddie" Quinn's second clip, thereby causing him to shoot a high three. However, "Pop," who as a state of Maine sheriff possesses an iron nerve, rallied immediately and finished strong. An innate and abiding love of truth com- pels us to admit that a number of week- ends at Lake Placid were indefinitely deferred as a result of a slight unpleasant- ness at inspection following the first day's shooting with service ammunition. The Sixth Company men were not only "Go-Getters," but they were also tough. Physically tough, we hasten to add. Less than a dozen men sought hospital treatment and a number of those were afflicted with ptomaine poison- ing. We are ashamed to confess, however, that some of the men, including Walter Kelly, an old Brown man, and C. Baldwin Peck, left the hospital with reluctance. They said the food was wonderful. Also at inoculation time, when members of other outfits were dropping on aU sides, not a man of the Sturdy Sixth went down. The only men who seemed to enjoy map-making were Hoyt Sherman, a man who held the rank of second lieutenant in the Harvard Training Corps, and Corporal Downes of the same corps, who learned how to judge 100 THE PLATTSBURGER contours while driving an ambulance in France. Virtue being its own reward, they were later permitted to map the entire trench system, together with "Ordnance Expert" Bump. In bombing the company did well, under the able instruction of "Jess" Willard, ex-Dartmouth pitcher and company balladist; Newhall, H. T. C. and Rhodes scholar, and others who struggled manfully to displace the base- ball throw by the overhand heave. It is true that Supply Sergeant Oscar G. Beckert, an old cavalryman of many years' experience, on several occasions had great difficulty in finding all the bombs. The men were so enthusiastic over bombing that a number devoted a cherished Saturday afternoon to digging trenches, bossed by "Alderman Bill" Sanborn from Port- land, Me. In the bayonet work "Bud" Frost came into his own. A cadet captain on the staff of Captain Louis Keene, of the First Canadian Expeditionary Force, on instruction service at Dartmouth College and to the New Hampshire mihtia, and just 21 years old, he sure put pep into drill when he took charge. Of the drill, "Young" Damon, who is nearer 50 than 20, said sagely, "It's a horrible business, but we must make the most of it." The company had a nucleus of about 75 per cent, of ex-perienced men from regular army, militia and college training corps. Among the ex-regulars were Captain William Murray, a former cavalryman and machine-gun expert; Company Clerk Milburn, the busiest man in the outfit, whose particular bane was the collection of laundry bills; and "Smiler" Hickey. The militiamen included C. E. Patten, familiarly known as "Pat," champion woodsman of the company; Percy E. In- man, and also Albert E. Kellogg, who for two years was a teacher of English in a military acad- emy near Tokio, Japan. In the "Irrepressible First" squad, which divided honors with the "Scrappy Twelfth " for continuous fighting, was Captain Charles E. Bacon of the Quarter- Capt. R. C. Booth masters' Corps, who sought a 6th Co. Instructor transfer to the line. , / " i IJeut. B. H. Kellogg 6th Co. Assistant Instructor Captain Bacon was a publisher, world traveler and sportsman before the war. As announcer to the first platoon, he was always on the job with " First platoon, all out in two minutes. Overcoats." How different was the polite invitation employed by Wiggin, familiarly known as "Waxedo," because of his waxed mustache, the only one captive in the camp. Co. 6, 17th P. T. Regiment Hector P. Auray, Xorman A. Aldrich, Charles E. Bacon, Capt., Q. SI. C; Elmer R. Baker, Oscar G. Beckert, Harry A. Benwell, Albert E. Binks, Lawrence R. Bowler, Nelson P. Bump, John J. Burns, John T. Brandt, Royal W. Caldwell, Leon S. Cohen, Arthur C. Cole, Thomas T. Conway, J. C. Corliss, Charles R. Crossett, James E. Cum- miskey, Frederick B. Cushman, Frank C. Damon, Ripley L. Dana, Earle B. Dane, Carlton P. Davenport, George L. Dermier, Roy W. Dickinson, Karl E. Dimick, Malcolm Dodd, Jerome I. H. Downes, Lorenzo Doten, Archibald S. Downey, Edward C. Dufficy, Gustavus A. Dunshee, Wendall J. Dunston, George H. Eggleston, Alcott F. Elwell, Walter L. Estabrook, Meryyn F. Falk, Frederick J. Flaherty, Bernard A. Flynn, Melvin D. Ferguson, James D. French, Carlton P. Frost, George W. Furbush, Jr., Samuel B. Gildersleeve, James B. Gillen, Earl C. Goodwin, Harold M. Gore, John M. Gorman, Edwin H. Grater, Frank E. Greenhalgh, Joseph H. Hagar, Daniel I. Hayes, Jesse B. Hannon, Walter L. Hardenbrook, Walcott B. Hastings, Kenneth M. Hartman, Thomas F. Hickey, Clark Hopkins, John K. Howard, Wilham C. Hubbell, Percy E. Inman, Charles H. Jacobs, Harold P. Jackson, Frank T. Joyce, Walter E. Kelley, Albert B. Kellogg, Norman H. Kerr, John E. Knotts, Louis U. Labine, Harold M. Lamper, Earl S. Lewis, James W. Linnehan, Alfred E. Little, James F. Loughlin, George W. Lusk, John M. LjTich, Fessenden D. Manson, William T. Maybury, Michael F. McAleer, Frank L. McCarthy, Joseph V. McKenna, Robert W. Milburn, Thomas S. Milliken, Robert M. Moberly, George M. Moore, Lewis E. Moore, Frederick Morris, Jack F. MuUcahey, WiUiam IMurray, Donald V. Newhall, Francis J. O'Brien, Rowland E. Packard, Charles E. Patten, Harold T. Patten, Charles B. Peck, Jr., Charles F. Pelham, Richard C. Piblad, Emmett Pishen, Francis Pooler, Lawrence J. Purcell, Edward J. Quinn, Alfred E. Rankin, Julius F. Ransom, WilUam E. Remby, Herbert M. Rigney, Henrj' B. Rising, Ernst G. Rowell, Harvey R. Saftel, WiUiam H. Sambom, Robert H. Schautaer, Percy C. Seymour, Gerald H. Segar, Herbert T. Shanley, Allan B. Shepard, Hoyt Sherman, Carlton F. Small, Ralph C. Smith, Winter N. Snow, Charles S. Stanley, Joseph N. Staunton, Arthur E. Ste\'ens, Edward E. Swaim, Edwin A. Thompson, Elisha C. Wattles, George A. Wiggins, Henry M. Williams, Jlount S. Willard, John X. Worthington. 101 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R THE SEVENTH A COMPANY OF VETERANS Boys of '98 Almost Outnumber Youngsters in Captain Hunter's Command HE Seventh is a cross section of the best of America in a column in squads. Every man in it helped to make it; not one of its members and makers will ever be convinced that it is not the fine flower of the second camp. Its smashing record is, of course, accounted for by the character of the officers who wrought its hundred-odd members into a solidly welded, unbreakable company. You see before it a blue-eyed, straightforward figure. Captain D. Gordon Hunter. The best that can be said of the Seventh is that it was worth its commander. He started his way through the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the class of 1912. He annexed the Connecticut middle- distance swimming championship for 1914 while making a distinctive business suc- cess. In the miUtary game he took a commission as second Ueutenant in the Officers' Reserve Corps on November 6, 1916; and after attending the first camp, was promoted to a captaincy. The company was equally proud of Lieutenant Robert Hammershlag, a New Yorker by residence, an Andover and Williams man. He started as second Ueutenant on May 8, 1917; and at the close of the first camp was promoted to a first lieutenancy. The Seventh was scarcely appreciative of its blessings at first. When a bunch of nondescripts from the train wandered into the Ijarracks they were met by a couple of perspiring fellows in khaki. One of them rustled breakfast for the crowd; the other measured feet and shins and necks, and fitted them out with everything from breeches to blankets. You would not have guessed, and neither did we, that the mustachioed candidate who chivvied oatmeal for the greenhorns was Henry C. Bacon, a retired major who had served twenty years in the Massachusetts militia. At that stage of things the Seventh was using a major as a waiter without a qualm. And the perspiring supply sergeant, Candidate Pearce, we learned, habitually handled more employees than we are likely to handle I)rivates. When we grew l:)etter acquainted, we found that three- /S Capt. M. S. Lough 4th Bn. 17lh P. T. R. 4^'^/. Senior In^/nuior quarters of the men had worn khaki before — imperturbable regulars, trained guardsmen from the border, or trim youngsters fresh from the training corps at Harvard or Williams. Candidate Gardner Richardson, who was the owner of an engraved gold watch presented to him by the Province of Antwerp for service on the Belgian Relief Commission, and of an autographed cigarette case handed him Ijy Herbert Hoover, was one of the few Americans who had seen the inside of the Hindenburg Une. W. :M. Sullivan, a Rhodes scholar, drove an ambulance in Flan- ders. Crowley steamed down a gridiron as star end for Harvard several seasons ago, winning a touchdown and an all America place in that Yale defeat. Some of us had studied under the dean of Shakespearean scholars, George Lyman Kittredge; but we learned more from his son, Candidate Kittredge of "A" Com- pany; and while Thomas Mott Osborne was looking after the naval prisoners at Portsmouth, the heir of his name was attending to the Seventh. Rantoul was the company child, whose twenty-first birthday clipped the closing days of camp. Read, nearer fifty than forty, looked as young as Rantoul. Time would fail to tell of Alexander, who struggled to divide three axes among four platoons; or of Rochford, the Spanish War veteran; or Messier, who fought in the wilds of Luzon; of Garrow, an expert from the British rifle- works; of Murphy, who saw cavalry service at Plattsburg when training cam])s were undreamed of; of Jacobs, the company clerk, who did everything and knew everything; Sherman, who could dress in cadence in eight motions; or Thompson, who could play chess, edit the Boston Post, and study the I. D. R. with equal excellence. These men were meeting a concrete situation with speed and skill. Not infrequently they had to do so in strange ways. We spoke of Rantoul. Now it chanced that Captain Lough wandered into barracks at supper time to inspect bunks while the men were at mess. One unfortunate had left his laundry spread over his bed 102 THE PLATTS BURGER in ways not approved by headquarters, and trouljle was in sight. Captain Lough saw the laundry, but Rantoul saw it first. He cleared six Ijunks at a bound. He sat before the laundry; he commenced to fold a pair of errant pajamas, never indicating that they were not his own. Captain Lough hove alongside. "Good evening, sir?" says Rantoul, saluting imperturbably. "All in good order to-night?" "Everything fine to-night," said the captain; and passed on. There are questions which one might ask. When and when only, for instance, is the supply sergeant squelched? No one knows, unless it be when assistance in multiply- ing three times two is needed. Nor has any one been able to discover why no one burst his buttons on the famous day when, the C. O. for the day having forgotten to wind his watch, mess call was mistaken for assembly, and the com- pany stood at parade rest to the clarion of the Y. M. C. A. victrola, and snapped to reverential attention as the chap in the next barracks in measured cadence played "Good Bye, Girls, Lm Through." And at the last note of that classic the officer snapped down from his salute, and imperturbably dismissed the company. Two monuments to the company remain for after generations. In our system of trenches here is Burnes' Bridge, the meeting-place of the reserves, built of solid timber w'hich would survive shelling; and not far off is Richardson's Crossing — built by Candidate Captain Richardson, to span the Rams Horn Boyau, which leads to concealed pits of death under urbane names like "The Chinese Restaurant," "Madison Square," and "Rams Horn Inn." Perhaps the most picturesque of our group was Wain- wright — scion of a fighting line, who left Dartmouth to go abroad upon ambulance ser\'ice ,..-;* in France; left that in turn to join the famous Foreign Legion and after sterling service, join- ed the Royal Flying Corps. He served his turn in America also — a long summer on the border, with the National Guard. There were two companies — "A" and"B" — the long and the short, respectively. They shot against each other. But when it came to the greater things, there was no division. When subscriptions were asked Capt. D. Gordon Hunter 7th Co. hislrndor for Liberty Bonds, we took the loan and it was ours — one hundred and nineteen men, three officers and two jani- tors, comprising everybody connected in any way with the outfit. We mention the janitor advisedly; for not a man but remembers Sergeant Sullivan with pleasure. The flag dips at the closing chord of the anthem; the khaki-clad ranks fade into October dusk; the major stands at the angle of the road and dismisses the companies as they pass; and fmally the Seventh aligns in its company street. "Every man on the job to-morrow — all the time," says Captain Hunter, out of the gathering darkness. " Dismiss the company." Co. 7, nth p. T. Regiment Chas. W. Alexander, Henry C. Bacon, George V. Baker, John M. Bartlett, Adolf A. Berlc, Jr., Thomas C. Bradford, Maurice T. Bresnahan, Eugene E. Brjant, Warren H. Buffum, Charles C. Burke, Harry A. Burnes, John I). Clarke, Paul L. Coble, James E. Cogan, John J. Cooley, Charles F. Crowley, Frank A. Deroin, Albert T. Dewey, Rowland S. Dodge, Kenneth C. Downing, Harold R. Drew, Laurence Emmerton, John H. Field, Jr., Raymond G. Flynn, Clement R. Ford, Henry A. Garrow, Warren F. Gould, Stephen H. Greene, James F. Herlihy, Kenneth D. Hinds, Leonard C. Howe, Thomas F. Jackson, Dwight I. Jacobs, Kenneth C. Johns o Pi c/2 w u l-H o w CJ m u i JO O o o ^ 2 J H W z B < 6^ 1; O B-O (3 W |:l^ 3 U J<1 =3 t3 < u w 1— ( °5 o H O a > H u o H u a o U O 109 THE PLATTSBURGER XXXt^-V^. X. ■^'^r^^'^i^^if^^- ---^^km^^^^>^m OVER THE TOP WITH THE TENTH A Company That Hu?-dled Every Contour and Then Dug In fine human 7 HE Tenth Company' has been complimented upon many of its achievements, but its greatest virtue might be set down as a feeUng among the men and the snap and spirit of organization. This was due largely to the work of the officers, Captain Ewell, the first battalion commander, followed by Major Carroll Hodges, and of Captains Wallace and Olyjihant, the senior and junior instructors. Major Hodges, the present battalion commander, has a brilliant service record, his latest feat being the mobil- ization of the National Guard of New York State without a hitch. Captain Wallace entered the last camp as a captain of cavalry in the U. S. R. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and saw border service with Squadron A. Captain Olyphant entered the last camp as a first lieutenant in the Reserve Corps. He came from the Harvard Regiment and was a member of the 1918 class, answering the call to the colors before receiving his diploma. Major J. F. Ware, 18th P. T. R. 1st Bn. Asst. Senior Instniclor He was the youngest captain in the regiment, place of Captain Draper, who was ordered to the Seventeenth. Captain Draper will be remembered by members of his old company whenever a bayonet glistens or a sonorous "In cadence exercise" disturbs the atmosphere. Of the Tenth's mihtary activities, the trench-building was of such a quality that Captain Shaw, the regimental commander, ordered a picture taken of one of the sec- tions constructed. Scott and his squad of sand hogs, including Trainor, Finnerty, who wished it said in his favor that he was a lawyer practicing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, McGuire, Elser and Lewis, gave the nearest imitation of a Panama steam shovel that will e\'er, perhaps, be seen in action. But Scott was an army sergeant and he not only and took the Major C.B.ILHlye-, ISthP.T.R. 1st. Bn. .1.sa7. Balliilioii Inslnirlor had to uphold the reputation of the Tenth but of the regulars as well during the week. Campbell, Legate and Richards completed the roll-call of the army sergeants. It would be quite appropriate to assign Campbell to the Rainbow Division. He sports one — a rainbow, not a division — across his chest. Bill McGeehan, who is going "over there " under any circumstances, is also well decorated. The Tenth had its share of guard-house lawyers. Among the by-laws that governed the fraternity, so Senter believed, was one that called for discussion of no point until taps had been blown. Perhaps Dougherty started matters with his immortal "Sound oft." Derljy for some reason or other couldn't settle matters with his daytime air of finality in these discussions. When the long-awaited 0. D's. were issued the movie man should have been on the job to catch Singleton, Sizer and Conger at their business of measuring. "A fine fit," Singy would say as he grabbed the slack in the shoulder together, and put his unsuspecting victim down for an eight when he wore a six. Bennett will be remembered for his remark on the parade ground during physical drill when the company was going round and round in column of twos. It was about the 197th trip and Bennett sighed to Thomas, "Some one ought to get the brass ring this time." The elusive contour furnished a mixture of humor and tragedy. Before the Tenth was through that awful week they would swear to a man that the country was named after the road and not the road after the country. On Hill 230 Eylers remarked that all that would be necessary to win the war would be to give the Germans a map of Peru Road and let them attempt the fateful task of fighting on that ground, as 110 THE PLATTS BURGER mapped. Harbeson agreed. All he had to do after a week of contour chasing was to see the road again and quietly retire to the hospital. Some squads quickly established names for themselves. The Fourth was regular clear through, every member coming from the military. Johnson was a member of the New York State rifle team. The Fifth went by the happy monicker of Keystone, derived from the sunny presence of Arbuckle, who doesn't want to try any bear walking through the woods during the hunting season. The Snappy Sixth under the able leadership of Corporal Sumner lived up to its name by carrying off the first marching contest for a "i-mn^mm" -M: silver salver offered by a mem- i i '^iKHS^r^li^i ber of the company for the best all around squad. The Third would have been known as "Thrushes" if Willard had been able to teach what he knew about chest heav- Capt L. G. Wallace 10th Co. Instructor The Boy Scouts made upfor their lack of inches by the amount of noise they managed to create under any and all circumstances. If one section wasn't singing and the other howling it down, the other was howling down the other's singing. They were the despair of Van Suydam's tenor-like soul, and Macduff's mandolin. "Sandy" Falconer, so Moyse declared, could beat some of the song- birds with his snore sonata in A minor. But Captain Hodges had no fault to find with them. When the Tenth got word before leaving for the twenty-four hour stretch in the trenches that some officers would try to break through the lines, it was "Verdun all over again. Woodbridge got busy with his strings and soon after nightfall there was a string to everything in the sector occupied by the company. For three days after strings were being combed from leg- gins. Woody wasn't stingy with his cord and by the same token the men weren't stingy with their expressions when they got all wrapped up like parcels to be sent a long ways. Riley, on guard at the junction of Italy and New York, said the password wasn't always "Grant." Well, they didn't get through the Tenth's lines that night and the wire fence rattled more than once from a hasty retreat made to avoid a patrol doing its work and doing it well. In concluding what is not history of the Tenth Vjut a few jottings of its happy spirit, the only words to be said cover our thanks to our officers and the wish "Here's luck to ourselves." Co. 10, ISth P. T. Regiment Ralph R. Adams, Richard J. Ambler, Charles S. M. Asinari, Walter E. Baker, William Baumet, John D. Bennett, James A. Blakely, William D. Boykin, WiUiam W. Byrne, Arthur C. Busch, Victor N. Camp, George A. Campbell, Thomas L. Casey, Marcus L. Chasins, Charles W. Comiskey, Frederic Conger, James H. Cooke, Derby Crandall, Jr., Walter F. Cunningham, Charles Cutajar, Jefferson Deevy, Jr., William J. Deevy, Herbert C. Dickin- son, Edmund L. Dougherty, Clinton S. Downes, Francis L. Durk, JNIaximilian Elser, Jr., John D. Eylers, William G. Falconer, Hilary F. Farrell, David F. Finnerty, Edwin S. Frost, Jr., William L. Gay, Rufus W. Gaynor, John J. Gleason, William L. Glenn, John J. Gorman, Poultnev Gorter, Laurence H. Green, Dayton K. Haight, .\Uen H. Hah, Robert A. Harbeson, Thomas J. Harding, Alfred J. Hayhurst, LudNvig B. Heeren, Carl Helm, William M. Herz, Herbert Hilder, Albert J. Iloffman, Cyrus W. Horton, Jr., Charles F. Hughes, William E. L. Hunter, Edward A. Hurd, Howard W. Hyne, Henry Iselin, Frank H. Johnson, Henry E. Kelly, Harry S. Kelly, John C. King, Karl B. King, Roland W. Kluepfel, Thomas P. Knapp, Leo G. Kney, Merle L. Langel, Anthony B. Langer, Thomas H. Lee, John W. Legate, William Lentz, Ernest F. Lewis, Henry E. Loney, Louis Lorch, Jr., Douglas Macduff, Thomas R. MacFarlane, Maurice J. jMcCarthy, William 0. McGeehan, John J. McGuire, Frank B. McKee, Samuel McKee, Jr., Walter J. McLaughlin, Robert P. Manly, John S. Martin, John Melcher, Charles E. Merrill, Jr., Joseph F. MoUere, Luther E. Morrison, George E. Morrissey, Isidor K. Moj'se, Russel Murray, William P. Murray, Arthur T. Noone, Jacques C. Nordeman, Jesse Oppenheimer, Henrj- O'Reardon, John E. Peters, Kenneth V. Preston, Franklyn L. Rabineau, Maurice S. Revnes, Maxine E. Richards, John A. Riley, William D. Riley, Wffliam F. Rodihan, Paul L. Russell, Thomas J. Ryan, Amos C. Schermerhorn, George S. Scott, Irving P. Seery, Carl A. Senter, James H. Shipley, Jouett F. Singleton, Robert R. Sizer, Jr., Conrad F. Sjoberg, Willett D. Smith, William H. Smith, William C. Steinmetz, Richard E. Sumner, Wilfred A. Surber, Harold S. Thomas, Roberts B. Thomas, Francis C. Trainor, Edgar V. Treacy, Evelyn E. Valentini, Beverly M. Value, Henderson E. Van Su>-dam, Edward C. Wagner, Oliver L. Walsh, Cresap P. Watson, Frederick H. Werrin, John Willard, Frank Willetts, Louis A. Withers, Francis Woodbridge. Capt. J. K. Olyphant, Jr. 10th Co. Asst. Instructor 111 THE PLATTSBURGER THE LOG OF THE 'LEVENTH Mr. Service is Out of Luck in Not Having Looked this Crowd Over Before he IVrote his Poem Oh, we're booked for the Great Adventure now, we're pledged to the Real Romance; We'll find ourselves or we'll lose ourselves somewhere in giddy France. We'll know the zest of the fighter's life; the best that we have we'll give; We'll hunger and thirst; we'll die — Ijut first, we'll live; by the gods, we'll live. —SERVICE. /T would seem that the author of the above had written it e.xpressly to depict the spirit of the men in the Eleventh Company. W^e have been fortu- nate in having strict disciplinarians as in- structors and consequently our company was regarded as one of the best-drilled companies at the camp. Captain Wilhelm Henry Bennett, in- structor, was born in New York City, March 15, 1892. In 1912 he enhsted in the 7th Regiment N. G. N. Y. and became first sergeant of the ^Machine Gun Com- pany. He attended the Government Machine Gun School at Harlington, Te.x., in 1916 and was made a first lieutenant 0. R. C. in February of this year, being ordered to active duty on June 20, while at the first Plattsburg camp. There he earned a captaincy. Captain Bennett has a dynamic personality which kept the company on its toes and working hard all of the time. We will always remember him by his, "Stay with it!" "Hold it out there!" "Heads up!" and many others. Captain Theodore Berdell, assistant instructor, was born in Barkston Gardens, London, on October 22, 1888. From 1910 to 1912 Captain Berdell was a member of Company I, 7th Regiment N. G. N. Y. When war was declared he was commissioned a second lieutenant O. R. C. and at- tended the first Plattsburg camp, where he earned his present commission. In September the company was organized and the following committees chosen: Executive — William O. Cooley, John Philip Benkard, Thomas J. Lewis, Edmund Capt. W. 11th Co. Maurice Burke Roche; Financial — Edward Estey Stowell, Charles E. Norlin, James A. Macllvaine; Athletic — Charles K. Niblack, Andrew B. Kelley, Francis P. Walsh; Music — Arthur S. Hyde, Otto Kinkledey, James F. 'White. A company fund has been raised. Many of the men in our company held prominent posi- tions in civil life before coming to the camp. Captain E. Alexander Powell is a noted war corre- spondent. As such he has served with all the belligerent armies and is the author of several books on the present war. Thomas J. Lewis, 'Vice-President of the National Reserve Bank of New York City, was responsible for having moving pictures taken of our trench-digging and camp life. With Captain Powell, he organized and directed the military tournament on October 13, and guaranteed the grand challenge cup and prizes. Harold G. Webb is an architect and a member of the Board of Directors of Pratt Institute. W. Kenneth Watkins is the company artist. Andrew B. Kelley is the national champion in the 100-yard and 300-yard dash, but he did not try to do "squads right " in nine and four-fifths. John W. Daly was the short man of the company and is about as big one way as the other. Francis P. Walsh was for two years coach of the track, football, and baseball teams at Fordham Prep. James F. White was our song writer and tried hard to bring out something that would "take" better than the camp vaccination. Arthur S. Hyde, formerly organist of St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City, ap- plied his sense of rhythm to close order drill. Otto Kinkeldey is a composer of music and has also composed some intricate formations on the parade ground. After every formation David Ely might be seen headed toward the bath-house with more toilet articles than the rest of us knew about. It takes all kinds of powder to make a war. Most of the men had previous military experience. Among these are John Philip Benkard, who served one year as captain of the United States 'Volunteers in the Spanish American War, and fourteen years in the N. G. N. Y., the H. Bennett Instructor 112 THE PLATTS BURGER past two years as major. Frank J. Wagner served ten years with the 7th N. Y. Regiment and was a sergeant major in the Mexican border service in 1916. Thomas W. Rikeman served three years with the 23rd Regiment and is a warranted sergeant. William S. Doscher was a member of the 23rd for eighteen years. James D. Gabler served in the Spanish American War and for the past five years with the 7th and 69th Regiments. John Henderson Servis served eleven years with the 7th Regiment. Edward E. Stowell has been in Squadron A for the past ten years. J. F. Crawford was for three and one-half years a member of Company F, 7th N. Y. Regiment. John Curtain en- listed in the 13th N. Y. Infantry in 1896 and served in the Spanish American War. resigning in 1906 with the rank of second lieutenant. Harry West served five years with the 3rd Pennsylvania In- fantry and two years with the United States Marine Corps. Roland B. Gordon served in the Regular Army seventeen years and became a sergeant during the Philippine insurrection. There is no better place than the drill ground for demonstrating the originality of some of our platoon leaders and company commanders. Vern Priddy repeated a popular command as: "On left into front." During one of the well-known battalion movements, Captain Bennett called out, "Where are you taking your company, Mr. Clock?" Answer: "I don't know, sir." "Why don't you give the command, 'Squads right about' in executing that movement?" Answer: "Well, we'll try it, sir." "Why don't you get out in front of your company so you can see where they are? " "I can watch them better back here, sir." In the Study Hall: Captain Bennett — signaling increase at fifty-yard range: "Mr. Wagner, what would you do?" Wagner (probably just awakened from a dream of four aces): "Er-er-raise you fifty." Kinkeldey (serious as usual): "Question, sir. I was left guide to-day; the platoon was here" (pointing on the board). "I was here" (pointing to a different spot). "Where was I supposed to be?" Paul G. Mahlin has no rival as a snorer. Captain Berdell (after a chorus of "yohs" in answer to roU-caU): "If you can't say here here, you won't be able to say here there. " Capt. T. Berdell 11th Co. Assl. Instniclor "Archie'' Hughes (admiring a well-built section of trench): "That trench was my idea." Voice: "Whoever died and left you an idea?" Captain Hodges was standing on the edge of the trench. Diefendorf was working below but did not see him. Diefendorf: "Hey, you up there, get off the edge of the trench. This is no pubUc playground." Siegel (after giving "squads right" in platoon drill, the platoon having moved off in the new direction for some distance) : "Kum-pan-nee, Kum-pan-nee, I said Kum-pan- nee, why don't you stop when I say Kum-pan-nee." And soon a continuous procession of joys and glooms until the eventful day when we learned our fates. Co. 11, l^th P. T. Regiment John F. Adams, Simon Allen, William D. Allen, Jr., Oscar H. Baker, Roy G. Baker, Fred W. Beck, Donald Beers, John P. Benkard, Howe Bennett, Julius Bien, Jr., Warren Bigelow, Robert B. Bloom, Gordon Boyd, Edgar B. Bronson, Jr., Herbert S. Brussel, Francis A. Busbj", Frederick W. Busk, Harry F. Cahill, Philip G. Cammann, Duncan Campbell, Alfred H. Chappell, Herbert W. Clock, James W. Cobb, Edward ColUns, William 0- Cooley, John F. Crawford, Henry Cunningham, Jr., John Curtin, John W. Daly, Arthur Y. Dalziel, Frederick P. DeLemos, Warren E. Diefendorf, William S. Doscher, Donald Durant, David J. Ely, Joseph INI. Fallon, Jr., Sidney W. Fish, William L. Forrest, Montgomery L. Francis, Frank A. Fritz, James D. Gabler, Curtis W. Gates, Frederick L. Gayton, Roland B. Gordon, William F. Gorman, Carl F. Greene, Ernest N. Hall, John T. Harman, WiUiam H. Hayes, Warren B. Heilman, Gerard J. Hernon, Charles R. Hickox, Arthur J. Horton, Archibald Hughes, Earl C. Hughes, Arthur S. Hyde, Clarence E. Johnson, Wilfred G. Johnston, George B. Keeler, Andrew B. Kelly, Charles P. Kelly, John F. Kelly, Jr., Joseph D. Kidder, Frank P. Kieser, Thomas F. Kilroe, Otto Kinkeldey, August Khpstein, Jr., William H. Knight, Harold S. Lasell, Mario Lazo, Thomas J. Lewis Albert C Lord, James A. iNIacIlvaine, Henry J. McCadden, William L. McCarty, Herbert McDermott, Jr., Morris H. McIIwain, Arthur J. JlcSherry, Peter Malah, Luther B. Marchant, Lawrence N. Martin, Ale.xander A. Martiney, John F. Manly, Paul G. Mehlin, Donald Moffat, Claude E. Moore, Walter J. Nally, John Nelson, Charles K. Xiblack, Charles E. Norlin, Edward G. O'Neill, John N. Outwater, Charles D. Parker, Harry O. Payne, Harold C. Perry, E. Alexander Powell, William H. Pratt, Vern Priddy, Joseph Quittner, Isaac B. Reinhardt, Henry Rey- naud, Thomas W. Rikeman, Edmund M. B. Roche, William B. Roe, Hervey L. Russell, John H. Servis, Roger Sherman, W'illiam S. Ship- man, Hvman Siegel, Harry Dew Slater, Walter Smithers, Lloyd R. Stark, Charles W^ Stephens, Edward E. Stowell, Paul D. Surber, Frank S. Thomason, Sanford M. Treat, Peo LTghetta, Cecil K. Van Auker, Frank J. Wagner, Francis P. Walsh, W'alter K. Watkins, Harold G. Webb, James JIcB. Webster, Robert M. Werblow, Jr., Harry West, James F. White, William F. White, LeRov M. Wightman William Wildfeuer, Colley E. Wiihams, Carl W. Wirths. 113 THE PLATTSBURGER y5$4l|f)'^ ^-^ Sii:ii:rj*i:^t- .*-«:*ik THE TWELFTH— TRIED AND TRUE A Truthful Historian Pictures Its Trials, Tribulations and Eventual Triumphs 7 HE Twelfth Company at times doubted its superiority. Map-making week was one of those times, and so were those days on the range when the red fiag waved across the targets. Nor did Captain Schell's comments on the company Hne at retreat parade increased our beb'ef in our magnificent estate. But such disturbing incidents fade rapidly in the busy life at Plattsburg, and we think we belong at the top. There are any number of reasons why the Twelfth was the best organization on the post, and three of them were: Major Henry W. Fleet, U. S. A., battalion commander and senior instructor; Captain Frank R. Schell, U. S. R., company commander; and Captain Milton G. Bowman, U. S. R., junior company commander. Captain Schell and Captain Bowman lost no time between reveille and taps, week in and out, in hammering into us that "precise and soldierly" bearing of the I. D. R. Did we lag ever so little on the parade ground! "Hut! Hut! Heads up?" snapped our peppy junior commander. Did our company front persist in shaping itself hke a corkscrew? Then the senior captain could express his opinion of the alignment in such a way that each of us felt responsible for the entire muddle. The roster of the Twelfth is an interesting document, interesting in the light of experience; because it shows what a diversity of men have been living together with so little friction that we can dismiss the thought with a dozen words. H. Gordon Chasseaud's spats with Albert Wertheim don't count; they occurred too regularly. This life is strong in democratizing influences; it is surprising- ly easy to find something likable in a man whose gun was as dirty as your own at in- spection, and when you find a candidate who is always confusing "On right into line" and "Right front into hne," you have a bond of common interest that civil life could never duplicate. Our general in- abihty to appreciate beans, bologna and jelly has also helped unite us. Some of us were able to overcome the handicap of a uniform that so completeh' :\Iajor H. 2d Bn. enshrouds a man's personality. There's Feiger, for in- stance; always imposing, particularly in his intrenching uniform, and immortal since the night when, as N. C. O., he ordered all windows to be opened after taps, and had to come in and open his own. Bill New, late of the stage and still later of the "Fighting Sixty-ninth," goes down to fame for his famous right leg hitch; Chapin, of the Belgian Congo, for his taps-time stories; Lloyd for his Allied accent; Bergman for his close-cropped hair; the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Squads for the amazing frequency with which they drew comment from the company commander when the company was marching in line; Quinn for his famous baskets from home; Carney for his white leggins and soft voice; Dead Shot Davis for his hardware; and Old Dave Wallace, who used to be W. A. Brady's literary impresario, for the wav in which he combines war and the theatrical business. We will match Stansfield against any man who ever bank- rupted a church supper in Plattsburg; and in Joe Francis, the handsome Dobbs Ferry blade, we believe we have a candidate who received more boxes of fudge and cake than any two Romeos on the post. We might go on indefinitely and tell about Perrella, who spent twenty-two months on the Western front with the Royal engineers; and of Henry, the model bayoneteer, of Damon Rachek and Pythias Feiger; of Bill Constable and Horace Brincker- hoff, two other crack performers at church suppers, and Robinson and Olhaber and Griffith and Johns and Meads and Mills and Malone and Upham and Eustis and so on through the roster, for the peculiar virtue of the Twelfth is that we are all good. The positive note of optimism which pervades these paragraphs doesn't mean that we haven't been out of luck at any time. We lost a few men on physical ex- amination, and sent a sizeable detail on a second visit to Major Gregory. The fact that the noted specialist was more inter- ested in " nerves "• than in "nuts" didn't console any of us, especially the detail. We have messed up our drills and consistently W. Fleet, 18th P. T. R Assl. Senior Instntclor 114 THE PLATTSBURGER Capt. F. R. Schell 12th Co. Instnicloy gone off the targets on the range and produced a large quota of dirty guns at inspection, and just barely made formations and bungled simple questions at examinations. We've done all these things and more, until we have been nearly convinced that our place was with the Home De- fense League. As for contours, we had a trying time with them. There is something mysterious about contours. They appear tame and harm- less enough on paper, but they weren't a bit like that when we trailed them on the Peru road. Most of us understand a lot of things we didn't at the be- ginning. We've begun to see that there is a reason for them, and that the man who can keep his hands still and his eyes to the front in the placid atmosphere of the company street will be better able to keep his nerves still and his eyes to the front when he goes over the top. And speaking of going over the top, we didn't talk much about the war in the Twelfth. In fact, we talked about it so little that every week or so, when we found time to skim through a newspaper, we experienced all the sensa- tions of discovering it for the first time. Even now, some of us aren't quite sure whether Riga has been taken; and as for following Haig's progress on the Western front, we were far too busy studying the advances and retreats, deployments and reconnoiterings of mythical troops on the map of Gettysburg. It isn't that we didn't look upon the great war as a serious affair of considerable consequence to us, but that while we were at Plattsburg the most serious and conse- quential affair was getting ready for it. The one time that the war came vividly near us at Plattsburg was on that memorable night in the trenches when we suffered everything, short of casualties, that soldiers suffer in active service. What with bayonet drill and Captain Bowman's physical exercises and studying in the evening when every nerve in our body fairly howled for sleep, we thought we knew something about war and the hardships of the soldier. But one night in our trenches on the Peru road showed us that there were things in the military that Capt. ^I. S. Bowman 12th Co. Assl. Inslruilor we had never dreamed of. We never knew that rain could be so wet, nor nights so dark and long, nor dugout roofs so porous, nor food so hard to find, nor comfort so com- pletely out of reach until the night we played at war as it is fought in France. We'll soon have the real thing, but it can't be much worse than that famous night. That was the climax of an eventful existence. Co. 12, 18th P. T. Regiment William L. Adams, Joseph B. .Armstrong, Floyd B. Augustine, Frederick S. Bain, Warren R. Baldwin, Ben M. Barron, Louis M. Bautz, Carl Below, Helmer W. Bergman, George W^ Bishop, Way- land P. Blood, Ferdinand M. Blun, Raymond W. Bowdoin, Donald E. Boyle, Horace E. Brinckerhoff, John B. Brittain, Herman Browser, George C. Buchtenkirch, James A. Burton, Harry B. Campbell, Daniel J. Carney, W'illiamF. Carroll, Edmund R. Castellucci, James P. Chapin, Herue G. Chasseaud, Samuel J. Chesebro, James N. Clinch, Wilham Constable, W'allace E. Cox, Gaston E. Crosby, Wm. D. Cunningham, Joseph A. Davis, Stephen W. Dawes, Maurice B. Deschler, Peter W. Dornhecker, Donald D. Duncanson, Elmer T. Eustis, Thomas H. Ferriss, Henry J. Feiger, Donald Ford, William A. Fox, Joseph A. Francis, Thomas S. Garrett, Alexander J. Gillespie, Frederick Gil- man, Harry R. Gordon, Wilbur M. Griffith, John J. Hanrahan, Gardner L. Harding, Jeremiah J, Hayes, Percy R. Henrj', Thomas Henry, Walter H. Hick, Gardner B. Hoyle, George Ft. Hubner, Edward B. Johns, ilichael A. Kiely, Robert X. Landreth, Loyal Leale, Isaac H. Levy, Julius G. Levy, Llewelljm Lloyd, Joseph B. Lockey, Edward A. Lyon, Peter J. McCoy, Jr., John C. McXamara, Jr., Harold L. Mahon, Nathan Malefski, xVustin M. Malone, Laurence G. Meads, Vincent D. Mee, Harold P. Mills, Louis H. ilillsaps, Russell D. Morrill, John 0. Murphy, Joseph M. Murph)', William W. Neilson, W'illiam New, Leonard D. Newborg, Ellis A. Noland, Jr., Robert R. O'Keeffe, William M. Olhaber, Victor G. Paradise, Charles E. Peck, .\merico C. Perella, William R. Quinn, John Rachek, .\rchi- bald Reid, Curtis D. Richards, Harold Riegelman, John W. Reily, Harry D. Robinson, Stephen W. Royce, Henry J. Rusk, John H. Ryan, Albert E. Scarlett, Joseph E. Schader, Frank G. Schrenkeisen, John M. Schwerin, Edward A. Segaitz, Lawrence H. Shepard, Romaine Shepard, Malcolm R. Sills, Leo Silverstein, Harold V. Smith, Walter E. Soltmann, Leon A. Stansfield, Charles H. Stoddard, George T. Stokes, James S. Sullivan, David S. Tait, William H. Taubert, Hugh J. J. Teaney, Rufus S. Tilden, Peter A. Tulp, John J. Tuohy, Moore C. Tussey, Ralph T. Tyrrel, Francis B. Upham, Jr., Edward C. Viner, David H. W'allace, Ernest T. Warshaw, Frederick D. W'endel, Albert Wertheim, Parkhurst L. Whitney, Walter G. Wiechmann, Walter Q. Wilgus, George R. Wilson, Chester B. Winans, William K. Zucker, ^Manning G. Williams. 115 THE PLATTS BURGER THE LUCKY THIRTEENTH Its Junior Instructor Won a Bride and the Candidates Helped Captain Adler Disprove an Old Superstition 7 HE Thirteenth Company accompKshed at least one thing distinctive and individual. It routed an ancient moth-eaten superstitition clean off the reservation. Any one who thinks that misfortune follows in the wake of the number thirteen need only read this simple, unadorned fact to be convinced of his error: First Lieutenant Francis Eagan, ex-amateur soloist and our snapp}' junior instructor, won himself a bride while engaged in the arduous task of helping Captain J. 0. Adler teach us the art (!!) of soldiering. Whether his soldiering or soloing had most to do with his success we never ascertained. If Old Man Superstition had a breath left after this body blow, the finishing touches were put by the company's record of achievements (we bow) and the character of the officers who commanded it. Any candidate who didn't know the meaning of the word "pep" before he entered camp didn't have to go to the dictionary after Captain Adler and Lieutenant Eagan got through with him. Or if he did. Captain Fleet, our Battalion Commander, caught him before he left the firing line. Captain Adler, a leading newspaper ex- ecutive in New York, sampled all the brands of ginger they haA'e across the pond and all over these United States. He used some of it at the Plattsburg Training Camp in 1915 and 1916, saved a dash for Princeton boys as a military instructor in Manhattan, but reserved a large enough supply for the favored Thir- teenth to make all other condiments entirely unnecessary. He's a cavalry captain and once bucked horses out Wyo- ming way. It is said most of the horses quit — and we believe it. VersatiHty was the Thirteenth's strong suit. In Freddie Garnjost it boasted the only soldier geologist in captivity and a man who eats contours ahve, while in Bob Warwick and Jack Deveraux it had two honest-to-goodness actors who preferred the manual of arms to the star role in Hamlet. The company's standard of manly beauty may be judged from the fact that so imposing a figure as George Bickelhaupt was voted, by acclamation, its homeliest man. George is unquestionably the handsom- Capt. J. 13th Co. est homelv man on record, easily outdistancing Henry Seaton and Battling Jake Balluski in the company poll. The Thirteenth boasts also the long distance record in the consumption of mess. Blindfolded and with one hand tied. Candidate Empie could outeat any man in the regiment and ask for more. Work was, of course, the keynote of the Thirteenth's career, but the course failed to provide enough to keep two or three men entirely occupied. Old (in service only) Sergeant Rink, everybody's big brother. Sup- ply Sergeant Cain and Elsworth H. Dederer were helped out of this sad predicament by the obliging C. O. When Captain Adler wasn't supplying ginger he was dealing out labor and between the two there was little chance for mischief, except for such an expert as Jim Dorsey. Jim's continuous and un- ending complaint with the company was that it couldn't keep step with him, and his complaint was well founded. He took his vengeance by backing his skill as a riileman with real kale, and as a result Lewis Van Wezel, Edwin A. Wetzler, F. W. Garnjost, Jack Deveraux and Thomas F. Gury will eat in Delmonico's when they get back to Manhattan — free. The Thirteenth's long point was bayonet work. Real- ism was its motto, and at the end of the first charge over the obstacle course, numerous casualties — to bayonets and breeches — were reported. Many of the men obtained a high degree of efficiency by imagining that they were thrusting at their particular bane of existence. Thus the inhabitants of the third platoon bunks pictured before them the forms of John Belhnger, Gordon Sholar, Walter Hamilton and Bill Berry— all singing "Old Black Joe" in varying keys— and achieved extremely realistic results. But there were no mental first aids needed in Captain Adler's course. If the rest of the companies feel like the Thirteenth, the bayonet will be the favorite weapon of a good many regiments in France. Not that a number of other weapons were not ec[ually loved. Despite the handicap of expert baseball players hke Frank Currier and Bill Lewis in the first platoon the company finally managed to throw bombs accurately 0. Adler Inslniclor 116 THE PI, ATTS BURGER enough to wipe out one or two German squads in — well say a regiment — given time and the proper kind of trenches. The trouble with bomb throwing is that they make a lot of rules telling you how to do it and then construct a lot of trenches not adapted to the rules. Iron Jaw John Henno, soldier by trade and explorer by profession, tried to remedy this by having his section dig their trenches six feet wide, but the idea, strange to say, didn't make much of a hit. Besides eating at the Hostess House and trying to figure out what was in Lieutenant Eagan's little black book — not to speak of the captain's big one — hunting contours proved one of the Thirteenth's most popular diversions. To this day — and this is a secret — there are more than a few who are not certain whether the con- tour is a wild or a domestic animal or a vegetable. Wood Ray, who was the best sergeant, the best captain the regulars ever had, said he had never encountered one in all his fifteen years' experience. Phil Clark, who served with the ambulance corps over there, was equally sure none were to be found in France. The advent of the company piano, by a strange coin- cidence, brought on an epidemic of pugilism. The God- dess of Harmony had to take a rear seat be- fore the shrine of the squared ring, and when such professionals as Garrity and Smith, G. L. and Balluski and other bandits of the first platoon were finally ruled out some live- ly boxing bouts developed. Vincent Dunne managed to escape the horrors of the trenches as the result of an encounter, and Ringgold wiped out his reputation as an exponent of mollycoddleism by holding Davis to a draw. Even so mild mannered a warrior as Gardner Coogan and a lover of ease like Ackerman donned the gloves, and if the manly art were to decide the scrap over there, the Thirteenth could assure Alsace-Lorraine its hberty tomorrow. Range practice was to the Thirteenth as to most other companies, the most thoroughly enjoyed feature of the training course. The scores made were astonishing in the degree of individual versatility displayed. Thus, Adams made a perfect zero shooting at the camouflaged target at 100 yards and the very next day ranked with the leaders high up in the forties. As for the trenches a few words will suffice for that infamous night of horror in the "black holes of Calcutta." The Western front can hold nothing worse in the opinion of Eddie Wetzler, Jim Craft, Pop Clark, Tom Twomey and even the suave Livingston Piatt. Turning to a new reel in this kaleidoscopic review of 1st Lieut 13th Co. A the Thirteenth's activities, it is safe to sa}- that not a man of its 134 would have exchanged the view of Lake Champlain for the vista at Times Square at any stage of the game — except maybe on those cold October mornings just before we got our stoves. There were mighty few of the men that were not benefited by the course in re- newed physical vigor and added mental alertness. And the leaven for the necessarily strict discipline that prevailed was furnished by the atmosphere of absolute fairness that prevailed at all times. Especially was this manifest in the company councils inaugurated by Captain Adler at which Old Man Grouch had his innings and soon fled amid a chorus of good-natured laughter. The spirit that pervaded the Thirteenth at all times was a good reflection of the assertion that this is a war for democracy. Co. 13, 18th p. T. Regiment Edwin DeW. Aciierman, Charles L. Adams, Frederick M. Allen, Santford T. Anderson, Lorenzo M. Armstrong, George Irving Baily, Charles D. Baker, Jr., Henry J. Beggins, John B. Bellinger, 2d, EUiot Stuart Benedict, John H. Bennett, William P. Berry, Walter Hough Bertron, George Bicklehaupt, Ernest W. Blackburn, Robert P. Bliss, Jr., Paul S. Brinsmade, Charles B. Brodrick, Frederick A. Brooks, Jacob Jac. BuUusky, Byron Turner Burt, Elbert F. Burton, Bernard Cain, Edmond N. Carples, Charles R. Carruth, Jr., Morris Skinner Clark, Rhodolphus P. Clark, WiUiam B. Clayton, Michael D. Clofine, Gardiner Coogan, Joseph Patrick Corboy, George K. Cox, Sidney Hayes Cox, James Charles Craft, Frederick G. Cunningham, Frank P. Currier, Herbert R. Davis, Elsworth H. Dederer, Jack Devereaux, James E. Dorsey, Albert A. Dunn, Vincent L. Dunne, George Eichelman, Jr., David S. Eitzel, Hjalmar A. Ekman, Carlos DeVere Empie, Walter G. Evans, John Fagan, John B. Ferris, Thomas S. Fillebrown, Harold C. Finn, Robert B. Fisher, Irving Folks, Samuel Frindel, Jr., Frederick W. Garnjost, George F. Garrity, Joseph S. GUlow, Max Ginsburg, Homer K. Gordon, Martin Groves, Thomas F. Gurry, Jr., Walter A. Hamilton, Thomas J. Hanley, John J. Hannigan, George T. Hawxhurst, John Henno, Wilmer E. Herr, Joseph G. Holcombe, Jr., Frank Robert Howe, Charles A. Hoyt, Andrew J. Hudson, Samuel B. Jacobson, Andrew B. Johnson, Edwin Kane, Charles R. Kearr, Daniel H. Kiely, James B. Kilburn, John J. Krieg, John A. Krug, Gabriel A. Landry, Sidney P. LeBoutillier, Walter S. Levy, William Lewis, George A. Linton, Harold B. Logan, Joseph M. McAndrews, Sydney F. McGreery, Donald S. McNulty, Leon Mabraison, John J. Monohan, James A. Moseley, Harry Murray, Harry B. Nassoit, Norman November, Samuel O'Keefe, Jaffrey Peterson, Livingston Piatt, Joseph W. Powell, John H. Quirk, Wood L. Ray, Carleton RejTiell, Murray Ringold, Royal E. T. Riggs, Joseph W. Rink, Francis G. RusseU, William T. Rj-an, Milton Samuels, Arcliibald Scrymgeour, Henry Seton, Leroy F. Sineath, Frederick J. Sheppard, Gordon W. Scholar, Frank V. Smith, Gordon L. Smith, Theodore E. Smith, Jr., James L. Snedecor, Whitney W. Stark, Ellsworth A. Stone, Clarke S. Sutherland, Edward Stephens, Thomas A. Twomey, George B. Van Buren, WiUiam H. VoUmer, Robert Warwick, Louis C. Wagner, Jr., Edgar A. Walz, Jr., Lawrence A. Wechsler, Charles A. H. Wennerholm, Edwin A. Wetzler, Henry J. Whitehouse, John A. Willers, Kenneth B. Wood, B. Clark Wright. . F. Eagan sst. Instructor 117 THE PLATTSBURGER MSfe.Jiife:#ftS8f^ FOURTEENTH CLAIMS VERSATILITY PRIZE Score In Many Lines fyf/ ITHIN a day after they had come together to r r keep busy and somehow tidy in Barracks 30, the men of the "Fighting Fourteenth" were as oneindriU, study hall and play. The nickname must imply no internal dissensions. Fourteenth clung closely through- out all the weeks of its Plattsburg e.xperience to the enthusiasm and fellowship which spell comjjany spirit. Speaking I. D. R.-ly, it was for every member of its roster the ti.xed pivot upon which all Plattsburg turned; and it never once missed step, faltered or betrayed the line. The Fourteenth was, if nothing else, a well- balanced company. Wise old seers, already at that stage of life where they had to be careful what they ate, divided numeri- cal honors with slim and scarcely mustached youths. Athletes, past and present, to the tune of a score or more were counter- weighted by an unusual number of men whom literary New York knew fairly well. Judge and lawyer stood side by side in ranks. Architect and engineer were there. Stage and studio gave their artistic quota. Business houses sent their representatives. The army had its squad the navy its welcome intruder. Company Fourteen was woven of a hundred different threads; but it was woven firm and smooth. To the weavers — if, for the sake of continuing the simile, we must place our officers at distaffs — will go all credit. What, at the beginning of September, was a well- intentioned but embarrassed series of awkward squads became within a short time a disciphned, instructed, self- confident company of potential officers. In charge of the battalion which we and the Fifteenth Compan}' formed was Captain Harry Hall Pritchett, U. S. A. He is a graduate of Hamilton College, and was appointed a second lieutenant in the regular army > Capt. H. H. Pritchett, ISth P. T. R. 3d Bn. Asst. Senior Iiislniiior in 1906. His militarv record includes service in tlie 5th, 2(3th, 13th, 24th, 30th and 37th Infantry. Recently he has been on training camp duty, and was an instructor at the first session at Madison Barracks. Of our two company commanders, Captain Charles Sumner Williams, Jr., U. S. R., was born in San Fran- cisco, Cal., in 1889. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, and, until enter- ing military life, he was in the motion-picture business. He attended the Plattsburg Camp of 1916; was com- missioned a first lieutenant in the Reserve Corps on April 14, 1917; attended the first R. O. T. C. from May to August, and was awarded his captaincy' in the middle of the latter month. Our other company commander was Captain Charles Mason Harrington, U. S. R., of Plattsburg, who was born in Peru, Clinton County, in 1890. Until the beginning of the first officers' training camp of this year Captain Harrington practised law in Plattsburg. At this first camp he gained his commission in the Reserve Corps. At Cornell he was a member of the University Regiment, and served as captain in his senior year. A good man}' members of the company were in a posi- tion to instruct and set an example from the start. Mili- tiamen of former high rank were among us: a major, and at least three captains. Many of the National Guard regiments had given us their pick; the Seventh, perhaps, more than any, and the Twenty-second Engineers. The Seventy-first sent us a favorite sergeant, the Signal Corps of Brooklyn a wig-wagger of good cheer; Squadron xA dismounted a few for us. Even e.x- Annapolis came. And the regular army, of course, had Sergeant Nolan and other experts in the niceties of the manual among us. But Company Fourteen's energies were by no means confined to the mihtary schedule. Wherever some scheme was afoot to quicken the life of the post, our men were represented strongly. Our baseball team was among the first to organize, with Edward T. Doyle, a former Dart- mouth pitcher, as its captain, and WilHam J. Henel its manager. Teams from the Hospital Corps, the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Companies were among our \'ictims, and only a heavy rain spared the Sixteenth. Our work on the ranges gained us a match with the crack shots of the Fifteenth, as well as whipping up a 118 THE PL ATTS BURGER tA.^ -tr'^;.^ ><; brisk intersquad competition. We helped out strongly in the Y. M. C. A. Our Liberty Loan Committee, of which James Imbrie was chairman, collected dollars and enthusiasm as it went. The Plattsburger has a good percentage of Company Fourteen men among those who made it possible. A week without music was a week lost, and Joseph Trounstine helped to cheer the chills of undressing or the long last mile. Thanks, indeed, to his inspiration, the entire regiment was soon craving vocally, if not always musically, for "A Kiss by the Numbers." Company spirit reached its climax, doubtless, at the Fourteenth's dinner to its officers on the night of Sat- urday, October 13th. Close upon the heels of the military tournament of the same afternoon, this banquet was arranged by a committee of which Harold T. Edwards was chairman. Skits, songs and speeches spun the even- ing out in pleasure. One hundred and thirty-three men were in our com- pany at the beginning, and this number did not vary much until the end. The first military honors went to A. J. Donniez who, before the course was half completed, re- ceived a first lieutenancy in the Engineers' Corps, while B. J. Scott followed, only a few days later, with a captaincy in the same branch of service. Capt. C. S. Williams, Jr. 14th Co. Inslniclor We began our military career in little groups of eight men each. We ground patiently through the facings and the manual. We budded into com- pany, blossomed into battalion drill. We flung out into ex- tended order. We sowed the parade ground with red and white flags, and learned the mysteries of signalling. We tossed the gentle Mills No. 5 from string to string, and dodged it with an equal quickness. We rehearsed the pantomime of bayonet work and thrust out at imaginary Wilhelms. Alidade and compass had us striding and guessing. Pick, shovel and bolo became our weapons until we had razed forests and dug and fortified our man-deep trenches with a gusto which seized even the company's prize idler. Our patrols learned everything from flora to fauna of a ten-mile radius, while in classroom we gave the famous Sergeant Hill his due and direction. The hike and the history, for most of us, have just begun. Both will probably end across the sea. But there, as here, it will be "best o' luck," and a remem- brance of the old Elizabethan witch's words; "Fourteen is no gentel number — Stirreth heart and waketh slumber; Seek a man of sword and spleen. You shall find him marked fourteen." Co. 14, 18th P. T. Regiment Reub Abrams, James G. Affleck, Jr., Lawrence J. Ayers, Malcolm B. Ayers, William Bailey, Peter Van 0. Barkelew, Henry D. Barmore, Othel Baxter, William W. Bell, Stuart Benson, Alexander Black, Herbert G. Blankfort, Louis B. Bock, Russell Bonynge, James L. Bresnan, Harlow B. Bristol, Robert Rea Brown, Edward L. Burrill, Jr., Osborne C. Butcher, Charles S. Butler, Howard L. Campion, James J. Carpenter, Joseph C. Chamberlain, Charles J. C. Clarke, Allan F. Cohn, Bernard F. Connolly, Robert S. Cooke, ISIa.xweU B. Coorman, Albert S. Cummins, Combs O. Davis, James F. Delany, Guy M. De Mauriac, Henry V. De Montguyon, Henry H. Dimon, Edward T. Doyle, Felix Halpin Duffy, William H. Dwyer, Williani Eastman, Harold T. Edwards, Warren H. Emens, Kenneth B. Erkenbrack, Morris Fellman, Joseph P. Fleming, Benjamin Frank, Alortimer E. Freid, Gilbert W. Gabriel, Edwin S. Gard, Jr., Robert S. Gill, Charles R. Goddard, Irving E. Goldsmith, Ernest P. Gosling, Gordon M. Grant, William J. Greene, Ludlow Griscom, Marshall B. Hall, Joseph B. Handy, Benja- min S. Hart, Herbert S. Havens, Birch Helms, William Henel, Jr., Edwin Hess, John C. Hildebrand, Jr., Charles M. Horton, Harry Hosford, Douglas H. Hilliker, James Imbrie, Christian A. Jacob, Jr., Harry P. Jaenike, Joseph P. Jeffords, Henry F. F. Kane, William H. Kelleher, John M. Kelly, Chester M. Kerr, Carl G. Kinscherf, Frederick L. Kopff, Joseph I. Lawrence, William Lazrio- wich, Winfred F. Lent, Oscar Levine, J Jesse A. Levinson, John J. Lilly, J /A Emanuel J. Livingston, Devereux 'i . .. j.,„ _ ... — .__iJ — : Lord, Edmund J. Maclvor, Da\dd N. McCauley, Jr., Henry M. McCor- mack, Edward J. McLaughlin, Wm. H. Mclntyre, Jr., John A. Magee, Joseph J. Marino, John W. Masterson, John ililler, EUist Van Z. ilontague, Louis F. Morse, Thomas F. Mulvey, Jackson B. Nelson, Charles Nemser, William Nicoll, Charles J. Nolan, Walter E. Ogilvie, Jr., Charles M. Pendleton, David H. Picker, Harold R. Pouch, Jonathon D. Reed, Stanley L. Richter, Paul C. Rock, Charles R. Rowland, Carl 0. Sayward, Basil J. Scott, Louis W. Severy, Jerome G. SeweU, Lawrence D. Seymour, David J. Sheeran, Romer L. SiUeck, Chester W. Spaulding, Flerman Stennkamp, Schuyler B. Sterling, Spenser J. Sutheriand, Otto F. Taylor, Harry Titleb'aum, Arthur R. Tritschler, Joe F. Trounstine, John M. Van Horson, Richard A. Wagner, Richard E. Warfield, Charles D. Weed, Philip H. Welch, Karl R. Whitmarsh, Gordon Williams, David S. Wilson, CecU D. Wilson, Burnett B. Wright. ./.>*■: ... .....„....ja..,: Capt. C. M. Harrington 14th Co. Asit. Inslniclor 119 THE PLATTSBURGER IN THE FIFTEENTH DUGOUT They IVere All Kinds, but They Pulled Together and Well I HE Fifteenth Company was like other organiza- J__ tions in camp, a melting pot, and it took pride in the way it developed that American institution of "mixing." No sooner had bunks been assigned on that all- eventful day when camp opened than the spirit manifested itself. Veterans of former campaigns — Cuba, China, Mexico, Porto Rico, the Philippines — were swapping ex- periences. The Moon Fixers (the tall) and the Boy Scouts (the short); lean and stout; men with post-graduate university degrees and men who had been glad to get away from books after common school was finished; all these men were here in the one cause, and they were settling down to work together. Before many days had passed the "Misters" were eliminated and everybody was known as Tom, Bill or Jim. They were ready to stand shoulder to shoulder, back to back, to fight for common principle. How successfully the Fifteenth was inocu- lated with the \drus of ambition and pep was shown in the results of the big military tournament. That was undoubtedly the high spot of the Fifteenth's existence, for in an extremely keen competition it carried home the honors and became the color bearers of the brigade. Fleet-footed Joe Higgins of course contributed largely to the result, romping in a comparatively easy winner in the mile and half mile, but it was the general team work of the company that enabled them to score enough points to get the coveted silver cup. With Captain Newson's constant encouragement the best talent was brought out for the various events. Eighteen men tried for places on the tent-pitching team, Harry M. Brown and William R. TuUis finally being chosen and captur- ing second place in the tourney. Ludlow Bretz beat out ten men for pentathlon representative and got a third prize. With the entire brigade standing at attention, the Fifteenth's representatives were presented the coveted trophy on Saturday, October 26th, by Colonel Wolf, who congratulated them on the honor they had won and Capt. H. D. Newson 1.5th Co. Inslriiclor declared it exemplified the best in army sportsmanship No matter what's in store over there, no man in the Fifteenth will have a prouder moment than that which came as Old Glory was borne down the field by its own. Harry Grant, formerly of the Seventh Regi- ment, was the color sergeant and C. W. Tobin and J. J. Hennessy the color guard. The event was fittingly celebrated with a dinner at the Masonic Hall in Plattsburg, at which officers of the Bolo Battalion were the guests of honor. Bolo — intended as a jeer — had by this time become a nickname famous in the barracks as synonymous of zip and ginger. The only speakers not strictly lim- ited to rapid fire time were Captains Prit- chett, Newson, Wilhams, Shurtleft' and Harrington. On all others the target was pulled down promptly after two minutes and his firing was over. Only one exception was made — General James V. Reddy, of the thirteenth scjuad, the best loved man in the company, was allowed to speak as long as he pleased. The cup guard was Higgins, Bretz, Brown and TuUis, and they guarded the chalice zealously although it was innocent of any alluring beverage. The police squad. Grant, Emery, McMillan, Whitcomb, Thorn and Hughes, penalized fourteen candidates for using mess hall manners at company banquet. The menu included everything from roast turkey to sarsaparilla. Undoubtedly a large part of this esprit d'corps came from the instructors of the Fifteenth Company, for both Captain Horace Dorsey Newson, U. S. R., and Captain Harold R. Shurtleff, U. S. R., represented in themselves that translation from civil fife into officers which is the spirit of Plattsburg. Captain Newson, after an education abroad which had included work at the Academic Militaire in Paris and considerable outdoor life with the Hudson Bay Company through Canada, passed his examination for commission in November, 1916, and was made a second lieutenant of infantry at that time. He came to the first camp and won his commission as a captain on August 15th. Captain Shurtleff, assistant instructor, had been a member 120 THE PL ATT S BURGER of Battery A in Boston, and Squadron A in New York, and won his captaincy in the first camp. In the first brigade followed seven brokers led by a banker. On the right flank thirteen lawyers tried in vain to join this squad, which contained a bona fide financier, but were restrained by the commander's orders, and were held back with the support. Three pohcemen marched at attention behind them, a position which enabled them, fortunately, to keep their eyes on the lawyers. A railroad man also traveled along in this aggregation. On the left flank the Fifteenth carried seven merchants, three managers and three manufacturers whose products in times past used to include such interesting and profitable commodities as "undies" and automobile tires, but who devoted every energy to keeping up with the column. At the proper distance — any candidate can tell off-hand the number of yards between advance party and support — is a line, which, if not in uniform, might be called hetero- geneous. It included three journaHsts, four publishers, three pedagogues, a stage director, a private secretary and a treasurer. An explorer had behind him in file an archeologist, and then three actors. They and three insurance agents were among the leading sufferers from a grand old army rule which required silence in ranks, but others near them found it had compensations. Along in the line were two contractors who were always glad when they had an opportunity to entrench. There was a produce broker also who went to mess hoping always for a corner in fresh eggs, but realizing gradually that he never, never would find even one — fresh. The produce dealer was followed by a fireman, an inte- rior decorator, a buyer and an importer, a securities man and four bank clerks. A landscape artist marched alone fol- lowed by four camouflage artists, a rare profession until recently, but stiU they claimed it. The company has twenty-one god-sons | , ^ and twenty-one god-daughters, which in- 5^ \ / eluded one pair of twins. There are thirty- c„pj jj nine married men in the company. 1.5th" Co. /I The fourth squad holds the record for progeny, possessing three sons and nine daughters. Strange to relate, I. D. R. was not the most popular book. "Short Rations" took that honor. The favorite movie actress was Marguerite Clark; the favorite legitimate actress, Marjorie Rambeau. The company was divided equally as to what its choice was in drinks — Tom Collins and Mamie Taylor having paced a dead heat. The answer to the question, "What is your favorite drink now?" was, " Same as before, but it is no longer obtainable." In its absence, "Plain soda with a wink." The favorite food was hash; the favorite indoor sport, bunk fatigue; the favorite outdoor sport, baseball. The Fifteenth also boasted a candidate who lost so many clothes that he was known as Annette Kellerman. If he ever gets into the cavalry he will be known as Lady Godiva. Co. 15, l^th P. T. Regiment Charles R. Ace, George T. Adee, Oily E. Allard, Milton J. Ayers, Francis I. Berry, Robert W. Blair, Gustave J. M. Blessman, Hanson Booth, Ludlow E. Bretz, Harry M. Brown, Percy St. G. Browne, Clinton S. Burr, James W. Burrows, James Butler, Jr., Edward Car- pentier, Noel Chamberlin, Peter W. Coleman, Elvin H. Church, John N. ConnoUy, Alonzo M. Covert, Joseph F. Cunneen, Henry F. Davis, Arthur J. Delany, Lambert Dorflinger, James A. Doyle, Walter F. Dyett, Henry K. Eilers, Thomas Emery, Frederick J. Esteves, Robert S. Farley, Sidney E. Fletcher, Leroy E. Gahris, James B. Gallagher, David M. Goodrich, Vance A. Goss, Harry E. Grant, John H. Greenwood, Leslie H. Groser, Otho Hamilton, Joseph F. Hanley, Arthur E. Hartzell, James J. Hennessy, Joseph T. Higgins, Alfred R. Hofler, Edwin K. Hollinger, Justus A. Hovey, Scott Hughes, Royston Jennings, Harold D. Johnson, Robert N. Kastor, Herbert B. Kennedy, Joseph A. Keyes, William H. Kirk, Frederick Kopper, Jr., Edwin F. Korkus, Herman E. Krauss, George W. Krug, Paul A. Kleinfelder, Robert C. Latimer, Howard G. Lambert, Maxwell F. Lawton, Morton W. Leon, Chester C. Levis, Martin S. Lindgrove, Henry H. Livingston, Robt. H. Loughborough, Charles E. Lynch, Harry A. McCorry, Daniel S. McMillan, Francis J. McNamara, Edward E. McNally, Clyde F. Marion, James C. Marks, Charles A. Marshall, William Matthews, Alfred L. Maurer, Gustave A. Messall, Leo E. Miller, Samuel R. Morse, John L. Mousley, John J. Murphy, Laurence I. Neale, Robert P. Nessler, Raymond A. O'Brien, Eugene R. O'ConneU, Remsen B. Ostrander, Russell M. Page, William E. Palmer, Roy K. Patterson, Edward H. Pearson, Winfred K. Petigrue, Charles L. PhUlips, Garrett C. Pier, George H. Pigott, Russell Pope, Ernest A. Powers, James V. Reddy, George A. Reeder, John B. Reynolds, Julian A. Ripley, Walter G. Robins, Edwin D. J\L Rowland, E. Lawrence Sampter, Jack Sanford, WiUiam J. Scanlon, Arnold Schmidt, William W. Sclmeebeli. LesHe P. Scott, Edwin D. Shaw, Charles F. Shields, Kermeth L. Sills, George R. Smith, Henry R. Stern, Patrick J. Sullivan, EliL. Sutton, William B. Taylor, Henr\' C. Thorn, Jr., Clark W. Tobin, William E. Trubee, William R. TuUis, Alfred Tyson, Homer L. Van Aken, Alfred Van Horn, Jr., H. Bar- entson Van Inwegen, Richard R. Vincent, Frederick G. Wagoner, Richard H. Waldo, Fred E. Walker, Harvey T. Warren, Robert B. Wheelan, Frank J. ^^' hitcomb, Arthur Whitney, Jr. , Virginius V. Zipris. i R. Shurtleff sst. Instruclor 1211 THE PLATTSBURGER THE CHARGING SIXTEENTH Yes, You Have Guessed It, They Have Achieved a TEAM" ■■■^p-' 7 HEY gave us the right of line, these far-seeing army men who have been putting us through the big mill, and why and how we have held it will herein appear. In the first place they gave us, as battalion commander, Captain John W. Lang, who had some lively experiences with the little brown brother in the Philippines, had held down his share of the Canal Zone, and still found time for crowded hours as an instructor at West Point. In the second place they gave us, to have and to mold, Captain John Stilwell, who had stepped the cinder path route in fast company at Yale, was an able hand at the military game, and was and is the high priest of the great god Pep. Shoulder to shoulder with them came Captain H. W. Lehmkuhl, apostle of zip in the form of physical culture, veteran of much Y. M. C. A. muscle building and master of india-rubber rallantando. Now the prophet has it that a Cjuick getaway is much to fje desired, but it is of record that the bacon is gathered only at the finish, and in these days the bacon hangs high. Maybe we didn't throw into high with tumult and with shouting (thereby failing perhaps in emulation of our brother organizations). We were too busy a bunch of acrobats. We didn't lift the first lilt in the camp singing, we didn't spot the first bull's eye anything. We didn't do a lot. But when the old co-ordination did come we began to notice ourselves, as well as wc could, being on the inside looking out. It was contagious. The scorers began to notice us on the range. Whether digging in the trenches or doing a little artistic revetting enlivened by the chatter of the humor squad, we were seen if not overheard. In the darkness and the dampness of the dugout or wending our way through the devious boyau we slithered and slid, and watched and rose at " stand to " as one man. And wc have kept coming all the time. Yes, Rollo, you have guessed it — WE have achieved a TEAM. Yes, we admit it. At first we were distinctly not IT. But the makings of IT were there all the time. We had among us merchants, lawyers, grayheads, youths 'Capt. J. W. Lang 4th Bn. 18lh P. T. R. Assl. Senior Inslniclor with down on lip fresh from gridiron. All of us had SUBSTANCE of some sort. Not a few of us wore it about the waist line. Now and then we discovered it in our heads. We maintain, with due diffidence, that we have eliminated all that alike from midst, periph- ery and belfry; and that we shall need no pouring into our new uniforms. We are already poured. From the grenadiers at the right of our line to the great little men on the left we are fit. Now to the roster. Quiet and unpre- tending as we were, we soon discovered a real major in our ranks, one Livingston, who served five years in the British army (leaving it as a second lieutenant after the Boer War), and who was also fourteen years in the Philippine constabulary. He was excelled in point of service only by Haml^len with twenty-four years in the New York militia to his credit, while Vega, with seventeen years in the 23d Regiment, was not far behind. Our four regular army sergeants became our special tutors in the early days of be- nighted ignorance. Marsh's nineteen years in China, the Philippines and Arizona; Burke's eight and a half years in the Eleventh Cavalry and at Fort Slocum: Rowe's seven years at Slocum, and Stewart's three years of varied service stood us in good stead in tlris, our pin-feather time. As for the rookies who endangered each other's heads in the first days of the manual of arms and bayonet drill, many could boast of big deeds in other fields. Few would surmise that the platoon leader of such ministerial bearing was ex-Mayor Lindsley of Dallas, Texas, who was promptly made chairman of the company council, and later became our chief engineer of the "Liberty Loan," or that the recruit with the steel-gray hair and bone-rimmed glasses was Herbert Reed, the sports writer, better known as "Right Wing." As chairman of the committee on athletics he presided over the paraphernalia while the Hot- spurs of the diamond ably led by Deuchar, a young man with a rare combination of speed and control, Drake, something of a wizard around the third sack, and Gallo- way, with his big bat and ambidextrous first basing, to- gether with certain other of the acrobats, notably Gott- 122 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R schaldt in the outer gardens, Reimuth atsecond, Donnelly at short, ..and^ E. T. Smith, .the waltz-time outfielder, annexed a clear title to the camp championship. In beating the Seventeenth, the Fifteenth, and the New York Regimental team, which had already taken the New England Regiment into camp, they whipped the cream ofiE the baseball potation. (Note to Sporting Ed. We don't seem to find any challenges on our desk. What?) Wickes, with seventeen years of legal practice, and Briscoe in reserve, guaranteed immunity, from breach of promise suits, while Hopper and Jones stood ready to lure the shekels of pay day rarity into the. coffers of the Guaranty Trust Company or elsewhere. For the gumshoe patrol we had Sherman Burns of the Burns Detective Agency, who managed to keep his identity hidden until the famous William J. himself appeared on the scene for a week-end to visit his son, and Mulvey, formerly detective- sergeant in the New York Police Department. For mental diversion there was always available a vaude- ville stunt by Halls, a film scene by R. W. Tucker, or a journey among the fossils under the guidance of T. L. Shear, associate professor of Greek archaeology' at Colum- bia, though it must be said that Shear, like Pott, adjunct philosophy dispenser at the University of Virginia, very much belied the stereotyped notion of a desiccated college professor. Satterlee, who supplied the architectural genius of the company, nearly lost its goodwill by imme- diately attempting to dismiss it when it had just formed for breakfast. However, he restored the company's good humor at the end of the day by the lucid series "Squads left, company halt, march; first sergeant, front, dismiss the company." He has since happily recovered. The Sixteenth included in its number the youngest man in camp and one who ranked with the oldest in age and the youngest in physique. 1^ Besides being the oldest young man in the company, Hoppin is among the few who have already served as officers, having been second lieutenant in the Fifth Infantry in 1898, as well as a member of Squadron A. The Sixteenth also defied com- petition in its orderly room detail. From Eagle-eye John, supply sergeant, of "all accounted and present for " fame, to genial Httle Nicoll, it boasted genuine effi- ciency. Nightcap Price saw the boys to bed so well that he was favored with a nightly feast of sweets, cakes and what-nots. / ^ Capt. John Stilwell, 16th Company Instructor There are other lights no less lustrous than these who may be. said to have been giving us flair, .cachet, or what you will, notably Compton, whom the Governor greeted as a long-lost friend; Blandy, the debonair; Brandon, of the pink pajamas; Wiechers, the immaculate; Bonnar, the irrepressible, and so on, but space compels us to leave them to that sparkling future of which they are so certain, and to bid them bon voyage (literally, we hope) that the lilies of France may grow again some dewy morn where they plant out starry banner. Aloha! Co. 16, ISth p. T. Regiment James R. Agar, William E. Annin, Robert P. Babcock, Elbert H. Bagley, Paul J. Banker, Samuel W. Barkelew, Wilham R. Bell, Walter G. Berger, Frank A. Bernero, Daniel J. Birmingham, William H. Blandy, Patrick A. Bolger, John F. Bonner, William McK. Brandon, Chesleigh H. Briscoe, Roger M. Brown, John J. Burke, Grant Burns, William S. Burns, Pierce H. Butler, Storrs W. Butler, Edward H. Carle, Merriam 0. Chadbourne, Watt W. Clinch, Robert L. Coleman, George B. Compton, Kevork Costikyan, George M. Davis, Jr., George H. DeKay, Alfred P. Delcambre, Chas. D. Deuchar, Charles F. Donnelly, Boswell J. Drake, John T. Eagleton, Robert H. Eaton, Allyn McC. Eddy, Carl B. Erck, Lee V. Farnum, Sidney B. Fitz- gerald, William A. Flanigan, Colman D. Frank, Albert C. Fredman, Judson P. Galloway, Robert D. Gibson, Thomas F. Githen3, William H. Glover, Aaron N. Goldberg, Maurice A. Golden, Allan C. Gott- schaldt, Eugene G. Grant, Henry B. Greisen, Robert S. Grinnell, Frank L. Halls, Arthur J. Hamblen, Robert A. Hastings, Louis S. Higgins, Albert Hoffman, Everett D. Hood, Gerard B. Hoppin, Wycliffe C. Jackson, Arthur R. Jones, Francis P. Kenny, Philip C. Kerby, Frederick H. Koschwitz, Stephen McM. Lee, Henry D. Lindsley, Henry G. Littau, Charles E. Livingston, Andrew W. Loebl, Arthur C. Lowenthal, Abraham A. Lustig, John W McCabe, Wilham F. McClelland, Paul A. jNIcLaughlin, James N. MacLean, John W. Marsh, Geoffrey C. Maxwell, Hyman S. MiUer, Joseph P. Mulvey, Robert R. Nelson, Edward H. Nicoll, Richard B. 0' Connor, Donald O. Page, WiUiam N. Paine, Jacob 0. Parisette, Joseph D. Peet, Benjamin W. Pelton, WiUiam S. A. Pott, Auguste R. Pottier, Edward J. Price, Herbert Reed, Lynn P. Reed, Charles H. Reimerth, Clarence Renouard, Law- rence Richmond, Charles E. Roach, John N. Roach, William J. Roberton, Clarence S. Roome, George L. Rooney, Robert Rosenbluth, Allen C. Rowe, Edward Saphir, Edward L. Satterlee, Frank Isaac Schechter, Carleton B. Scofield, Paul G. Schu- man, WiUiam Shea, Theodore L. Shear, Arthur H. Smith, Edmund T. Smith, Chester G. Stewart, Frank M. Stewart, James S. Timothy, WiUiam Tinsley, Owen C. Torrey, Thomas E. Tousey, Albert J. Tucker, Richard W. Tucker, Tracy E. Tuthill, James A. Vaughan, Rafael Vega, George S. Walden, Thomas W. Warfield, Irving Weintraub, Walter M. Weis, Leon H. Wheeler, Watson White, Forsyth Wickes, Manolo M. Wiechers, Albert B. Wilson, Thomas H. Young. Capt. H. W Lehmkuhl, 16th Company Asst. Instructor 123 THE PL ATT S BURGER THE SEVENTEENTH— LAST BUT NOT LEAST Being a Dramatic Narrative in Two Scenes and an Epilogue of a Company That Sang and Pf^orked — Hard SCENE I. '^TDlACE: Plattshurg Barracks. Time: 5:30 A. M. _A. Scene: Interior Barracks jj, revealed in the chiar- oscuro of autumn dawn. Soldiers asleep; snores. First Call sounds off stage; alarum within. FIRST SERGEANT (in a raucous voice as he flings open Orderly room door) : " AU-l-l up!" VOICE (from an unidentified bunk) : " Hey, that blamed bell's going to wake somebody up the first thing you know." (Lights. Forms under blankets begin to stir and move about.) FIRST SERGEANT (harshly): "Up an' out!" CANDIDATE (voice muffled by covers) : "Whazzat?" (Sitting up, he views the sit- uation sourly and observes feelingly) : "Hell." SECOND CANDIDATE (threateningly) : "Where's my socks?" THIRD CANDIDATE: "On your feet." SECOND CANDIDATE (on the defensi^'e now) : "Well, Meredith sleeps in his leggins." ' MEREDITH: "They did it at Valley Forge, didn't they? Have the boys at Valley Forge any- thing on us?" CANDIDATE (singing) : "You're in the army now, You're not behind a plow . " VOICE FROM WITHOUT (briskly): "Star Hand Laundry, gents; Star Hand Laundry." FOURTH CANDIDATE (from upper bunk): "Black Hand Laundry, gents; Black Hand Laundry." FIFTH CANDIDATE (always willing to go his Inmkie one worse): "Short Hand Laundry, gents; Short Hand Laundry." SEXTH CANDIDATE (never willing to let bad enough alone, and who got back a table cloth last week in place of a sheet): " Sleight-of-Hand Laundry, gents; Sleight-of-Hand Laundry." SEVENTH CANDIDATE (with acerbity): "Brundage Steam Laundry, gents; Brundage Steam Laundry." Capt. W. P. Foss, Jr. 17th Co. Inslniclor, CHORUS OF CANDIDATES (allies of Brundage, no doubt): "Aw, lay off. Burgomaster." (The laundry witticisms achieve no particularly side- spUtting effect, yet it is evident that they do somewhat improve the early morning morale of the platoon. A man may be condoned for stretching a point to afford an excuse for a laugh at 5.30 A. M. — dissenters see Par. 4, I. D. R. Candidates struggle into their govern- ment clothes, but before all are dressed three short alarms within.) Reveille without. EIGHTH CANDIDATE (unable to find his pants): "What would Sergeant Hill do in a case like this?" FIRST SERGEANT (fiercely, as he strides down the aisle): "Hout s-s-side!" EIGHTH CANDIDATE: "That isn't answering my question." CHORUS OF LATE CANDIDATES: "Have a heart!" CORPORAL FIRST SQUAD (relent- lessly): "First Squad, outside. Come on there, Friday." CORPORAL SECOND SQUAD: " Second Squad, out- side! Who's the last man? Where's ValLese?" (Continued off stage to Sixteenth Squad. Candidates crowd toward door in the inefficient haste of drowsy men, buttoning, hooking and lacing various parts of their warlike panoply as they go. Exeunt.) SCENE 11. Company street, outside Barracks jj. Time: 5:45 ^1. M. FIRST ' SERGEANT (impatiently): "On the line, there! . . . Snap it up!! . . . Close in to the right!!!" {Men hasten to their places. Assembly without.) FIRST SERGEANT (With a business-like air) : "Flynn! R'port!" The line freezes to attention. CORPORALS (in turn, beginning with a rich, booming bass on the right and ascending to a clear, lyric soprano on the left of the line): "Aw presn't!" I 124 THE PLATTS BURGER FIRST SERGEANT (about faces and passes out a perfunctory salute in the direction of the Acting Oificer in Command) : " Sir-aw-presn't-or-'count'd-for." ACTING C. O. (returns salute with great punctilio; surveys his command with an estimating eye; fixes a chilling stare upon Candidate X, whose top blouse button is shirking its duty; starts to frame a withering reprimand but covertly glances at his own blouse before he delivers it; notes his own upper left pocket is unbuttoned — x — x X x!! !!; gets flustered; feels about as inconspicuous as the Woolworth building on an Oklahoma prairie; tries to think of something impressive and important to say; can't; registers dignity silently, clears throat and com- mands with gusto): "Dis-miss the com-pan-y." FIRST SERGEANT: '"Smiss!!" Men fall out; exeunt with dispatch in the direction of barracks and bath house. ACTING C. O. (in a solicitous stage whisper as he runs to overtake bunkie who is racing toward bath house with a towel over his shoulder): "Hey, Bill; how'd I do? Huh? How'd I make out? Did I get that rising inflection on my commands like Cap Lang does? What's your honest opinion?" Exeunt, Acting C. 0. still pouring his entreaties into Bin's deaf ear. QUICK CURTAIN. EPILOGUE. Imagine, kind reader, that these scenes have been enacted with complete cast, faithfully as narrated above and in full view of the audience. Visualize in the places of the mustard-clad men of the dramatis personas a few ordinary figures of your civilian existence. The First Sergeant, say, is a lawyer friend of yours; the august Acting Officer in charge, a receiving teller at your bank; the others, let us assume, number an architect, a detective sergeant, a civil engineer, a bond salesman and a Methodist minister. On August 2.3, half of the company arrived at this post, and under the old scheme of organization the men were assigned to the First and Second Companies of the 18th Regiment. Two days later another string of troop trains slowed to a lumbering halt on the track abaft the barracks. Another col- lection of sleepy civilians piled from their bunks, I mean berths, and beheld their future homes for three months, an ensemble of pine shacks rising row on row on the brow of a slope to the west. Hectic days were those first ones. About the time it looked as though things had begun to simmer down and folks were beginning to feel at home along came another upheaval. On August 29 the old First and Second Companies were split up to form the Seventeenth. The officers were Captain Wilson P. Foss, Jr., and Cap- tain William H. Draper, Jr. That afternoon Captain Foss assembled us out on the parade ground and told the men to close in a circle about him. "Men," he said, "this is the Seventeenth Company. I am in command. Captain Draper is my assistant. This company is going to be the best in the camp — best at drill, best at school, best at everything." And, if you ask us, we were. Co. 17, 18th P. T. Regiment George F. Alces, Ralph L. Baggs, Edmund E. Barrett, Fitzharding Berkeley, Thomas J. Blake, Edward D. Bolton, Ben. J. Breckenridge, Emil Breitenfeld, Leon D. Brown, Paul D. Brown, Albert E. Brun- dagc, Charles C. Bull, William R. Burlingame, Fritz 0. Burglund, Robert W. Butler, Howard N. Cappell, Edwin F. Carey, Oscar E. Cartaya, William L. Caten, Jr., Jay E. Gates, Andrew J. Gheritree, Pierson E. Clair, Dorsie J. Clark, John L. Clark, Walter M. Collins, John J. CuUinan, George A. Currie, Justus S. Davidson, Carl H. Davis, John B. Delehanty, Matthew W. Del Gaudio, Benjamin H. Dobbin, James H. Donaldson, Frank S. Donnelly, Emlen M. Dray- ton, Charles Drechsel, Bernard W. Druillard, Percy J. Ebbott, Frederic W. Ecker, Benjamin M. Edgerton, Roy R. English, Dodd- ridge Farrell, Thomas J. Farrell, Harry J. Fee, John J. Fitzgerold, James E. Fitzgibbon, J. Wesley Flamman, Benedict Fox, Duncan Eraser, Wm. F. Gallagher, Jr., Herbert B. Glover, Samuel I. Gold- berg, GuUie B. Goldin, Stanley J. Grace, Arthur W. Graef, James B. Graham, John E. Griflm, Thomas F. Griffin, Herbert Groesbeck, Jr., Lorenzo F. Hagglund, John B. Hahl, Roy E. Hallock, Milton C. Ham, Lewell W. Hammon, Joseph F. Hanrahan, Leigh W. Harrington, Willard C. Hatch, Albert H. Henderson, Charles A. Hill, Gerald T. Hills, Elbert C. H. Hoag, Bayard C. Hoppin, PhiUp K. Houston, Robert I. Huyler, Charles C. Jabureck, Lester Jacobson, Marquis James, J. Curtis Joyce, John B. Judson, Jr., Martin Arnold Capt. W. H. Draper, Jr. 17th Co. Asst. Instructor Keogh, Jr., Edward L. Killion, Cortlandt K. Krams, Kupfer, Charles W. Kusche, Robert B. LaFarge, Douglas E. S. Laughlin, Edward J, LaVoice, Joseph J. Lese, Dudley G. Lester, Edward H. Litchfield, Charles E. Lund, Alexander McClintock, Robert B. McClure, Joseph T. McMahon, John J. McManus, Jay Madden, Jacob Mann, Aubrey R. Marrs, Frank Marsh, William F. Mason, Allen G. Maxwell, Clive B. Meredith, James F. Milde, Ethan A. Mildeberger, Edmund F. jVlulhoUand, Gerard A. MuUiner, Francis X. Mulrjf, Charles F. Newman, Jr., Nathaniel Newman, Samuel W. Oppenhcimer, Carlton B. Overton, Harold D. Ovington, Irving H. Patterson, William J. Pedrick, Jr., Clinton A. Reed, Frederick G. Rita, Harry Rose, Benjamin Rosenberg, Ralph Sanger, Frederick J. Scheld, Harry L. Schoenfeld, Ely T. Scott, Michael F. Scully, Thomas A. Shaw, Joseph Sidorowicz, Alfred W. Smart, SneU Smith, Henry Soss, George P. Southworth, John V. Timoney, George A. Turley, Augustus A. Van Deventer, Jr., Samuel C. Webster, Chester E. Wheeler, William H. Willis, William C. Wrenn. 125 THE PLATTSBURGER 126 THE PLATTSBURGER o w Pi o 'z, < H W h-i F^ H Pi <; < o > o Pi Ph w M H o Pi W O hH O -1 ^ Oj Ph h-! ;3 ^ J £h o Td ffi i-< o 3 P2 7r; rt f ) c: H ■■wJ H 3 Uh — Cj W o i-J k4 G ■n C~4 O c3 „ < ^ s H en H VEN a close observer would experience trouble \^ in recognizing from the 2d Battery the motlev assemblv which reported to the battery commander late in August to begin the work of qualifying for oihcers' commissions. Nondescripts they were then from prac- tically every walk of civil hfe, mth here and there a few with previous military experience gathered either in previous camps, the National Guard or the regulars. But a very short time sufficed for a transformation, though the process was prolific of interesting experiences, some comical, others heroic. Sixteen hours a day devoted almost unin- terruptedly to a subject is calculated to pro- duce results. It did with the 2d Battery. The men threw themselves into the work with a willingness and zeal that could not but yield results. The supreme opportunity before them was not allowed to escape un- availed. In play, as in work, the battery went about the daily routine with a zest. Agree- ing with Captain Gammell that "singing soldiers are the best soldiers," the boys quickly installed a piano in barracks, and in leisure hours it was put to good use in keeping up the battery spirit. Naturally enough, a few mistakes bobbed up from time to time with their humorous Capt. W, sides, putting a laugh on more than a few 2d Bat, of the boys. For one thing, certain men found no end of trouble in distinguishing officers in time to accord them the courtesy of a salute. One candidate, who absentmindedly failed to salute, was abruptly chal- lenged for the oversight. "How long have you been in the service?" Cjueried the officer. "About three days," answered our fellow student. "How long have you?" It was the ingenious and resourceful Devine who finally suggested a practical rule for avoiding any oversights of this nature. "When in doubt, salute," was Devine's motto. The rule worked well enough, but e\"en so there were still some few individual difficulties. For instance, Van Derveer still insisted upon habitually saluting with one hand in his pocket. "Shinola" Gozzaldi was the horrible example respon- sible for our wonderful battery shine record. Gozzaldi was certainly a most shining exponent of the rub and shine. No dust nor dirt lurked on the footwear of those who emulated his example. It fell to P. C. Lull to lift our standard in another direc- tion. P. C. brought with him from "A" Battery, Rhode Island National Guard, a luxuriant and carefully groomed growth of hirsute adornment "camouflag- ing" his entire face. All was well until Captain Randal mentioned at inspection the fact that an early haircut was badly needed. Of course, conference room queries were plentiful and varied. " Candidate Wheeler, sir, " easily took the brown derby in this com- petition. But competition was keen and queries flew thick and fast until a reaction set in. Finally Lieutenant Caldwell was moved at one conference to remark on the fact that few questions were being asked. He assumed, he said, that all the men were readily absorbing the matter at hand. It was Candidate Donovan who corrected the impression with the blunt acknowledgment that he didn't know enough to even ask an inteUigent Cjuestion. Further evidence of obliquity above the ears occasionally came to light in firing drill. For in- stance. Candidate Bryant grew so warm about the head that in making his report to the battery commander he blithely announced, "Both bubbles bubbling, sir." Candidate Mansfield also ran afoul of a disconcerting experience. Though a veteran of the first Plattsburg camp and a member of Major Koehler's throat and lung squad, he encountered trouble in maneuvring around a gun trail. The trail box cover jammed. Kicking it with one foot and awkwardly saluting Lieutenant Caldwell at the same time, he reported with painful exasperation that "this d n thing never would work, sir." Emerson R. Newell, of New York and Greem\dch, absentmindedly lapsed into the vernacular of a court- room on one occasion. Engaged in a discussion with . Gammell Inslnidor 130 THE PLATTSBURGER Captain Gammell, he rather startled the battery when he began: "But your Honor " The laughter of the battery halted him. Then, of course, the men found some difficulty in rat- tling out the proper commands while handling the bat- tery in close order drill. This one got a laugh. With the battery in fine, one candidate directed it, "By the south flank, march!" Pretty good running mate for the com- mand of the officer on the Mexican border who ordered his battery to "button up your caissons and go by the northeast flank." But funny experiences were not limited to the con- ference room and drill ground. Candidate Saltonstall reports interestingly. It was a down-town drug store and Saltonstall wanted to purchase a quantity of dis- tilled water for automobile batteries. After a bit of mys- terious maneuvring the clerk produced it in two green bottles. It was poured into the batteries and the car has been out of commission ever since. A later examination revealed that the bottles had contained beer instead of water. Further detailed information on the incident not available for obvious reasons. Beginning of lessons in equitation brought a new angle of life to many. For instance. Murphy learned to "post" at a walk. Todd was advised to include a rope ladder in his equipment. Long worked out a detachable windshield for mounted men, as well as handle bars. Professor Perry developed an unusual .disadvantage in- that he couldn't keep his legs from dragging. . Aside from a circle of "supermen," in- cluding Washburn, Taylor, Smith, Mosher and Blumer, Bowman was our stellar per- former. He was the real live wire, the Atlas supporting our world of problems and troubles. Like the "movie" news weekly, Bowman saw all, knew all. Bowman rushed in where angels would have employed reconnoitering in abundance. But assurance was his and experience will be. Among other matters of private and exclusive knowl- edge. Bowman holds the keys to these mystifying queries: Where did Guild spend his week-ends? Why did Berman miss the hike? What is Yamkipzoa? What did Busby do with his mustache when he went into camouflage? The national anthem of Guatemala? Who woke up the entire barracks one night? What were Rollins' two fa- vorite tunes? Who was the collector who got our coat buttons? When was the forty-yard distance between ranks employed? Can a man in ranks give "rest" when Lieut. W. H. Caldwell 2d Bat. Assistant Instruclor he wishes to talk? How did Drinkwater come out with the Q. M. department? How many times does a stream cross a given contour fine? What is a draft spring? McRae flashed into prominence as one of the select coterie of "nuts." But nobody would take his suddenly acquired prominence seriously. Everybody figured that "Mac" was kidding the major. However, there is no doubt as to his reputation as a songbird. No sooner had he acquired the regulation hat cord than he started to warble "That Barber Shop Chord." From the foregoing, it may be seen that the 2d Battery did not miss out on its part of the fun that developed as we drove along through our stay. Neither did it miss out its part of the work. Contributing strongly to this latter was the capable and efficient help afforded by the commanding officers. If there be shortcomings, it was no fault of these instructors. And both men and officers believe that the 2d Battery is as well equipped as any command in the camp for the great and im- portant work which lies beyond. 2d Battery, F. A. Walter L. Allen, Arthur R. Atwood, Richard H. Bacon, Jolin Baker, Gordon H. Banchor, Henrj' C. Banis, Francis Barrett, RobertV. Bean, Isaac Berman, RajTiiond W. Bissell, Maurice A. Blackmur, Charles E. Blake, William W. Blanchard, Thomas S. Blumer, Edward F. Bo\vman, Newton C. Brainerd, Robert E. Bryant, Robert Burrell, Hibbard S. Busby, Frederick A. Calkin, Richard H. Campbell, Kip I. Chace, Raymond O. Chaffee, C. I. Chamberlain, Morgan G. Chamberlin, Robert K. Chandler, Robert M. Chase, Allen L. Cleveland, Philip P. Cole, Frederick G. Crane, Elton F. Cronk, William G. Cummings, John J. Danaher, Joseph J. Dexdne, Daniel G. Donovan, Arthur Drinkwater, Norman L. Duncan, Harold R. Espey, Elizur K. H. Fessenden, Philip S. Foisie, Oliver A. Fuller, Albert B. Gardella, Thomas J. Gilbert, Ralph B. Glines, John C. Goldthwaite, Richard S. Gozzaldi, Charles F. Guild, George A. Hagedorn, Walter G. Hauser, Warren Hayford, 3rd, Jolm A. Heath, Jr., ilerrit Hemin- way, Edward E. Hildreth, John D. Hogarth, Percy C. Judd, Cyrus S. Kauffman, Milton S. Kimball, Jolm M. Latham, Andrew J. Lloyd, Ernest P. Lull, Richard T. Lyons, Daniel J. Marshall, W. W. Mans- field, Jr., W. R. McAUaster, Bernard J. McLaughlin, Donald C. McRae, Samuel G. Mitchell, Ralph H. Mosher, Charles C. Murphy, Walter G. Nagle, Emerson R. Newell, Tliomas J. O'Connell, Thomas S. Parker, Sydney H. Perley, Henrj' T. Perry, Frederick \. Peterson, Jacques J. Pollock, Howard H. Quinham, Charles A. Reynolds, Durell S. Richards, John R. Roberts, William 0. Robinson, Francis W. Rollins, Leverett Saltonstall, Willis H. Sargent, Chester E. Sar- gent, John B. Schmidt, Walter H. Shaw, Reginald Sigel, Curtis R. Smith, John F. Sullivan, Emerson H. Swift, Aldrich Taylor, R. De St. M. Thebaud, James P. Thurber, Francis B. Todd, Waldo Tucker, Henry B. Valieant, T. W. Van Derveer, Peter Visconti, John S. Voorhees, George E. Washburn, Jolm Wells, WiUiam R. Wheeler, Jr., Frazar B. Wilde, Harold Wilkinson, Frederick W. Willey, Henry C. Williams. M31 THE PLATTSBURGER BATTERY THREE IN RETROSPECT The Leading Lights Shine After Taps is Sounded 'ATTERY THREE was perched upon a shifting sand dune on the west shore of Lake Champlain, and a great deal closer to the D. & H. tracks than any station on the line. But we did have just the lov- Uest sunrises! The barracks were one hundred and ten feet long and divided into two parts, the orderly room and the rest of the place. In the bar- racks proper lived one hundred and sixteen men and Freddy Beebe. In the orderly room could often be found such men as Captains Dunnigan, Hincks and Harwood, Lieutenant KeUey and Ted Lilley. There was never a chance to stop "keeping them rolling" with that trio of never sleeping captains always on the Job. Utter absence of anything like familiarity with Captain Dunnigan only increased the fearsome respect in which most of us held him for all those three long months. Any slight defects in us and our military manners — and we sure had 'em — that he overlooked were kindly but firmly called to our attention by the assistant instructors. Captain Hincks has a sense of humor that even military rigidity couldn't repress, but it didn't particularly soften his admonitions if you were rmlucky enough to attract his unfavorable attention. Captain Harwood knew his stuff — cold. There was nothing lukewarm about the way he served it either. A spoonful of precision, another of accuracy, a third of exactness, with a handful of ginger and a large dash of "pep" — that was the formula which aU the Third Battery's instructors used and it worked wonders on even the most backward patients. JVIost of the prescriptions were prepared in the orderly room, but on the other side of the partition there was equal activity. No battery barracks held a more miscellaneous mixture of greatness and near greatness, a conglomera- Capt. F. J. Dunnigan 3d Bat. Instniclor tion of ability and other things that attracted even the official "Nut Picker." At the physical "exam." quite a few of the men who expect to be shelling the Wilhem- strasse before very long had a hard time convincing the Nut Picker that they were geniuses and not what he suspected. For the Third Battery one of the big events of the camp was the hike. Nothing quite so ambitious was attempted at the first camp and it proved a very valuable addition to the course of training in impressing on the candidates that "book learning" wasn't quite all there was to the game. Every youngster knows that it always rains on picnic day and the same holds true of hikes. The afternoon had a disposition as uncertain as a damsel with one suitor in the navy and another in the army. It alternated between rain and near brightness just enough to provide a full measure of discomfort. It was almost as contradictory as the commands Bill Wilson gave every thirty seconds, but eventually pup tents were pitched and the problem began. The long suffering eighth section provided the kitchen detail and had mess ready by the time we had finished grooming and feeding our horses. The hike proved that the much-abused bean is a food and not a form of inhu- man punishment after all. Also it gave the humble "runt" section a chance to put one over, for every man of it got an extra helping with the rest of the battery in entire ignorance of their good luck. Many of the candidates got their first taste of real hardship in the attempt to sleep on the cold, cold ground under one blanket and an overcoat, and their second when the summons for picket line guard duty came. They all hved through it, but some of them never looked the same. Camp was broken with a speed that would have done credit to a regular organization. Nobody seemed particularly keen to linger and we were on our way by eight o'clock, with Capt. C. C. Hincks 3d BaL 1st Assistant 132 THE PLATTSBURGER -,.:^,, ^^•ijjy-'i^- the barracks for once as attractive as Home, Sweet Home. "Charley" Levering (that familiar front is taking a mean advantage of an ex-captain of the troop) was sup- posed to be a wonderful rider. We could ride, too, if we could cross our feet under the horse the way he could. Manson Glover pronounced "D-r-r-rill R-r-regulations " and " P-r-r-robabihty Factor-r-r" in a way calculated to make all the old Anglos and Saxons turn in their graves. Frank Wall had more call-downs than anybody else, but that was largely because half the battery was Mr. Wall to the officers. People said that Miles Langley carried contour lines in his pocket without any fear of being attacked. Apparently he had lived among them and won their confidence. We suspected "Pop'' Gleason was a married man, but, of course, he may have been scalped in the Philippines. C. E. Allen may have been a good supply sergeant, but as a left guide — well, the 8th section had tried individually and collectively to solve the mystery of his cadence and failed utterly. If Pollard buys one more uniform at Gimbel's they are going to give him one for nothing. What could we do better than nickname George Mather "Cotton" after the great divine? There were a lot of men who could stay in bed until the last minute, and still make reveille, but they were all up before Drakeley and not in line any sooner. Somebody woke up one night with a weird exclama- tion — something like this: "Come and glouskin as ye go on the light fantastic toe." Brown, A. H. C. had a strut that ought to be worth a majority, and the name of Martin Glynn was strangely familiar — could this be the ex-governor of New York? Then there were some name- less candidates who had done things to make Battery Three famous. Be sure, it wasn't every barracks that had an im- promptu inspection by the cast of "Mary's Ankle." And now just a word about our esprit. We had it, lots of Capt. J. H. Harwood it- Heaven knows why; there 3d Bat. 2d Assistant wasn't much to have esprit about, unless you cah living in a veritable sand-pit, being nearly shaken out of our bunks by the D. & H. freights, and being close enough to shack No. 28 to know the sad truth about noon mess long before 10 o'clock, sufficient reason for loyalty to Battery Three. The real explanation probably is that discipline begets esprit, and discipUne we certainly had — iron and unrelenting. The man or men whose duty it was to recommend some and reject others are almost to be pitied. Theirs was the hardest kind of task, for the competition was too keen to make a just selection easy. One thing is sure — commission or no commission, a man who lived through three months of such training rendered no small service to his government. Lieut. J. p. Kellcy 3d Bat. Zd Assistant dd Battery, F. A. Charles E. Allen, Warren A. Baker, Charles E. Barber, Louis A. Barcelo, Austin D. Barney, Frederick C. Beebe, Allen H. Boardman, Roland S. Boardman, C. B. Fisk BriU, Amos H, C. Brown, Simmons Brown, Phihp F. Broughton, Marshall S. Buell, George C. Cantwell, George C. Capen, Louis E. Carboni, Harold D. Carey, Francis C. Carleton, Howard C. Carter, Joseph S. Carusi, Henry P. Chandler, Richard W. Chapman, King CoUins, Stanley W. Colt, Theobald E. Conway, John H. Corridon, Matthew J. Cummings, James W. Cun- ningham, Daniel J. Curran, Donald E. Currier, Gordon Curtis, Maurice F. De^'ine, Raymond C. Dimon, Wilfred K. Dodworth, George M. Drakeley, Ray P. Dunning, Norman E. Emmons, Stanton E. Eustis, Harry E. Fannon, WiUiam B. Famsworth, Alfred A. Farwell, Samuel P. Fay, Edward Foster, Bertrand C. French, Clarence J. Frink, Max H. C. Gersumky, Cass Gilbert, Jr., Warren Gleason, Leon E. Glouskin, Manson Glover, Martin E. Gl>Tin, Francis C. Gray, Addison B, Green, Charlton R. Gulick, James Hale, William F. HaUstead, Barge L. Hartz, Arthur W. Hodges, Alexander Holmes, Louis L. Holmes, George F. Holmquist, Roland S. Hotchkiss, George G. Hubbard, Henrj' C. Hutchins, Carl Johnson, Solon C, Kelly, Jr., Fred. H. Kingsbury, Miles E. Langley, Arthur J. Lesieur, John K. Lewis, Theodore Lilley, Charles T. Lovering, George V. Lovering, George C. Mather, Edwin H. May, Arthur M. McCormick, George A. Middlemas, Floyd I. MiUer, Howard B. Morse, Hallam L. Movius, Wilhs IMunro, Bartlett S. Norcross, Robert C. Padley, Francis T. Phillips, Frank E. PhiUips, Joseph E. Pierce, Theodore B. Pitman, Frederick W. Pollard, Claude G. Prouty, Leon H. Richmond, Eugene B. Ripley, Harold R. Robinson, Preston B. Rowe, Ale.xander H. Scott, Frederic M. Seeger, Clarence W. Seymour, Horatio L. Small, Albert R. Speare, Milton S. Stearns, R. SL Strickland, Guy A. Swenson, Homer D. Swihart, Charles H. Terry, Theodore L. Tewksbury, Ralph S. Townsend, Herbert A. Trombly, Perley S. Turner, Guy R. Varnum, F. J. Wall, Alan W. Waite, Raymond J. Wamester, Frederick A. Westphal, WiUiam J. White, Jr., Emmons J. Whitcomb, WiUiam M. Wilson, Victor A. Wolff, Whitney Young. 133 THE PLATTS BURGER FOURTH BATTERY— "ACTION FRONT!" Echoes and Re-echoes From the Gotham Gunner's Shack 7 HE 4th Battery was composed largely of men who volunteered from the New York district. Although the permanent address of most of them was New York City, their birthplaces ranged from Russia to Honolulu and from Ireland to the Barbados. They were drawn from the infantry units formed when they first got to Plattsburg;and when they were brought to- gether, as a battery, in front of the bar- racks facing Lake Champlain and the roaring D. & H., all hands had already been disguised in the khaki issue. Since few had ever seen each other pre- viously in civil life and found but little time after gathering to rake over the mem- ories of a dead past, it may be well to put on record something of the manner of men the}' were in ci\'il life, so far as records are available. Of the total, eighty were college men; Cornell contributing sixteen, Harvard fourteen, Yale seven, and Princeton five. Nearly all American colleges and some foreign ones were represented in the list. Eighty-nine had had previous military Capt. G, training, forty-four in the militia, many 4th Bat., of whom had served on the border. A few had been commissioned officers. There were seven men from the regular army. The a\-erage age of the battery was twenty-eight, and one hundred and twenty men were married. As for occupations, law and engineering led with twenty-three men each. Fourteen men had been engaged in mercantile activities. In the realm of printer's ink, there were eight, including publishing, advertising, writing and reporting. Seven brokers and bondmen and six bankers gave up computing interest in favor of deflections, and four architects took their protractors from building plans and set them to work on fighting maps. There were three statisticians, three teachers and three insurance men. Two men had served in the Navy, seven were Spanish War veterans, four were college undergraduates, one an ambulance driver from France, two were artists, one a zoologist, one an actor, one a cider manufacturer, one a preacher, and one was, even up to the time of going to press, a comedian. They came, in short, from all walks of private life. And for the first week or so after their arrival, they continued to come and go with about as wide a variety of walks. Every acting B. C. had a cadence all his own. They ran the full gamut from a snappy, choppy quick time to a creeping caterpillar crawl. Every third day the battery marched to a new tempo of the Plattsburg quickstep. But marching was least of their worries. Mastery of the "hundred and thirty to the minute" was accomplished well in advance of the fathoming of the mysteries of the counter-recoil buffer and deflection dilTerences, to say nothing of the ty]ii- fying characteristics of a contour or the mental \'agaries of "General Z." From 5:30 in the morning to 9:00 o'clock at night, the candidates studied, drilled and smoke-bombed, sub-calibred, equitated and sketched, and then drilled F. Vcrbcck and Studied some more, wdth marching, Instnicior eating, shaving and pistol cleaning in between, for relaxation. And then to bed to dream of firing battery salvos at headquarters. No candidate had ever done so much work before and, what is more to the point, actually learned and become fairly proficient in so much. There were times when, in the privacy of a bunk-to-bunk conversation, after two hours' grappling with 306 of the 8,629 Rules of "Fiah," a candidate might shake his head pessimistically and mutter to his neighbor that the pace was too fast. But discouragement never went much further than that. When the 5 :30 bell rang in the aching cold of the black autumn morning, there always seemed to be some cause for jest and jibes. When the dawn came up like a shower- bath on the shelter-tents of Battery Four, somewhere in Clinton County, and drivers groomed horses while can- noneers groomed everything else, and all rode home in wet clothes, the barometer of cheerfulness did not sink. It was only when examinations made their weekly approach that optimism ran low. 134 THE PLATTSBURGER m Then did the chuckhng merriment of Upper Fifth Avenue give way to grim foreboding, and grim despair still the customary ribald roar in the Bowery's depths. Here is a typical day with Battery Four: 5:30 — The bell. The frozen darkness. The cold trousers. 5:4.5 — Reveille. The missing leggings. The last button. The snapp3' roll call. The dash for wash barracks. 6:00 — The march to mess. The cold hands. Six spoons in one oatmeal plate. The cold-storage eggs. The pipe. The sweeping. The making of beds. The dust. 7:00— The Holy Writ. The Biglerville Map. The house of J. Musser. "Change Papers." The jealous eye on the next man's corrections. 7:30 — Drill. The student B. C.'s under observation. "Now men, snap those heels together." The busy httle note-books. 9:00 — Sub-calibre. The wrong deflection. The cross- fire. The bawUng out. 10:30 — The conference. The blackboard demonstra" tion. ''Does everyone understand this?" The amliigu" ous chorus. The foolish questions. 11:30 — Physical drill. "In cadence exercise." The goose step. 12:00— The rush for mail. The forbidden food from home. 12:1.5 — Mess. The same old stew. 12 :45 — T he smoke. The shave. The gossip. "Camp moves South next week." 1 :30— The double time to the smoke bomb range. "We have put that battery out of commis- sion and now take up an in- fantry trench to the right of that red barn." The candidate's loud commands. The wrong range change. The quivering voice. The gradual weakening. The complete breakdown. The merry whistle. 3:00— Equitation. The scramble for good mounts. "Now, you man on that black horse, when I give the command right by troopers, gather your horse." Stir- rups off. The bouncing trot. Capt. A. Untermyer 4th Bat. 1st Assistant Capt. A. Dana 4th Bat. 2d Assistant 5:00 — The protracted grooming. 5:30 — The shoe shining. The other uniform. Retreat, 6:00— "Beans." 6:30 — The dash for food. 7:00 — Study. The scramble for seats. The drowsy students. The group at the blackboard. 9:00 — "The Greasy Spoon." Going to bed. The post mor- tems. The low comedy. 9:45— Lights out. The coughing chorus. The final snort. 10:00— Peace. Ath Battery, F. A. John W. Grout, 2d Lt., O.R.C.; Leon .\ b b e 1 1 , Jr., Benjamin T- Abrams, Howard R. A 1 d r i d g e , Edmund H. Alexander, Lindsay C. Amos, John T. Anderson, Tristan Antell, Harold E. Anthony, Ralph M. Arkush, Walter J. Barcus, Earle C. BaiHe, Harold S. Bareford, Albert K. Barnes, George H. Beardslee, Russell U. Bell, Lee H. Berliner, IMortimer B. Bernstein, Edward Blaker, Thomas G. Brennan, Henry P. Bristol, Richard T. Bright, Richmond L. Brown, Samuel R. Brown, Stanley D. Bronm, C. F. Busch, Richard B. Catton, Arthur P. Colhgan, Thomas W. Constable, Robert E. Coulson, Richard J. CuUinan, Thomas H. Dugan, Jr., George M. Ferguson, William H. Friend, Arnold S. Furst, Alfred C. Gallagher, Edward W. Gamier, Harry Gertz, Carleton B. Gibson, Jr., Arthur B. Gilkes, H. Gilligan, E. T. Gregory, Hartwell L. Hall, Ralph E. Hemstreet, Isham Hen- derson, Wallgrem Hendric, Harold P. Hennessy, Earle F. Henry, Lawrence R. Hills, Richard S. Jannopoule, Vitold .4. Jasionowski, Henry P. Kirkham, George W. Krick, John J. Kuhn, George S. Laing, i^rthur B. Lawrence, Albert M. Levert, PhiUp W. Livermore, George de Forest Lord, James E. Lunny, Frank J. McConnel, C. P. McMor- row, William F. McJIorrow, Cedric h. Major, Norman J. jMarsh, Jr., L. K. IN'Iarshall, Robert T. Maxwell, Thomas M. Miley, Kirk Moore, Charles J. Moore, Alwin S. Morgenroth, Cornelius O'Connor, George F. O'Connor, Paul G. Pennoyer, John T. Philips, Norman W. Pinney, Samuel G. Rea, Robert J. Reichert, Frank T. Richard, Lloyd Rich- ards, John B. Ridley, Arthur A. Robinson, Thomas L. Ryan, Law- rence L. Shenfield, Carl E. Siebecker, John I. Sowdon, William Spoerle, Walter M. Sternberger, Thomas N. St. Hill, Levi S. Stock- well, George E. Strehan, Theron R. Strong, Henry B. Sullivan, Charles J. Speicher, Frank J. Tappen, Ralph W. Thomas, Henry K. Tootle, Wilham B. Tuerck, George L. Trumbull, Frederick Vieweg, Jr. Frederick W^ Wahlers, Ernest Walbridge, Frank A\'aldo, Joseph B. Wardwell, Paul M. Weidmann, Samuel A. Welldon, John N. Wheeler, Newell B. Whitcomb, E. R. Whittingham, Harrv J. Wieler, William P. Willis, Charles S. Young, W'illiam Zelenko. 135 THE PLATTSBURGER THE CHEERFUL FIFTH BATTERY Even an Overnight Hike on Misfit Horses in Mud and Rain Held No Terrors for Them Instructors: Captain Kenneth P. Lord, 19th Cavalry, U. S. A. Captain Alexander Gordon, 306th F. A. 0. R. C. Captain Allen M. Piatt, 306th F. A. 0. R. C. Permanent Organization: First Sergeant, H. W. Boyce. Supply Sergeant, R. McC. Marsh. Duty Sergeant, M. Gordon. Chiefs of Section: First, H. H. Nute Second, F. M. Stanton Third, A. M. White Fourth, W. M. Evarts Fifth, W. Fleming Sixth, T. Sizer Seventh, J. C. Hemin- "way Eighth, R. Sealy \<-^ Capt. K. P. Lord 5th Bat. In'ilructor 7 HE old 5th Battery is ready for action, and it's a good time, as Holton advises, to "Talk it over." Let's begin with the disembarkation in the cold, gray drawn, and that first mess where we made the acquaintance of scrambled egg powder, and learned to take a little milk without water. It was then we real- ized "You're in the army now — you'll never get rich, you're in the army now." For a few days life was just one writing your life his- tory after another. Ackcrman is reported to have re- ported his previous mihtary experience as leader of the Camp Fire Girls. Then they sprang the election of the branch of the service on us and it was a problem whether head work or foot work was most to be avoided. We gave head work the benefit of the doubt, and from the day we turned in our rifles we have realized that the boys who chose the doughboy's lot were out of luck. On the morning that we wandered homeless with bar- rack bags on our shoulders in search of a resting place and finally reported to Captain Piatt, the 5th Battery came into being. And from that morning the 5th Bat- tery has worked with and for its officers. It may be contrary to army regulations to make personal comments, but we'll risk our chances of a commission to say that we've enjoyed working under Captain Lord, Captain Gordon and Captain Piatt, that we appreciate their constant labor in our behalf, and that we are confident that no organization in this or any other training camp has had more able instruction or more inspiring lead- ership. Our justly celebrated spare moments were for some time employed in fruitless visits to the Q. M. trying to get equipment to fit or match. Even though we learned that a No. 2 legging may cuddle a more capacious calf than a No. 4, some came through with uniforms that even Fowler could be proud of. Our work as artillerymen really began when we went into instruction in materiel and many made first acquain- tance with a three-inch gun at closer range than a mili- tary funeral. But we've learned. Though we may not understand the action of the firing pin, we can all ex- plain it; and when a question of location of a part arises, we have Gordon's Rule, applied in the classic instance of the draft-spring: "In case of doubt, put it in the recoil cylinder." Equitation brought physical torture for some, where the conformity of the man did not permit conformity to the horse. When it came to riding without stirrups, we had the distinction of evolving a new movement which will doubtless be added to the P. D. R. in the 1917 cor- rections. The command of preparation is, "Assist Lam- berton to Mount," and as performed by the Seventh Section Driver Squad, by the numbers, it is a precise and effective movement. Road-sketching has held no terrors for us since we learned that contouring is as simple as peeling potatoes, 136 ■ THE P L AT TS BURGER and after reading carefully Colonel Hammond's instruc- tions, we can draw a road map from "Fork of Peru Road, South of Orchard, to Entrenched Ridge" without even going over the ground. But map-reading is another thing again, and though we know the Biglerville map from Granite Rock Station to Guernsey, and from Goldenville to Heidlersburg, we cherish a secret ambition when the war is over to visit that w. k. terrain, climb the summit of Hill 701, and discover whether Hill 5G6 really is visible. Sub-calibre and smoke bomb practice are the real bright spots in the schedule. Even the Acting B. C. enjoys a restful afternoon after he's been killed. We needn't mention our close-order drill, except to say that when Sergeant Boyce commands, "At ease" we "preserve im- mobility but not silence" with complete uniformity. As Christea says, "That's me." Just as we are beginning to think we'd tried all the new sensations and were becoming a bit bored with inocu- lations, examinations, inspections, and the eight-ring circus, the hike came along. Gone from our theology is the fire and brimstone Hell. Henceforth our conception of our probable future will include a sea of mud, a driving rain, a cutting wind, and a picket line of shivering, biting, kicking horses, protesting against being harnessed. "All of which we saw, and part of which we were," as General C. J. Caesar almost said. But we finally got started, and, after arriving at camp, nursing the horses and stow- ing away an army bean, solved our problem by bringing on the limbers in line of skir- mishers, and survived to gather round the kerosene campfire and, through the deluge, sing "How Dry I Am." As to shelter tents, possibly Calla- han had the right idea, "Put one-half on the ground and the other half over you." Having the corporals of the guard page their details from tent to tent "every hour on the hour" was successful in attaining the ideal of letting nobody get any sleep. Notwith- standing all of which, the 5th Battery enjoyed the hike and came back with more pep and more unity than it ever had before, also more mud. 4 J Capt. A. Gordon Sth Bat. \st Assistant Capt. A. M. Piatt 5th Bat. 2d Assistant Then pay-day, begun with rosy anticipations of pros- perity as we approached the Orderly Room door, and chastened with prospects of renewed poverty after run- ning the gauntlet of collectors for laundry, books, theatre, pictures, and all the other lux- uries we'd enjoyed on tick. So the camp passed, busily and quickly, every day filled to the limit with work, new experiences, expectations, dis- appointments and, in the few chinks in the schedule, good feUowship. If the Sth Bat- tery had any distinguishing characteristic, it was good na- ture and the complete absence of the chronic grouch. "Data checked. Correct. All bubbles level." 5th Battery, F. A. C. H. Adams, Lt., O.R.C. ; Harmon Ackerman, John Hart Allen, Jr., John P. AUen, C. C. Arthur, Lee Wheeler Baldwin, Harry C. Bates, Herbert Belts, John Bister, Jr., Max Bhtzer, Alexander Blum, William Robert Blum, Almon N. Bowes, Henry W. Boyce, Reuben Briney Charles H. Brophy, Joseph V. Callahan, Walter M. Carlebach, Gordon Case, H. B. Charos, Raymond Chauncey, J. Christea, Mortimer Cobb, Nathaniel R. Coleman, Norman W. Cook, Donald F. Crane, H. C. Dayton, L. J. Dibble, James J. Dooling, Howard E. Duryea, Howard Eisenbach, S. D. Eldredge, Walter E. Ernst, W. M. Evarts, A. M. FiUot, Solomon P. Finklestein, Wallace Fleming, Henry N. Flynt, Robert L. Fowler, Oswald Fowler, William F. Fowler, t. A. Fritchey, Jr., M. Gordon, Simon H. Graubard, Donald S. Gray, A. E. Green, T. F. Harkins, James C. Heminway, Howard J. Herbert, F. C. Holbrook, WUbur K. Holmes, Herbert M. Holton, James W. Hughes, John A. IngersoU, Charles R. Jackson, Horace H. Johnson, Robert E. Jones, Lanfare B. Jordon, Walter M. Keenan, John V. Lamberton, James C. Lewis, Jr., Henry Logan, W. J. Logan, John W. Love, Leonard L. Lyons, Leonhard A. Mannhardt, Robert lUcC. Marsh, Robert P. Marshall, Chas. E. Martell, Frank W. McCarthy, Patrick J. McNichoU, William S. Mitchell, Lewis S. Morris, Ra>-mond Morris, I. F. Jlorrison, Harold H. Nute, Carleton H. Palmer, Harry 0. Parsons, Edwin 0. Perrin, Weyland Pfeiffer, Rollin G. Plumb, Francis L. Plummer, Chester A. Posey, Jos. G. Quinn, John W. Ramsey, Richard Remsen, Stephen B. Robinson, Edward F. Roch- ester, John Rutherford, John H. Schafer, Ahrand 0. Schierenbeck, R. Sealy, Raynor L. Shipman, T. Sizer, Harold A. Smith, Royal D. Smith, Roger P. Smith, Waldo Smith, Francis M. Stanton, Carl G. Stearns, E. A. Sterhng, Mark P. Sullivan, WiUis D. Sutton, Robert 1. Stout, Edward C. SuUivan, Harry C. Tenny, Gilbert H. Thirkield, Dallas S. Townsend, William E. Vogelback, JuUus T. \'on Eltz, Carl J. Von Kokeritz, Wm. B. WaUace, Wm. O. Walsh, Allen M. White, Robert A. White, Victor G. White, Edgar Williams, Gerald W. Worden. 137 THE PLATTSBURGER THE SNAPPY SIXTH BATTERY Thcv Done Their Durndcst— Angels Couldn't Do No More! Z^Y the time these simple chronicles flash forth from .JLv the printed page to meet the eye of an anxious public the 6th Battery ought to be "swinging through Berlin in double section Une." That is, it ought, if prophecies heralded liy a battery song frequently chanted by the troops run true to form. However, certain contingencies stand in the way to retard this journey. Wherefore are set forth here a few facts covering what has already been done by that celebrated organization, as a prologue, so to speak, of what history may have to record when that eventful pilgrim- age comes olf. Accept it from the personnel of the organization, Battery Six was a top-notch organization. On the first regimental parade, didn't it pass in review before Colonel Wolf and his staff in line straight as an arrow? It did. A member of the command on the hospital hst stole a peep to see the proced- ure, and reports the fact himself. Here let a word be said of the officers. Captain Trumbull (Harvard T2) was form- erly connected with the securities depart- ment of Stone- Webster. For two years he was connected with headquarters company of the First Massachusetts Field Artillery, and saw service with his command on the Mexican border. He was attached to the first Plattsburg camp as second heutenant and was rewarded w'ith a captaincy for his efficient work in that camp. Lieutenant Bateson (Yale '09) was a commission broker in civil life. He was formerly connected with Squadron A of New York, and took the first training course at Platts- burg, where he gained a first lieutenancy. Second Lieutenant Clinton Hayward is old in the ser- vice. Since 1904 he has served Uncle Sam in the artillery. On June 30th he was discharged to accept a temporary second lieutenancy, and was detailed for service as in- structor in the second camp. Appreciating fully the all-imj)ortant consideration of disciphne in training soldiers and officers, Captain Trum- bull began early a policy of driving the matter home to the organization. A well disci]3lined soldier may not be a good / ■> Capt. J. C 6th Bat soldier, but a poorly disciphned soldier will most surely be a poor soldier was his theory. And whatever of credit and glory may come to men of Battery Six in the big fight will surely be due in no small part to the rigid discipline he at all times maintained over his men. Jack didn't become a dull boy from all work in Battery Six, however. The days that were spent in the camp were not without their humorous features, and numerous were they who contributed to the merriment, voluntarily and otherwise. Consider the case of Candidate G. Blaine Darrah. Candidate Darrah achieved the distinction of losing a battle, though no more prominent a figure in the maneuvers than a wheel on a reel cart. It is of course pertinent that he was at a particular time quickly transformed into a courier, deliver- ing a message that "dutched" the plans. Candidate George Gaines established a reputation as the first man in the battery to successfully "bracket a saddle." During jumping exercise at equitation he accom- plished this difficult feat by obtaining one ,* sensing "low short," and another "graze over." No ill eft'ects were reported in the horse. Trumbull hnlriicior Thoughtful consideration on part of Can- didate Henry Bland for the feelings of Cap- tain Dana at a buzzer lecture saved the captain from more or less embarrassment. After the cap- tain had explained the instrument to a squad which in- cluded Candidate Bland, he asked whether any present could trace the circuits. Candidate Bland was spotted for the job, and repHed, "Yes sir, I can, but I don't think you would understand it." Candidate Bland is an expert in this line, it may be added in toning down the offense. Candidate Carroll Hayes devised the most unique and at the same time effective manner of getting "next to" Major Hadley at smoke bomb practice. In his anxiety to report promptly and properly as battery commander, he pulled up abruptly at the feet of the major in the exact position of a lizard at rest, after tripping over a snag and doing a header of some ten feet along the ground. We won't take the responsibility of saying which was the more surprised, the Major or the candidate. 138 THE PLATTSBURGER Here are a few more bids for distinction by the boys. Candidate Shons, in charge of a section, held his men at attention for five minutes, until it occurred to him to give them "Rest" in order that they might join in singing a battery song which he had written. Candidate Cammack showed at inspection one Saturday with a slight trace of egg plas- tered on his mouth. Asked b}' Lieutenant Hayward whether he had had eggs for break- fast, he replied, "No sir, on Thursday." Talking of hijipology and facts pertaining to the horse, the statement by Captain Waterman that a horse grazes twenty-two of twenty-four hours, when running loose, provoked the statement by his section that Candidate Falk has a horse beaten. Falk didn't even lose that remaining two hours. Candidates Beach, Ward and Fixman dodged equitation work one afternoon by putting in the entire time trying to mount their horses after stirrups had been discarded. Candidate Henry Brainerd admits that when he first arrived and fell in with the battery he reached for his hat, when the command "Cover Off" was given. Candidate Dunnington claimed that the battery was very ]30or at keeping cadence at marching. Hardly ever could or would it keep step with him. Candidate Bud Fisher achieved a reputation as a pistol shot. He claimed to have been the best shot in the Mex- ican Army at one time. More of that Mex. discount here. Candidate John Hunt was known as the only man in the battery who sang in his sleep. Candidate Prime enacted a little stunt of holding the pass at Thermopylae all his own, by blocking the exit of the entire barracks with his ever-present cigar. Candidate W. J. Buckley was the cham- pion snorer, winning by a faint wheeze over Candidate Cormack. Candidate Cholmeley- Jones held the record for skinning out of his clothes quickest at taps, and Candidate Kilbreth led all at speed in dressing. The sleep-talking detail was an enormous one. There were Addinsell, Telford, Buell, Leonard, Igoe, Stiles, Cater, Strecker, Farley, Fowler, French, and as many more again. Candidate Harold Sleeper was the champion wielder of Lieut. E. F. Bateson 6th Bat. 1st Assistant the broom. In fact. Candidate Hewlett insisted that there was an error in the spelling of his name. Candidate Cist was the original explainer and clarifier of puzzling problems. Candidate Gerlach and Wilkins were the only titled members, known as "The Duke" and "The Baron," respect- ively. Candidates D. Milburn and Henry Osborn were horsemen extraordinary. The list might be stretched on and on, but space is limited. Suffice to say that all told Battery Six was a pretty fair outfit. Per- haps the epitaph inscribed on the modest headboard of a dead cowpuncher by his lone companion best describes their lot. As the story goes that epitaph ran like this: "Here lies Jim. He done his durndest. Angels could do no more." Battery Six did all of that. Qth Battens F. A. Lieut. Clinton Hayward 6 Bat. Id Asshtani C. Hayes, 2dLt. F.A., O.R.C.; Harry M. Addinsell, Carl A. Anderson, Charles L. Anderson, Robert H. Baldwin, Augustus F. Beach, George C. Benze, Henry Bland, Everard H. Boeckh, Walter E. Brainard, Henry L. Brainerd, Raymond W. Bristol, Innis Brown, Charles A. Buckley, William J. Buckley, Maurice L. Buell, Herbert 0. Burden, Addison Cammack, Garritt S. Cannon, Walter E. Caten, WiUiam H. Cater, N. Cholmeley- Jones, William B. Cist, Jacob Cohen, Joseph M. Cormack, J. L. Crosthwaite, Jr., Charles E. Danforth, Jr., Nicholas Danforth, Gillespie B. Darrah, Harold B. Davidson, Marion G. Donk, Augustus C. Downing, Joseph W. Drake, W. G. Dunnington, Jr., C. W. Fairchild, Franklin C. Fairchild, Herman L. Falk, Francis "B. Farley, Bud Fisher, Edmund J. Fixman, Dudley F. Fowler, Cedric C. French, George Gaines, Joseph C. Gefvert, Acton Gerlach, Royal L. Gervais, Fisher Goodhue, Charles L. Hanscom, John E. Heintz, Edwin H. Heminway, Frederick C. Hewlett, Leverett F. Hooper, Elwood Horton, Langdon W. Howard, Kingsley E. Humbert, Jonathan Hunt, Ervin H. Igoe, Frank C. Jones, Rowland Jones, John G. Kilbreth, Edward E. Kirby, George F. Kurzman, Lewis S. Latimer, Word Leigh, Chester F. Leonard, Robert Loder, Roy H. Magwood, William C. jMayer, William J. iSIcKeown, S. Clifford Merrill, Devereux Milburn, Charles B. Moore, Hastings S. Morse, Benjamin F. F. Needham, Henry F. Osborn, Roswell C. Otheman, John D. Peabody, E. S. J. Phinips, Jr., William A. Prime, Edmund D. Purcell, M. G. Reynolds. Jr., Wells L. Riley, James H. Ripley, W. S. Rodgers, Jr., George F. Roesch, Daniel Safford, Otto Schulein, Nahum E. Shoobs, Charles H. Shons, Harold R. Sleeper, T. C. Slosson, Howard J. Smith, Gustavus N. Snow, Harold E. Snow, Harold S. Stiles, Arthur T. Strecker, Edward E. SuUivan, Harold G. Telford, John M. Thomp- son, Joseph H. Thompson, Frederick C. Thomson, Francis G. Walthew, Egbert H. P. Ward, Charles C. Whaley, John R. Whelan, Gilbert H. Wilkins, Jr., Clinton R.WiUiams, Sydney K. Wolfscjn, Frank Worsnopp, James W'. Yates. 139 THE PLATTS BURGER ,.^.»-^ .'*'"* > i 7 c S'^ ? J? - p: iu < g MO o I — I Pi o u t/5 CO U Z 1/3 B5 w c -a tL, j^<^^^«c3c3"^"«OQ«h|'fe6 sP^WfeO .« 'h ^ffiW ■KQ IS! 1-1 c«- a .; 2 P c S_o g c^ GO H ^ ft: : 5, ■■> -w-««|Ec3§og|ffi^S^-tg CJ u ffi (2 d n w 1-^,;^ > K J p d 1-^.W hAd -a "'aj o rt c! JD c3 rt bCi : ~ . ,"7, «-• QJ . — "O ,J~! C- , , 1-H |EmEOcScSOc5^^|.3 ;3 ^Op^l :z ^ ^ ^ 5 o H 3 Z .2 ,^ I S=- s H o -A I oO o'_ ■ a 3 b P3 ^ . =3^22 ^= >, ::-r. P c t; b 5 OJ ; '1' 5 R ,i:>^ wW • r/J . . " I— 1 CJ CO h-^M fsi K < (4 W p: A?: O fe <■ [i4o: THE PLATTSBURGER THE STAFF "THE PLATTSBURGER" Editorial Staff Stuart Benson, Editor-in-Ch ief A. F. Beach, Asst. Editor John Wheeler, Managing Editor T. Frank Joyce, Nezvs Editor Publishing Committee R. E. Hallock, Chairman Jay Madden C. B. Meredith Executive Committee Major J. A. Baer, Chairman Capt. W. P. Foss, Jr., Pres. y Treas. Capt. J. O. Adler, Vice-Pres. J. J. Fitzgerald, Secretary Stuart Benson R. E. Hallock J. Wheeler Advertising Committee J. J. Fitzgerald, Chairman I. V. Priddy N. Cholmeley-Jones L. B. Meads Circulation Committee E. P. Gosling, Chairman^ J. F. Delaney C. E. Weed [14i; THE PLATTSBURGER AUTOGRAPHS 142 THE PLATTSBURGER Attention! The American business men whose announcements appear in the following- pages are doing a share to help make" The Plattsburger" a success and to give the American Hero Fund a good start. The Executive Committee of "The Platts- burger" therefore hopes that the members of the Camp will show their appreciation of the effort made in our behalf. Only the best firms were invited to advertise, and you can be sure of only the best from them. Plattsburgers will find these pages a guide in purchasing equipment required for officers. "The Plattsburger" Extends Thanks to the Official Photographers of This Book. For Group Photographs Thompson Illustragraph Co., Poughkeepsie, N. Y. For Portraits White Studio, New York City. [143 THE PLATTSBURGER AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY ARMY. It is important that men ordered on service overseas arrange matters so that not only their securities receive proper attention during their absence, but also that while abroad they may have convenient banking facilities. THE NATIONAL SHAWMUT BANK OF BOSTON will take charge of the financial affairs of such men, both at home and abroad. The Safe Keeping Department will hold securities, collect all coupons and dividends, and receive all other sources of income, without charge. These funds, either in whole or in part, will be placed on deposit to the credit of each customer with one of our correspondents in Paris. Arrangements have been made there, so that such depositors may cash their checks in any banking town in France. The National Shawmut Bank has a working capital ex- ceeding $18,700,000 and total assets of $170,000,000. THE NATIONAL SHAWMUT BANK, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 144 THE PLATTSBURGER YOUR SON IS ANXIOUS TO DO HIS BIT! July August Age Limit 14 to 20 TS it not better to let him render Patriotic Service under -^ capable and efficient officers than to devote his time to some form of activity, well meant, but poorly con- ceived and inefficiently directed? The Junior Plattsburg Camp LAKE CHAMPLAIN COMMENDED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT Conducted by U. S. Army Officers, aided by a corps of West Point Cadets trains young men during the first encampment so they may train others in the fundamentals of military service. Certificates of credit for work done, will be given by the Com- mandant. No Agents or Solicitors, only the Executive Staff can receive and pass upon Applications. For Terms Inquire THE JUNIOR PLATTSBURG, Inc. PLATTSBURG, N. Y. [145] THE PLATTSBURGER ESTABLISHED 1618 ftmtlemen's yurtiisl|ing ptjo^s, MADISON AVENUE COR. FORTY-FOURTH STREET NEW YORK Telephone Murray Hill SSoo Uniforms for Newly Commissioned Officers of the same grades of material and tailored in the same careful way as those made to individual measure in our Custom Department are Now in Stock Ready-made awaiting a Try-on Regulation Overcoats and Trench Coats Leather Leggings and Fox's Spirial Puttees, Campaign Hats Olive Drab Wool Shirts, Special Marching Shoes JXIilitary Trunks, Travelling Kits and Personal Equipment of every kind for Officers in Campi or in the Field Civilian Clothing for Men and Boys Send for Illustrated Catalogue or for Check List of Useful Articles for Officers in the Service of the United Stales BOSTON SALES OFFICE NEWPORT SALES OFFICE ..4-/-: ■' '!%-;i?Sh3',.*''*i3 Themont cor Boylston Street 220 Beluevue Avenue BROOKS BROTHERS' New Building, convenient to Grand Central, Subway, and to man}- of the leading Hotels and Clubs American Military and Naval Text Books Officers' Reserve Corps — Army and Nav}'. Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery Drill Regulations. Tactics. Strategy. Topography. Aeronautics. Submarines. Alotor Boats. Flags and Maps. ENGLISH-FRENCH TEXT BOOKS AND DICTIONARIES BRENTANO'S VADE-MECUM: French Military Terms for the use of Oll'icers and Interpreters and others going abroad. The most complete Handbook of Military Expressions in English, with their French Equivalents. Price, 7.5 cents net; postage e.xtra. also all other Language Instruction Books of all pub- lishers. (Send for Special Catalogue.) p-RENCH MIUTARY INSTRUCTION BOOKS Official Instructions for the various Branches of the French Army. BRENTANO'S 37, Avenue de I'Opera, Paris the only American Booksellers on the Continent — where can be secured American Magazines, Newspapers, Books, etc., etc. BRENTANO'S Booksellers to the World FIFTH AVENUE AND 27TH STREET NEW YORK r~ CRANE CgL CO. MAHERS or BanK Note, Bond and Parchment Papers DALTON MASS. U. S. A. V. [ 146 : THE PLATTS BURGER II i II! UJ Fold III (I photorjruiiii r,i^( . mornri-o h allii.r. i^iJIc h II nig, Iraiisjiarcvt vclluluul proleclion, for from 1 to 4 picture-, (i (I— =E=E 147 THE PLATTSBURGER ALEXANDER Leather Belting Sole Leather and Specialties ALEXANDER BROTHERS PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK CHICAGO ATLANTA 148 THE PLATTSBURGER Men! Thank lO-rib knitting! Now comes greater warmth! Now comes Mayo Underwear knit with 10-ribs to the inch instead of 8. Wear Mayo and for the cozy comfort of that warmer, closer weave — Tliank 10-ril> knitting! Yes, men! Mayo is more elastic, too. For naturally 10-ribs to the inch instead of 8 means a more clastic fabric. Wear Mayo Underwear and for that easy stretch and "give" — Thank 10- rib knillin^! Does 10-rib knitting mean greater dura- bility? Friends, it does. Prove it. Buy Mayo. Count the washdays. Then, for the greater value of Mayo Underwear — for true economy — thank 10-rib knitting. WINTER UNDERWEAR ^°5 ToTs The only medium-priced underwear "that's actually knit in the dollar way" Men's Winter Shirts and Drawers Men's Winter Union Suits Boys' Winter Union Suits Any progressive dealer either has or can quickly get for you this 10-rib Mayo Underwear. 149 ■ THE PLATTSBURGER Cf' or every Soldier an d Sail or A compact kit of things every one of them needs. It contains: — Shaving Stick — Colgate's for a quick, clean shave. Mighty convenient. Ribbon Dental Cream — delicious, handier than tooth powder, anti- septic and economical. Coleo Soap — entirely of \-egetable oils — lathers in hard or cold water — helps keep the hands soft. Talc — soothing after shaving — relief to tired feet. Should be used dailv. COLGBTEl'S COMFORT KIT Hand}' — fits in any- where — made of water-proof O. D. khaki. AH you'll need and no more. Refill it any- where. Col- gate's comfort articles are so 1 d every- where. Colgate & Cn. Established 1X06 New York llMJt£xf3'/l0iMCfl! %: If you are going, get this inexpensive guide. If your "pal" is going, if your son, your brotliL-r, or anyone near and dear to you, is ofT for the BIG ADVEN- TURE in France — give him this, tlie lirst thing he will need when he puts his foot on French soil. It is small in price, but it is the greatest of modem American quick- reference books on French. N'o matter how httle one knows of French, it will show him how to talk to his new comrades in the every-day language of war-time France. the soldier's Service Dictionary 10,000 English, French and Belgian Military and Conver- sational Words and Phrases Edited by FRANK H. VIZETELLY, Litt.D., LL.D. MaiKiK'ii.g li.luor i.f l-in,k X Way ii, ills .N'eiv Slaijd.ir,! Inclionary Why and How It Will Help This handy-sized, khaki-bound book is arranged in one alphabetical order — ready always for use on the spot. It shows how to say in French what you know how to express in English. Familiar phrases are given under their principal words. It explains how to pronounce French woids, by the simplest system yet devised. Every Branch of the Service will find words peculiar to its work and personnel (and the way to say them in French) included in this guide-book. .\ll words of command are shown in English and French. In the same way it presents the technical terms and others used by the Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Engineers. Signal Corps, Telegraph, Telephone, Wireless, Army Transport Branch, Ammunition Sendee, Medical Staff, Ambulance Corps, Nursing Ser^dce, the Navy, and the Aviation Corps. It explains many new and useful terms peculiar to the soldier's vernacular. - It was projected especially for Officers and Soldiers of the American Army, who must grasp the rudiments nf French conversation in a \"er>' limited time. Bound in Weather-Proof Khaki Clolh. Price $1.00 net; with Quick-Reference Thumb-Notch Index, $1.25. Postage 4c extra FRENCH-ENGLISH POCKET DICTIONARY Contains 28,000 words — the French translations of over 14,000 English words, and the English meaning of that many French words. Contains also tables of weights and measures, menu terms, money values in French, English, and American currency; and a wealth of other information needed by the American in France. Already in the hands of thousanrls of Canadian, Australian, and British soldiers. IJ.'jndy pncket size for rayjirl reference ur b,in(ly study. Bound in cloth, 60 cents; by mail, 64 cents. Bound in rich red, full flexible leather, $1.00 postpaid. With Double Th umb-Notch Index, 35 cents extra. (Jlasseirs New French Dictionary French-English and English-French A Large Volume Edited by James Boielle, B. A. Newly revised by de V. Payen-Payne, Assistant Examiner in French in the University of London. Containing, in addition to the regular French-English and English-French vocabulary, a special article on French Pronunciation; a list of French Nouns of Double Gender; a table of Irregular and Defective Verbs, and their Conjugations; a special Vocabulary of Proper Names; separate \'ocabulary of Geographical Names, etc. "The best French and English Dictionary of an ordinarj' size in existence." — Critical Review, Paris. Octnvo, Cloth, 1,230 pages, $1.50 net; by mail, $1.66 . With double, patent thumb-notch index, 50c. extra. Bound in Full flexible Leather, Indexed, $$ postpaid. At All Bookstores* or FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY, 351-360 Fourth Ave., New York 150 THE PLATTSBURGER i >-, '<-w. '"""^ii '^^^ ePARY .*--"^^' s^ What Sweetmeat for Soldiers? Does a soldier eat sweets ? Try him. Try him again if you have any Hngering doubts. He won't mind. But what he really wants is a confection that is worth while. Something that satisfies his desire for sweets and yet does not make him less fit for his hikes and drills and bayonet charges. Dromedary Dates FROM THE GARDEN OF EDEN The best sweet since Adam's day; a fruit that should figure largely in any diet; a food that registers more calories to the pound than steak or eggs or milk. Try Dromedary Dates and see what they will do to your candy habit. They come in dust-proof packages, clean, wholesome. Eat as many as you like without ill effect. The HILLS BROTHERS Company Dept. 45. 375 Washington Street NEW YORK THE PLATTSBURGER Make the CHRISTMAS GIFT this Year A Constant and Permanent Remembrance PREPAREDNESS — You who have been under three months of intensive training, preparing for the future, realize the full meaning of this word. Our Twenty-second Annual "Delightfully Different" Free Catalog is brimful of all that is new, delightfully different and up-to-date. In Diamonds of perfect quality. Watches that are dainty and reliable, .Jewelry of charming and original designs — made in our own factory — and Silverware of distinc- tion, we will quickly demonstrate to you that our forty-five years of preparedness have placed S. KIXD & SON'S in a position to offer you wonderful ralue, per- fecf service and merchandise of the highest quality WORTH-WHILE GIFTS Before your departure to fight for democracy', send Mother, Father, Wife, Sweetheart, Sister or Brother a Christmas Gift that they w ill always cherish, and \\'hich will be a constant and permanent reminder of your love and affection. DAINTY PACKAGE SENT FREE Our individual ser%'ice is a revelation to our customers. Beautiful bo.\es and cases, dainty gift cards, free engra\'- ing, articles exchanged, money refunded, safe deli^'er\' guaranteed, orders immediately acknowledged, are only a part of our perfect ser\'ice. When you send your order for any of the articles illustrated, or from our catalog, our entire organization will cheerfully act as your representative in regard to your gift. \ M THE XMAS GIFT « ^,.,.„,« FOR MOTHER, FATHER, WIFE, SWEETHEART, siSTER AISD BROIHER / FOR MOTHER E54 14K; $22.00 What could' be more convenient and useful for mother than this 14K gold lorgnette, with its delicate openwork handle"? FOR SISTER E52 Hit, %MM What plca.sure sister would receive in, wearuig this delicate openwork. )4K gold and platmujn brooch, with the dtuntj genuine blue sapphire center FOR mm SWEmUBAKt on SISTER FOR SrSTER OR FRIEN1> E51 I4K.,$t2.5« DiCrfCtJ n>r>uDiifi#? with ft FOH WiFiB -j^«\ genuinepiQktourmaUne ^^S^Ji'ffil^S'^ An anostially dainty and unique platinum and t4-K pierce*} orlacework motJBtin* vnili 13 exceptionatly brU liant genuine ill.s. cards, mem-^ oranda, etc. FOR THE \iiJ HEART B53 $19.00 Tlii* dainty pearl and saj)- phire lavolliere ■with a genuine pearls and 2 blue sapphires, mounted in the new pierced, 14K green gold mounting,' 15- inch chain. n 14K, $.^5.0« Also tor sweetheart or sister. What could be more oseiul or be a more cOTsUfit reminder of your affection than the dainty ™drel?able octagonal 14K gold bracelet watch, with a guaran- teed 1^ jewel liver movement, gold dial, black silk ribbon bracelet, with gold snap, and a handsome monogram engraved on the back, which we do free? S. KIND & SONS DIAMOND MERCHANTS • JEWELERS • SILVERSMITHS 1115 CHESTNUT STREET. PHILADELPHIA Sj^mTOmji^njm^^^ -WW^ - -tim>>W- ■ **jm>%i;**- • •*^>' * V*^ ■^W '^ mi*^ "^'Sili^^ ^ i^ ^^wvlul^^*!!^^ ■ riA,^'^ -<">•, fiiV- . .iii^innr^ . ^fm) , 4uth^ — .rfnfr ^ jTth .- - «rtiTi>^irri . — rffirft f finrrr. .irfnyiiW -^fiTi>^ Jn^^fifh^ ^.rt?ffyriTh.. ^..iftyflw ^^iiTylVs^ -ff^Vf^/h,^ ..,rm^^tlft^ _ 152 THE PLATTSBURGER "What! My Car?'' **Yes! skidded — and it's up to you. You failed to provide the chauffeur with Tire Chains. Only good luck saved your wife from paying the supreme penalty for your negli- gence. She's on the way to the hospital, painfully injured, but the doctor thinks she'll pull through. You'd better hurry to the hospital and then report to Headquarters" How strange it is that disaster must come to some men before they realize that all makes and types of tires will skid on wet pavements and muddy roads when not equipped with Chains. These men do not appreciate, until too late, that by failing to provide Weed Anti-Skid Chains Weed Chams are Sold for All they expose their families to injury and death. The time to provide against acci- dents is before they happen. Don't wait until after the first skid. Put Weed Chains on all four tires at the first indication of slippery go- ing and you will have quadruple protection against injury, death, car damage and law suits. Tires by Dealers Everywhere AMERICAN CHAMCO/fNc^ CONN In Canada- Sote Manufacturers of Weed Anti-Skid Chains -DOMINION CHAIN CO.T Ltd., Niafirara Falls, Ontario 153] THE PLATTSBURGER METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY INCORPORATED BY THE STATE OF NEW YORK Stands for the Protection of the Home and Business Nearly 17,000,000 Policies in Force The Company is purely mutual, you get your insurance at a very low cost Send for Plans and Rates HOME OFFICE: 1 MADISON AVENUE - NEW YORK CITY" V. 154 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R ?:f?iff^?!!?^?*-^'^^^^^^^^^^^''-'**^^'^^'^^^ .jllilLJi. IN all the field of modern mechanism you can find no more perfectly balanced instrument of service than a RIKER Worm Drive Truck ENGINEERED AND BUILT BY THE LOCOMOBILE COMPANY OF AMERICA It is not only able to supply a type of constant efficiency hitherto unknown to American business houses. It is the most completely accessible truck ever builded, and its upkeep-cost is less than that of other trucks whose first cost is practically the same. m r/je LOCOMOBILE COMPANY o/ AMERICA Executive Offices and Factory, Bridgeport. Conn. 6Ist STREET, WEST OF BROADWAY, NEW YORK BSS7r®©r®@¥S^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^g MlMMMllllJilili 155 THE PLATTSBURGER FEDERAL TRUST COMPANY BOSTON, MASS. CAPITAL $1,000,000 ASSETS OVER $12,000,000 General Banking Business Savings Department JOSEPH H. O'NEIL, President JAMES W. KENNEY, Vice President EDW. B. LYNCH, Asst. Treasurer JOHN C. HEYER, Vice President ALBION F. BEMIS, Actuary & Secretary SAMUEL A. MERRILL, Treasurer JAMES F. QUINN, Asst. Secretary ESTABLISHED 1857 ANDREW ALEXANDER Sixth Avenue, Corner 19th Street 548 Fifth Avenue at 45th Street NEW YORK Mounted Officers' Field Boot of Tan Calfskin, moulded les^s, lace adjust- ment "^ $30.00 Trench Boots, laced to the top, Brown, oil-fdled Leather $16.00 \ BMY and Navy Officers need no in- -^ troduction to this house. For more than forty years we have supplied regu- lation footwear to the united service. To the thousands of officers now being drawn from civilian life, we offer the same conscientious service and expert knowledge of footwear needs that won and held the confidence of West Point and Annapolis. Riding Boots Service Bluchers Camp Shoes Dress Shoes Leggins Properly fitted; sizes registered and dup- licates sent to any part of the world. Photograph of Officers' Riding Boot. Right and left, tight-fighting mould- ed legs - $24.00 Puttees: Cowhide - $8.50 Cordovan, $16 and $18 [156] THE PLATTSBURGER GOODRICH Rubber Products Serve the Nation's War Need Rubber Boots and Shoes for Soldiers, Sailors and Marines — Tires for Trucks, Ambulances, Motor Transports and Aero- planes — Aeroplane and Balloon Fabric — Water- Bottles — Hospital and Surgical Ap- pliances — Hose for water-cooled Machine Guns — Waterproof Slickers and Ponchos. GOODRICH Stands for everything that's best in rubber. When buying rubber goods insist on GOODRICH The B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, AKRON, OHIO DEALERS EVERYWHERE [157] THE PLATTSBURGER iCIGARS, For those in the Service- We are at Your Service UNITED CIGAR STORE 95 MARGARET STREET {^Corner of Clinton Street) PLATTSBURG 158] THE PLATTSBURGER Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. To Keep You Dry and Dressy Every army officer should have a Raynster. The Raynster Une of storm-coats is made up of smartly tailored garments with positive weather-proof qualities. A [Raynster keeps an officer absolutely dry and at the same time preserves his distinctive appearance. There is nothing clumsy or bulky about Raynsters. They give you the freedom of outdoors and the protection of indoors. They are made neat, trim and durable with the' full knowledge of what will be expected of them. The most determined, driving rain can't make its way through a Raynster. Every seam is sewed and sealed. Ask the nearest dealer to show you Raynsters for army officers. Or write to us for style book. When you buy, look for the Raynster label; it is your guarantee. Look for this label on your coat Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. United States Rubber Company ClotKing Division, Ne-w "VorK and Boston [159; THE PLATTSBURGER niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllln; MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIi; SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Men of Plattsbur^! Gimbel's Have Your I New Uniforms; Ready, I or Made-to-Measure! I We believe the American gentleman Kkes smart I clothes when he goes to war, just as much as when I he stroUs along the avenue. I Having been the first New York store to sense I the soldier's needs, and having served hundreds j of Plattsburgers, as well as officers and men of I other camps, we are ready to put Gimbel resources I at your service. EJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Jl 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 I 1 1 I I I 1 1 I T ^lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll PLATTSBURG DEPARTMENT At No. 8 United States Avenue Plattsburg, N. Y. Just Opposite Camp Prices based on three-store immense purchasing power and just the same at Plattsburg as they are in our New York store. ( UMBEL'S MiUtary Headquarters, Fourth Floor mil uiiiii I I I I I iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiii nil nil iiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiniii iiiiiiu niiiiiiiiiiiii [i6o: THE PLATTSBURGER Don't take dynamite. Take Nujol. It acts gently and surely — makes your habits as Regular as Clockwork for Constipation At every drug store — sold only in bottles bearing Nujol trade- mark — never in bulk. If you can't get it at a drug store, send 75c. and we will ship to soldiers or sailors anywhere. STANDARD OIL COMPANY (New Jersey) Bayonne New Jersey 161 THE PLATTSBURGER n?<: lu The next time you Select Chocolates Choose Samoset and you will be rewarded by the finest, freshest, smoothest, richest chocolates you ever tasted. Samoset Chocolates are from the recipes of master candy makers, and made in immaculate kitcliens from choice nuts, fruits, creams and honeys. You will find them featured by the best shops. CHIEF OF THEM ALL CHOC015>ffE5 iiiij SUNBURST COVERS Were used in the making of this book, thus demon- strating their fitness for just this kind of work. Sample book showing a complete line will be sent to any Army Camp publishing similar books Manujadnred by Hampden Glazed Paper and Card Go. HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS U. S. A. 162] THE P L A T T S B U R G K R "Ask any ,, PlattsLur^ Man It's a pretty fine thing- to receive approval for a product from such men as are in our officers' training camps. "While many other brands of ciga- rettes were smoked, the sales figures furnished by the big "smoke stands" at PJattsburg showed Fatima by far the biggest-selJing cigarette in camp. Yet, Fatima should not be considered exclusively as an officer's cigarette. It is for every man who wants cool, smoking-comfort at all times and full, honest value — not "showy" appearance. If by any chance you have not yet smoked Fatimas — get a package. Prove for yourself how much more smoking- enjoyment you can get from a well- balanced Turkish blend. OJ Sensible Cigarette 163] THE PLATTSBURGER is here shown in its native majesty. In the Green Mountains of Vermont are those matchless hills of perfect granite, and in the heart of the district is Barre. This scene represents but one section of one of the dozen or more productive quarries in the Barre district, yet it shows the splendid proportions of the industry. Thousands of men quarry the product • — other thousands take it as it comes from the hills and shape it for use in the erection of memorials of all kinds and for use in the construction of the finer grade of buildings. This great granite industry at Barre is but a comparatively short distance from Plattsburg, and tourists and other visitors who are privileged to view the beauties of the Green Mountains of Vermont find the Barre district one of the most interesting spots encountered on their travels. Barre Granite is easily obtained, being sold by dealers throughout the United States. This industry has become one of New England's great institutions, the name of the Barre product now being recognized as the standard of granite quality and service. The Barre Quarriers and Manufac- turers Association publishes a beauti- ful illustrated book,"Memorial Master- pieces," showing many splendid examples of Barre Granite treat- ment. This book is \^ >js)c-i'^~ o\^ sent free on request. \ .^kS"^^ BARRE QUARRIERS AND MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION Department E, Barre, Vermont The Granile Center of the World ^ie^ [164] THE PLATTSBURGER EYEREtor DA^LO Running in from an advanced post^ at nighty Longshaw R. Pointt, of the American Ambulance Field Service, with two wounded men in his car, traveled a road that was less than a kilometer distant and in full view of the enemy lines. Suddenly the engine stopped dead. To light a match would have revealed his position, with the result that at any instant a shell might sweep across the road and wipe the car and its two wounded occupants off the map. But he had his DAYLO with him and, using his hand as a shade, was able to throw light all over the engine without attracting enemy shell-fire. In half a minute he located the trouble; in three minutes more was on his way to the hospital — SAFE! And for every need of the night — succoring a wounded comrade, picking your way across ground pitted by shells, or through an intricacy of trench, and for the more common-place uses about camp — Eveready DAYLO is always de- pendable. In dugout or tent it brings a welcome sense of the comfort and convenience of the electric light back home. Eveready DAYLO is the STANDARD portable electric light of the United States Government. It is made in 77 styles — a style for every purpose — at prices from 75 cents up. (85 cents and up in Canada.) Sold by the better electrical, hardware, drug, sporting goods, stationery and jewelry stores everywhere. AMERICAN EVER READY WORKS OF NATIONAL CARBON CO , INC. LONG ISLAND CITY NEW YORK ;o ATLANTA SAN FRANCISCO CANADIAN NATIONAL CARBON CO., Ltd. TORONTO ONTARIO Don't ask y&r a ''^lashlighf^get an Eveready DAYLO 165 THE PLATTSBURGER CI .««""*r>Co 88 SUMMER ST. 30 CONGRESS ST. WASHINGTON ST. BRANCH, 1199 WASHINGTON ST. CAUSEWAY ST. BRANCH, 105 CAUSEWAY ST. SAVINGS ACCOUNTS INTEREST BEGINS THE FIRST DAY OF EACH MONTH GEO. E. KEITH COMPANY CAMPELLO, MASS. Manufacturers of Walk-Over Shoes \\/^HEN you are "somewhere in Fiance" you are cordially invited to visit the Paris Walk-Over Stores at any time, for information or advice of any kind, at the addresses given below. l']nglish and French spoken. Walk-Over Shoes are worn by thousands of American officers and soldiers, and no matter where your country calls you there's a Walk-Over store near at hand. WALK-OVEH SHOE STORES 19-21 Boulevard des Capucines 34 Boulevard des Italiens PAIUS, FRANCE 166 THE PLATTS BURGER JACOB REED'S SONS Manufacturers of UNIFORMS FOR OFFICERS of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps The Oldest Uniform Manufacturing House in the United States Main Office, 1424-1426 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. BRANCHES: 61 1 Fourteenth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 844 Marbridge Building, New York City Garden Pier, Atlantic City, N. J. 82 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, Md. Agencies in all large cities 167 THE PLATTSBURGER Wm. Morris Imbrie & Co, INVESTMENT BANKERS New York Chicago LUfETHli CREHM lubaT be turo+e FOR T71N OR OTHEIR COLORED SHOES Zt AN officer, writing from the western front, said : "Ever since I came here 1 have been struck by the beautiful lustre that staff officers keep on their field boots. The other day I asked one of them how he'managed it, and he replied, 'Lutetian Cream!'" , AT GOOD BOOT SHOPS&DEPT STORES P ] WHERE SUBSTITUTION IS PROHIBITED 5AL0M0Ma,PHIUIPS AMER. AGTS.N.X HELTONMH CREHM FOR BI_?1CK. WHITt KID OR C«l-r SHOEj Lutetian and Meltonian Creams always follow the flag, for officers know the importance of keeping their boots and saddlery in good condition. These dressings are free from acids and are carefully made of those in- gredients which nourish, soften and preservethe leather, maintainingthe original distinctive colorof the shoes. If you can't get Lutetian Cream near your camp, write the American Agents, Salomon & Phillips, 174 William Street, New York. 168 J THE P L A T T S B U R G E R THIS BOOK IS FREE IT will help to keep Fifth Avenue always within purchasing distance, no matter where you may he stationed. And that means a lot to the army man who wants to send a gift to a broth er-ofTicer's bride, or to the people at home on birthdays and at Christmas. We will do everything possible to insure swift, certain delivery or to help you in your selections. Illustrations and descriptions in the Gift Book tell you about some 200 of the newest and most appropriate gift suggestions at Ovington's. At almost any price you wish to pay — from $2.50 up into the hundreds — you can find a really handsome present and know that Ovington's will execute your order as courteously, promptly and efficiently as if you had walked down the Avenue, to shop in person. Ask any New Yorker about Ovington's china and glassware, Sheffield, mahogany, novelty furniture, enamelware, lamps, mirrors, clocks, pictures and hundreds of distinctive and in- expensive gift suggestions, and write for the Ovington Gift Book today. OVINGTON'S 312-314 Fifth Avenue New York 169 THE PL ATTS BURGER NO suit or gown, however well cut or costly, can retain its smartness if the clothes beneath it are shapeless and ill-fitting. A woman designed "Harvard Mills" (hand-finished) Underwear. That's why it is so alluringly feminine ; why it follows every curve of the body, leaving not a suspicion of a wrinkle; why it is hand-finished and as dainty as the sheerest piece of lingerie. Medium weights for fall days, heavy weights for midwinter wear, extra sizes for the stout and tall figures — all in the highest grade of materials in a range of extremely attractive prices. Every seam in "Harvard Mills" Underwear is finished with the patent "flatlock," so that there is only one thickness of fabric. When purchasing vests, drawers, tights or union suits for yourself or the kiddies, ask for "HARVARD MILLS" (hand-finished) Underwear. In case your dealer does not carry it, he doubtless handles "MERODE" (hand-finished) Underwear, also made by us along the same distinctive lines. If you wish, write us for the name of your nearest dealer . "Harvard Mills" «»"« Underwear WINSHIP, BOIT & CO., Harvard Knitting Mill Founded 1888 Wakefield, Massachusetts New York: 1101-1113 Broadway 170 THE P L A T T S B U R G K R 171 THE PLATTSBURGER Cable Address: BREECHES, New York Telephone: MURRAY HILL 882 Eerbjert F. Ta^loi^ sue CESSOR TO \?.S5' VOJ siueoLS lOVW bRU5H HU* ON 115 HOO^ M "^"o '*»*" suRfActs of wl iHt Tto n. , I TK 0-tM4 TOCTO NtNtR OKMSl aR^s >N \J5 POT.OVF. CRK qmow m>p winwswfc nb cwt) f ^M:t..|lyA O-EAU TOOTH uwtR OtCMS 173] THE P L A T T S B U R G E R ARE YOU^TNA-IZED? THE UNLIMITED SCOPE OF T^TNA SERVICE INCLUDES ALL LINES OF LIFE, CASUALTY, FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE, AND FIDELITY AND SURETY RONDS. FINANCIAL STRENGTH, EVIDENCED RY SIXTY- SEVEN YEARS OF STEADY, SURSTANTIAL PROGRESS, PROMPT PAYMENTS AND FAIR PLAY ARE THE THINGS THAT RRING PEACE OF MIND TO ALL WHO ARE ^TNA-IZED ^TNA LIFE INSURANCE CO THE ^TNA CASUALTY AND SURETY GO. THE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CO. of HARTFORD, CONN. AGENTS EVERYWHERE 174 THE PLATTS BURGER /^N the Battlefield — In the Preservation of Law ^^ and Order — The Protection of Home and Country — Whenever and Avherever armies or individuals have had to enforce right with might — COLT^S FIREARMS have been creating, building and maintaining a reputation for merit, efficiency and reliability that has resulted in a position of unquestioned superiority. You make no mistake when you follow the Government's example and adopt COLT'S for YOUR Firearm needs. Catalog describing all models — Calibers .22 to .45 — mailed free on request COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. [175 THE PLATTSBURGER Ga 11a gher (Sc Cassi Military lailors d y Order Now. No Deposit Required If you do not receive your commission you are not obliged to take uniform or overcoat 40U.S . Ave. Opposite Hostess H ouse ELM CITY ICE CREAM Tlie Kind That Is Deliciously Different Used exclusively at the Military TrainingJCamps since they have been established KMRK-MAH E.R CS M&lone.NY PlattsburANY. 17G THE PLATTSBURGER Officer's Field Service Boot Regal Service Shoe For the Feet of the Fighting Man THERE'S a wide difference between theories of shoe making and the actual shoe that fills the foot needs of the fighting man. In our Officer's Boot and our Service Shoe are all the vital features —nothing more. We check this against our quarter century experience in shoe making and our actual building and testing of military shoes throughout every year of the Great War. The Officer's Boot t/^^^r— Genuine Shrewsbury, Full Grained Calf-skin Cu. S. speci- fications) . Double Sole— Two thicknesses Rock Oak, full seasoned hide— the toughest we know. Middle Sole^\ special in-bet\veen sole of oiled iienuine raw- hide Absolutely waterproof. Tongue — Cut full and sewed up each side to shut out water- sand a n d m Li d . /"oe— Made without stiffbox. It is sott for greater comlori. Inside — The heel inside is smooth — no seams to irritate the fouL All Sizes, All Widths — ^Ve carry a full stock to give every man a perfect fit. Price $10. The Service Shoe Uj)Per — Tough, pliant- fall-grained Calf-skin. An unusual but important feature. (Betti^r than U. S. specifications ) Sole— Hes\y Rock Oak — specially viscolizt;d to make it walcr- proot. (Cettcr than U. S. specifications ) Tongue — Cut full and sewed up each side to shut out water, sand and mud. 7~oe — Made with e.Mra protecting leather cap but without stifi box Toe is soft for greater comfort. jMeasurements~-'Specin\ measurements — noi tight-fittinii like civil- ian shoe- — not loose like the Army Munson last. Just enough room for comfort under every condition, AllSizes, All Widths — We carry a full stock to give every man the exact tit for his feet Price S7. Officer's Puttees— Genuine Cordovan, $14; Imitation Pig-skin, A Regal Store in Every Big City Regal Shoe Company Headquarters: 268 Summer Street Boston, Mass., U. S. A. THE PLATTSBURGER "■Get it at Jaqiies'" Drugs — Toilet Articles Soda, Candy, Cigars and Cigarettes DRUGS of Guaranteed Purity. TOILET ARTICLES to suit the fastidious. SODA from sanitary, up-to-date fountain. CANDY from Huyler, Whitman and Page «&; Shaw. CIGARS and CIGARETTES, well-known domestic and imported brands. One of the Most Complele and Beautiful Drug Stores in NeiD York Slate — al Your Service — W. B. Jaques Drug Company PLATTSBURG, N. Y. KIELY & HORTON Investment Securities 30 RROAD STREET NEW YORK CITY WE SriiCIAI.lZE IN PUBLIC UTILITY AND UNLISTED SECUIUTIES 178 THE PLATTSBURGER Oirts Toilet Needs Many comforts to dladdcn the hearts of the bogs in the service at PROMINENT CITIES OF THE U.S.A. ■■11 [1791 va THE PLATTS BURGER With the French Flying Corps By Carroll Dana Wins!ou' This is a graphic account of the French flying service — a narrative of personal experiences — by a young American who enhsted in the Flying Corps at the beginning of the war, went through the various schools for aeronauts, and finally flew over the great German ofl'ensive at Verdun taking most extraordi- nary photographs which are here reproduced. "The simple, straightforward story of his experience while undergoing the training required for war service that Carroll Dana Winslow teUs in 'With the French Flying Corps' is not only interesting in itself but puts the book in the pretty limited class that has real and permanent value.'" — New York Sun. Illustrated. $1.25 net On the Right of the British Line Captain Gilb<2rtNobbs,L.R,B. Henry van Dyke says: "It seems to me one of the very best, most truthful and most moving books on the war that I have read." At Piatt shurg By Alien French Somewhat as Ian Hay, in his "First Hundred Thousand," pre- sented the personality and life of the new English soldier, Mr. French, in his delightful blend- ing of fact and romance, con- veys a singularly vivid sense of the life of a "Plattsburg Rookie." 'Tt is worth reading for the sake of the thread of romance, while as an exposition of the real meaning and purport of Plattsburg it is good enough to be commended to every leader in the land." — New York Tribune. $1.35 net From City Man to Soldier ^^ hy it takes six months or more of hard training - C^EW city men are in proper fighting trim. Their muscles are flabby; they are short- winded; they have flat feet; in short, Itiey lack pliysical energy. HOW CITY MEN ARE SAVING THEIR ENERGY iSome city men still wear leather heels. As a result, they jar energy from their system some 8,000 times a day. Many, however, have learned that the heels best suited to hard pavements are O'SuUivan's Heels. They absorb all shocks and conserve physical energy. If the city man has found out this important fact, and is putting it into practice, how much more important it is for the fighting man to learn the same lesson. You know the importance of keeping your feet in perfect physical condition. Y'ou know how easy it is to waste your physical energy pounding along on hard pavements with leather heels. It is the duty of every soldier to conserve his energy in every way possible. Here is an ea.sy practical way for you to begin. Put O'SuUivan's Heels on your shoes, Ruy your new shoes O'Sullivan- ized. Good dealers sell the latest style shoes with these heels al- ready attached. 'rO'.S. R. f'o.. 1017 180 THE P L ATT S BURGER ARMY OFFICERS' UNIFORMS (READY-TO-WEAR) together with the essential accessories of the outfit for camp or field, are assembled on the Sixth Floor. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE REGULAR STOCK PRICES: UNIFORMS Of olive drab serge . at $42.50 | Of olive drab melton . at $35.00 Overcoats of olive drab melton, $55.00 Trench Coats 28.00, 35.00, 45.00, 55.00 "Sam Browne" Belts . . 10.50 Campaign Hats . . . 5.00 Fatigue Caps (including insignia) at ... . $4.50 & 5.50 Tan Cordovan Leggmgs, per pair 15.00 Tan Cordovan Shoes, per pair 10.00 Tan Cape Gloves per pair $2.00 & 3.00 "Gieve" Life-Saving Waistcoats, Sheep-Lined Coats, Leather Coats, Olive Drab Sw^eaters, Wool Mufflers, Bedding Rolls, Money Belts, Leather Goods, Hosiery and Underwear, OFFICIAL INSIGNIA FOR THE DIFFERENT RANKS CAN ALSO BE SUPPLIED Wtlj AMmnt-Mnhxmn Au?n«?, N^m fork Sllitrtij-fourtlj BttM ®tjtrtg-fiftl| i-tmt 181 THE PLATTSBURGER LYNAM Military and Naval Tailors Riding Breeches a Specialty 22 EAST 41st STREET NEW YORK Plattsburg Branch, 28 U. S. Avenue Home Store, 30 Church St., Hudson Terminal Bldg. New York. N. Y. Henry A. Ritchie & Co. Military Tailors 30 United States Ave., Plattsburg, N. Y. We carry only the highest grade Woolens, Raincoats, Boots, Shoes, Puttees and general equipment 182] THE PLATTSBURGER WE SALUTE THE PLATTSBURG PRODUCT AND BEG TO REMIND YOU GENTLEMEN THAT YOU WILL BE TREATING YOUR- SELVES TO AN AMAZING LOT OF UNDER- WEAR COMFORT AND SATISFACTION, IF THE NEXT TIME YOU BUY UNDERWEAR YOU SEE TO IT THAT YOU GET ::^f^^"' IT IS NOT AN UNCOMMON THING FOR A MAN TO GET THREE AND FOUR YEARS' SERVICE FROM THIS UNDERWEAR. EASILY UNDERSTOOD WHEN YOU KNOW IT'S SPRING NEEDLE KNIT FROM THE WORLD'S BEST MATERIALS, IN ALL WEIGHTS AND A VARIETY OF FABRICS IN WOOL AND COTTON. WRIGHT'S SPRING [fVl] NEEDLE TRADE \(y MARK RIBBED UNDERWEAR THIS LABEL IDENTIFIES THE GENUINE WRIGHT GARMENT GENERALLY SOLD BY ALL GOOD RELIABLE RETAILERS EVERYWHERE WRIGHT'S UNDERWEAR CO., Inc. NEW YORK CITY 183 THE PLATTSBURGER New Cumberlan d of Plattsburg, New York on Lake Champlain American Plan: Rates $3.50; with bath, $4.00 Strictly First Class in Appointments and Service Running Hot and Cold Water in Every Room 1 Your comfort and convenience our aim. Garage in connection R. J. CLARK, Proprietor The Nettleton Field Shoe Extraordinary, Made of Plump Tan Grain Calfskin, with Plain Toe and Two Full Soles. BYRNES Nettleton 's Military Footwear officers' Dress and Field Boots; Field and Plattsburg Marching Shoes; Cordivan, Calf, Pig and Smooth Grain (Short Strap or Spring Front) Puttees made by Nettleton. F. E. BYRNES Military Footzuear 1 Clinton Street, Opposite Camp Post Office PLATTSBURG The Nettleton Dress Boot Extraordinary made of a Rich Shade of Tan Russia Calfskin or Cordivan. 184 THE P L AT TS BURGER "SID SAYS" BUY THEM AND THEN BURY THEM LIBERTY LOAN COMMITTEE Buy Them — and Then Bury Them By JOHN M. SIDDALL Editor of The American Magazine WELL, you and I must get our Liberty Bonds. In buying them I suppose we think we shall be conferring a great favor on Uncle Sam. And in a way we shall be. But looking at it another way we are just plain lucky — lucky that a situation arises which compels us, for at least once in our lives, to put something aside for a rainy day, and to put it aside in the most conservative and solid form. The rate of interest may not look very big to us — but the principal is safe. That is the main thing. John Rockefeller may lose his wits and his coin and have to go to an old men's home, but those government bonds will still be good. They are backed by Uncle Sam's power to tax the combined assets of the nation. Therein lies the peculiar beauty of a government bond. The Government can do what no private corpora- tion can do — it can go out and compel people to pour in taxes enough to enable the Government to meet its obligations. North America would just about slide off into the sea before anything could happen to destroy the value of those bonds. The reason I am so emphatic about the importance of a sound investment like this is that I have been thinking about the ordinary man's incapacity in normal times to lay by and hang onto money. A big hfe insurance company gathered some facts about this not long ago. Here they are: Take 100 healthy men at the age of 25 and follow them. At 65 here is where you will find them: 36 will be dead. 1 will be very rich. 4 will be wealthy. 5 will be supporting themselves by work. 54 will be dependent upon friends, relatives or charity. Or, to sum up, only 5 out of the 64 living will be "well fixed." The rest will either not have saved any- thing because of their extravagance, or they will have lost their capital through trying to make it yield an absurd return. In other words, this Liberty Loan is one of the few direct benefits to be derived from the Great War — but a real benefit nevertheless. For it encourages all of us to be thrifty, and to put at least a part of our money into an absolutely safe place — where its protection does not depend upon any individual but is guaran- teed by the combined assets and earning abilities of a whole nation. Thank God, therefore, for the Liberty Loan. Buy these bonds, hide them, and try to forget them. They will be pretty little things to dig up and show to the meat man when you are 65. 185 THE PLATTSBURGER The Man Behind the Crops You have all heard about the Man Behind the Gun, but very little about the MAN BEHIND THE CROPS. We are behind the Farmer and help him to save his potato and vegetable crop. We are behind the Grower and help him to save his fruit crop. How do we do it.'' By manufacturing the best Paris Green in the country, the best Arsenate of Lead Paste in the country, and the best Combined Sprays, "ADHESO" and "ANSBOR" GREEN, in the country. ANSBAGHER INSECTICIDE CO. 527 Fifth Avenue NEW YORK 186 ] ' THE PLATTSBURGER Send six 2c stamps for a Demonstra- tor Tube, to the Main Office in Newark. Gerhard Mennen Chemical Co. Newark, N. J. In Canada Harold F. Ritchie & Co., Ltd. Toronto, Ontario n^nn^ns CHAFIJNGI Th'« is the sum of willing bodies plus less willing new uniforms. There's the combination that chafes. Sprinkle the sore spots thickly with soothing, healing, cooling Kora-Konia. Oh, how it takes the fire out of a tortured skin. It makes it feel like skin again — by morning the chafing is gone. Keep a box of cooling, soothing, healing Kora-Konia with you. Shake it into your shoes. Use it freely. Any druggist sells it for a quarter. 'oeRHflRQ nainen ^H^nicflL ^o. KORfl-Konm MENNEN TRYERS MAKE STEADY BUYERS Those who try Mennen's Shaving Cream are stickers, nearly every one of them. Like tryers generally, they have found something good. They've found a better, quicker, easier way to shave. So they keep coming back for more Mennen's. Your experience will he the same if you'll just try Try It In Cold Water Compare Men- nen's Shaving Cream with other shaving soaps and see how smoothly and soothingly it works. 187 THE PL A TTS BURGER c L I N T O S T H E A T The Home of Photoplays Superb Daily Changes of Photoplays of Class from the Rialto, Strand, Keith and Loewe Circuits GOLDWYN SELECT (Selznick) WORLD PATHE K. E. S. E. MUTUAL CHAPLIN AND ARBUCKLE COMEDIES R E Corner AIj irion and Clinton Streets Plattsbi arg, N . Y. c O T, OSIAL THEATR H, Ki)t paramount House METRO, ARTCRAFT, BLUEBIRD, EOX, PARAMOUNT PICTURES Strong Program of Short Reels and Comedies BRIDGE STREET ' PLATTSBURG, N. Y- IDEAL GARAGE EDWARD E. BERNARD, Prop. 25-27-29 Charlotte and 10 Peru Street PLATTSBURG, N. Y. LARGEST FIREPROOF GARAGE BETWEEN SARATOGA AND MONTREAL Special Accommodation for Ladies, Open Day and Night GASOLINE AND AUTOMOBILE SUPPLIES — REPAIRING AND VULCANIZING 188 THE PLATTSBURGER Used by the Soldiers of Uncle Sam Hoppe's Nitro Powder Solvent No. 9 Trade-Mark Registered For cleaning High Power (Springfield) Rifles and Firearms of all kinds. It will Remove and Prevent Rust in any Climate. Universally endorsed by Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun men throughout the World. It will neutralize all acid residue of smokeless powder and prevent corroding. Used by the Army and Navy Rifle Teams in the National Matches since 1904. Authorized in the Small Arms Firing Regulations. No^Rifleman or Quartermaster's Dept. should be without it. Sold by Hardware Dealers, Post Exchanges and Ship Stores . FRANK A. HOPPE 2314 NORTH EIGHTH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA. 189 THE PLATTSBURGER THE BACHE REVIEW which gives each week a condensed statement of the business and financial situation, may be of interest to our soldiers abroad in keeping in touch with business conditions here at home. Copies will be sent regularly to any address upon application to J. S. BACHE & CO., 42 Broadway, New York Members New York Stock Exchange Fitchburg Paper Company FOUNDATION STOCK FOR COATING MILLS AND HIGH-GRADE WALL PAPERS ^ GEORGE R. WALLACE Fitchburg President and Treasurer NlaSS 190 : THE PLATTS BURGER empire Crust Companp MAIN OFFICE: EQUITABLE BUILDING 120 BROADWAY, NEW YORK FIFTH AVENUE OFFICE: 580 FIFTH AVENUE, Corner 47th Street LONDON OFFICE: 41 THREADNEEDLE STREET, E. G. ^ OFFICERS LE ROY W. BALDWIN President WILLIAM H. ENGLISH Vice-President FRANCIS HENDERSON Vice-President W. BARTON BALDWIN Treasurer EDWARD C. WILSON Asst. Treasurer PAUL H. HUDSON Asst. Secretary BOYD G. CURTS Trust Officer HENRY P. TALMADGE Vice-President FRED'K L. ELDRIDGE Vice-President MYRON J. BROWN Secretary EUGENE MILLER Asst. Secretary EDWARD A. LYON Asst. Secretary W. H. PARKER London Secretary 191] THE PLATTSBURGER SHARRON'S Department Store 98-102 MARGARET STREET PLATTSBURG, N. Y. Is the place to buy goods and buy them right. Larg^est assortment, lowest prices, faultless service. REGULATION ARMY LOCKER Our reinforced army locker is the best value to be found anywhere. Lettered and delivered free. COMPLETE STOCK OF UNDERWEAR, BLANKETS, HOSIERY, PAJAMAS, ETC. J. W. 1 uttle & Co. Insignia of the Very Best Quality BOOKS, STATIONERY Plain Solid Silver and PRINTING ohoulder Bars Waltham Military Wrist Watches LARGE ASSORTMENT Unbreakable Glass Radium MILITARY BOOKS Dial and Hands ^ THE GORHAM CO. Solid Silver and Plate 67 Margaret Street TA^Tuttle&ParshallCo. 66 Margaret Street Plattsburg, N. Y. Plattsburg, N. Y. 192 THE PLATTSBURGER Parsons 3c Whittemore, inc. 174 FULTON STREET NEW YORK EXPORTERS of all grades of Paper — Also of Paper Making and Paper Using Machinery. AGENTS for well known Paper Mills. IMPORTERS of Wood Pulp. D E AL E R S in everything con- nected with the Paper and Printing Trades. CABLE ADDRESS - "PARSWHIT" Using the following codes: Liebers Standard ABC Fifth Edition Western Union ABC Fifth Improved Edition Bentley's Phrase Code 193 THE PLATTSBURGER A. MASON & SONS Lumber and Mill Work "Building Supplies Branch Office and Yard, Corner Battery and Pine Sts. PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK Main Office and Mills, PERU, N. Y. A. Mason & Sons supplied windows, doors and millwork and a considerable portion of the lumber for the construction of the Plattsburg Training Camp, as well as the btinks, lecture-room tables, blackboards, drawing boards, ahdades and various other items of wooden equipment. The National Association of Dyers and Cleansers Have Made a Special Study of the Olive Drab Cloth and with a thorough Dry Cleansing any stain can be removed. In Plattsburg, N. Y. we operate a branch plant under the personal direction of SIDNEY J. SPIEGEL, one of the greatest Chemical Cleansers in the United States. Also the Plant named the Spiegel Cleansing and Dyeing Works 16-18 Margaret Street opposite the WHITERILL HOTEL this plant operates over $25,000 worth of machinery, and during the first encampment we cleansed two thousand six hundred and twenty-seven uniforms. With this record we assure you master service. Our motto is PERFECT MODERN MACHINERY, SANITARY QUARTERS AND GOOD WORK Phone 226-W Work Called For and Delivered Or When Down Town Ask For Spiegel's 194 THE PLATTSBURGER Windsor Station (Canadian Pacific Ry.) Montreal. The new D. & H. $5,000,000 terminal — the Finest in Canada. Conveniently located near the best hotels. The Delaware and Hudson Shortest, Quickest and Best Line between Montreal (Windsor Station) Plattsburg Saratoga Springs Albany — Troy and New York (Grand Central Terminal) < Through Pullman Service. Day and Night Trains Daily Each Way. 195 THE PLATTSBURGER GOAL Building Materials Feed and Grain DOCK & GOAL CO. PLATTSBURG, N. Y "The Store where our Families got their Good Things to Eat/' pi ^Kl.S^^^^^^.^ ^^'7^ opH^^. 1 IJ Pa^^^jJfflJMj Bb • ^Kfj^^^ ^^ly^^^'^^r^THiMlM^^^B^SSnlMi.. J ■?■ * ^^OljH^^^QdmTKLZ. |^?##'^5%f*^ PI . '■■ ■ ■ iMEYERS & BELDEN PLATTSBURG, N.Y. 196 THE PLATTS BURGER PART OF OUR "BIT" w European soldiers have found the IngersoU most reliable. Here is a picture of a group of Tommies — taken absolutely without our knowledge. DO Wind your IngersoU regularly at the same time each night or morning. When wind- ing, approach the final turn slowly and CEirefully without forcing to the last notch, thus preventing bent or broken teeth. Regulate your IngersoU to your own per- sonaUty. Watches run differently for differ- ent people. If your IngersoU runs slow, move the regulator a trifle toward "F" using pin or small blade of pocket knife. If it runs fast, toward " S." Move regulator a little at a time so as not to derange hair spring. DONT Don't wind too tight. Don't go fast at the end — this is important. Don't attempt to oil your IngersoU. Don't attempt to repair it yourself. Don't wear it for setting up exercises or any other similar part of your work where your watch is not necessary. Don't keep your IngersoU in a damp, dirty place. Excessive dampness and dirt will ruin it. E want your good will. We are doing and going to keep on doing our best to keep your IngersoU in tip-top condition. We want to do our peirt and intend to do our part. But, if something goes wrong, please don't be hasty in your judgment. Oiu" entire service equipment and aim is for the soldiers. We, too, have lost men in all depart- ments. We're straining every business nerve so that when you men have finished your work, you'll have only good things to say of IngersoU Watches and the service that this company has given. And, remember that an IngersoU is a watch and that a watch is a delicate piece of mechanism. We recognize that you aren't work- ing under normal conditions and that you must never be without a watch. We have on our part recognized this for the past months by means of special repair service in our own repair departments in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Mon- treal. We shall continue this service. In addition, at the big cantonments, where you will be stationed later, we shall estabhsh service stations to care immediately for the watches carried by the men. Meanwhile, here are some hints for you that will make your watch a surer timepiece under all conditions. You will find this important infor- mation to pass along to your men later on. ROBT. H. INGERSOLL & BRO. NEW YORK CHICAGO ROSTON SAN FRANCISCO MONTREAL Radiolite Watches $2-25 to $4-50 197 THE PLATTSBURGER of 5 East 47th Street, New York MILITARY TAILORS fj^hitehouse and Hardy 24 U. S. Avenue Footwear Plattsburg SULLIVAN BROS., Inc. 42 SUMMER STREET BOSTON, MASS. Army Officers' Uniforms and Equipment 14 MARGARET STREET T3 , , PLATTSBURG, N. Y. Branches: / CAMP DEVENS AYER, MASS. 198 THE PLATTSBURGER Gunners' Hand Book for Field Artillery By Captains John S. Hammond and Dawson Olmstead, Inspector Instructors Field Artillery, U. S. Army. Paper 40c. net; waterproof 60c. net. An admirable set of instructions for the gunner's examination in the field artillerj'. Recent changes and developments in field artillery instruction have made a real need for such a treatise and the recruit will find it complete enough to satisfy every requirement. There are many diagrams and illustrations to make clear the text. Richmond Times Despatch says: "Recent changes and developments in field artillery instruction have rendered obsolete previous works of this kind and therefore this handbook which is brought down to date in accordance with the provisions of War Department Regulations meets the immediate need." Army and Navy Journal says: "A valuable book. It is a book of 142 pages of handy pocket size. This handbook has been prepared for use in the instruction of candidates for rating as gunners under the provisions of Special Regulations No. 53, War Department, May 7, 1917." National Service says: ^ "Previous pamphlets of this character having been rendered obsolete by recent changes and developments in field artillery instruction this handbook is compiled in a condensed and simple form which if closely followed will supply the necessary data for the thorough instruction of candidates for qualification as gunners in the field artillery." Small Arms Instructors' Manual An intensive cotu-se including official "C Special Course"; U. S. Rifle Model 1917; U. S. Rifle Model 1903; Automatic Pistol Model 1911; Revolver Cal's. 45 & .38; Official Firing Courses; Designation of Targets; Fire Direction and Control; Use of Cover. Condensed and adapted from Official Manuals and War Data compiled by the Small Arms Instruc- tors' Corps. By Reginald H. Sayre, Captain, N. G. N. Y. ; Stowe Phelps, Ex-Captain, N. G. N. Y. ; Gerard P. Herrick, Ex-Ord. Serg., N. G. N. Y. With an introduction by Captain C. C. Griffith, C. A. C, IT. S. A. Waterproof binding, net, 60c. Captain C. C. Griffith in the introduction says: "This volume on Small Arms has aimed at a standardized, basic and intensive course of instruction which it is believed will produce in the briefest possible time that quality of proficiency demanded by the present crisis. Several of the most experienced shots and coaches in the United States working in con- junction with some of the Regular Army Instructors at the first Officers' Training Camp at Plattsburg, K. Y., have com- piled from twenty or more works on Small Arms and Musketry the parts vitally applicable to the present situation." Trench Warfare By J. S. Smith, 2d Lieutenant with the British Force in Flanders. Fully illustrated. Net, $1.50. A manual giving all the technical details of building, holding and taking trenches; the various types of trench revetments; the dimensions and construction of dugouts; the intimate details of a complete trench system; how bombing squads are organized and trained, and hundreds of important items that men and officers must know. Boston Transcript says: "This is a good guide book for the soldier." Army and Navy Journal says: "Fascinating to read and most instructive for study." National Service says: "The book is one that will be of immense assistance to all officers and men." Boston Herald says: "Of great value to all officers and men who are to serve in Europe since it tells in direct, business- like language precisely what they all need to know." Philadelphia Press says: "This clear but comprehensive little volume will be particularly welcome to the men and officers of the armies. It tells in direct, business-like language just what they will all need to know about this new develop- ment of warfare." The Flyers' Guide An Elementary Hand Book for Aviators By Captain N. J. Gill. Illustrated with diagrams. Net, $2.00. It is a well-known fact that all aeroplanes, all engines although different in make depend on certain common principles. This handbook goes thoroughly into these common principles for the worldng and the construction of the machine and engine and is therefore invaluable to all aviators. A Book Every Aviator Should Own. POSTAGE EXTRA AT ALL BOOKSTORES E. P. BUTTON & COMPANY, 681 Fifth Avenue, New York 199] THE PLATTSBURGER The best way for a man or a nation to keep fresh, young and vitally efficient is to cherish a few enthusiasms. It is fire that makes the machine go. One day last August there was a group of soldiers and civilians on an aviation field — one of them a young French officer. A member of the group suddenly put the familiar old question, "What's this war for, anyway? Does any- one know?" There was no answer. All had heard that sort of talk before. The speaker went on : "Here we are: American, English, Italian, and French. Then there are the Russians and the rest of them. And what's it all for ? " Turning to the French- man he exclaimed: "Do you know what you are fighting for ? " Yes! " The answer was like the snap of a pistol. "Well, what?" The young officer stooped quickly, tore a piece of sod from the earth and pressed it to his lips. "For France! France!" he exclaimed. Do you get the full thrill of that ? It may sound theatrical to the cool, safe and formal mind, but it means something big and vital in national life. The sod that the young French officer lifted as a symbol of his national sentiment was American sod. Let him be assured that there are millions here that would press that sod to their lips and cry, with equal fervor: "For my Country!" 200 THE PLATTSBURGER yltltltltltlYl tltXtltltMfltltltltltltlllfltl tlTXtltlflfXtXTlfTtlTTS ** *• o KRAFT : FIBRE • BOND "The Nibroc Line " also Drug Wrappings Sheatking Paper Bleached Sulphite Pulp Unbleached Sulphite Pulp Berlin Mills Company 5 *4 *4 •* ** >4 PORTLAND NEW YORK. OFFICE WOOLWOUTH BLDq ESTABLISHED l85a CHlCAqO OFFICE no S DEARBORN ST. ►♦ ^ 201 THE PLATTSBURGER ALWAYS ASK FOR m Biscuits BAKED BY JopSE-\YlLES giSCUIT (OMPANY BRANCHES IN OVER 100 CITIES The First National Bank OFFICERS G. F. TUTTLE President C. E. M. EDWARDS Vice-President C. S. JOHNSON Cashier J. L. NASH Asst. Cashier DIRECTORS G. F. TUTTLE E. F. BOTSFORD C. E. M. EDWARDS J. R. MYERS C. S. JOHNSON Plattsburg, N. Y. 202 THE PLATTS BURGER J t '&r» ■m United States Army Officers' Regulation Uniforms EVERYTHING IN EQUIPMENT FOR ACTIVE SERVICE O. D. Blouse, Breeches and Overcoats — rainproofed — all desirable weights. Sheep-lined Waterproof Trench Coats, Garrison Caps, Service Hats, Sweaters, Leather Waistcoats, Hiker Shoes, Field and Trench Boots, Leggings and Puttees. Bedding and Bedding Rolls, Clothing Rolls, Pillows, Un- breakalile Mirrors, Comfort Kits, Shaving Accessories, In- signia and Hat Cords for all wings of the service. Biokaw Brotliers 1157-1463 Broadway Ai Forty-second Street New York City For the Feet To prevent skin-rubs, calluses, blisters, etc. Just the thing for the man in khaki. An Antiseptic For cuts, scrapes and little hurts INVALU7\BLE IN CAMP AND IN SERVICE New- Skin is useful to the soldier in so many ways that both officers and pri- vates would no doubt be accommodated if it Avere kept on sale in every post canteen. 10, 2.5 and .50 cent sizes M an u lac lured by NEWSKIN COMPANY Bush Terminal Buildings, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK For Sale By druggists generally, wholesale and retail 210 THE PLATTSBURGER MANY newly commissioned reserve officers have demon- strated a singularly efficient purchasing skill, in the canteen, by merely practising upon a larger scale the same discrimination which led them to select Hall's Handi-Soap Hall's Dentaseptic TootK Paste Hall-MarK SKaving Cream for their own personal use. If you are not already familiar with these products, and the rest of the Hall line — write today for a free illustrated booklet. I WILFORD HALL LABORATORIES Port CKester, New York 211 THE PLATTSBURGER VIYAUDOU'S PREPARATIONS FOR Army Men TOOTH PASTE SHAVING CREAM For the trying conditions of an army shave — use I V i vaudou ' s, and | give your face a smooth deal. AFTER SHAAL\(; TALCIM After a cold water shave or when raw winds and dirty weather ea! into your face, there's nothing better than Vivaudou's After Shaving Talcum. VIVAUDOU PARIS NEW^OHK Harvard Cooperative Society Tailors and Military Outfitters The finest merchan- dise and service of exceptional merit Cambridge, Mass. -also- Plattsburg, N. Y. On Land and Sea Best SERVICE for the legs of the men in the arms of the best " service." E. Z. GARTER •THE ONE THAT WON'T BIND" Made wide for comfort. No buckles or adjustments. Quick- est on and off. Single or double grip. Single Grip: Lisle 2.5 Cents, SUk 50 Cents. Double Grip : Lisle 40 Cents, Silk 60 Cents. If you can't buy them at retail, send 25 cents to The Thos. P. Taylor Go. Dept. 6 Bridgeport, Conn. U. S. A. who will send a pair prepaid like illustration. [ 212 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R -v« KNOTHE MAKER. FIFTH AVENUE NEWYORK^^ Kno^^Belt AND Kno'^'Suspenders ARE MADE FOR SERVICE OFFICERS BELTS "Sam Browne" and other styles Our make of AMERICAN BELTS is superior to any produced in any other country. Officers Should Supply Their Needs Before Going Abroad Wra.orcanu^on KNOTHE BROTHERS CO. 124 Fifth Avenue, New York THEY WILL BE PLEASED TO GIVE YOU LIST OF RETAIL SHOPS HANDLING THIS BRAND OF BELTS AND SUSPENDERS 213] THE PLATTSBURGER Doran New Books JAilES \V. GERARD, A I }' Four Years i n Germany. The Great Big Slory uf Ihe American Ambassador who defied the Kaiser to preserve the honor of the United States. Documents never intended to see the b'ght reproduced in fac- simihe. Fully Illustrated. Net, $2.00 SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE A History of the Great W,ir — Vol 2. The British Campaign in France and Flanders — 1915. The full and accurate story of the dark and terrible "year of equilib- rium." " Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has the true heart of the Military- Historian." — Spectator. Illustrated. Maps. Net, $2.00 :\LEX. j\IcCLIXT rt ^ o o be (^ Pi a ^ 1^ 2 a Q CO H ^ H ^ -t^ <; < j; a 1-1 !3 « < Ph Ph H 2 ^ a _ J ■H > o 1— 1 ^ c35 P^ w H 4i — w ^ ffi o ■3 = U" Pi C/5 ^ m n ^- ^ 1 1 § :SG M (^ g w H H qj ifi < a M m II o o § O PLATTSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE [222: THE PLATTSBURGER PLATTSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PLATTSBURGERS! With pleasure, and with just pride, we have the honor to salute you— PLATTSBURGERS! "Plattsburger," to you, means that you have unselfishly put aside home, friends, and all that is dear, to give your service, perhaps your life, for national safety. It means that you have done this voluntarily. And more; you have, by your example, created in the minds and hearts of our youth a nobler ideal, a broader vision, a brighter conception, an appreciation of the obligations and privileges of citizenship. If you have qualified as an officer, your opportunities for service, and your responsibiHties, are accordingly increased. If you are not an officer, this fact alone measures neither the value of the service already rendered nor the possibilities for usefulness in the future, nor are you any less a PLATTS- BURGER. To us who remain here — Plattsburgers too, in another sense — the recollection of your sojourn here will always be an inspiration ; and, because of this broader significance attached to the name Plattsburg, we have taken to ourselves • — the help we gave in our small way entitles us to it — a new dignity, an added glowing pride, in being also PLATTSBURGERS PLATTSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 223 THE PLATTSBURGER M. J. CALLANAN, Pres. D. CALLANAN, Vice-Pres. Plattsburg Lumber Co. SAMUEL J AND RE AU, Manager Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Pine, Spruce, Hemlock and Hard- wood Lumber Order Work Promptly Attended To Rail and Water Facilities for Milling in Transit Office, 152 BRIDGE ST. PLATTSBURG, N. Y. A. SHUMAN & COMPANY SHUMAN CORNER - - BOSTON ' * The Service Store'' ' MILITARY OUTFITTERS PLATTSBURG BRANCH - 6 Sheridan Street 224 THE P L A T T S B U R G E R jy\_ _^_/\_ O VJ JrlJ-J X iN VJT ' ^T^' ^^"^ Distance Phones CABLli ADDRESS INC. PLAZA 7 2 11—7 24 2 FLORISTS and LANDSGAPERS 785 Fifth Avenue New York OUR FLOWERS The Best Flowers at Reasonable Prices are Cheaper than Cheap Flowers Elsewhere MAX SCHLING Within Two Hours We Can Deliver Flowers for You in any City, in any State — Phone or Wire your Orders to Orders for Sunday Delivery MAX ,KCHTJNG Should be placed one day in advance. IVX^^YV kJV^X A-LJi-L 1 VJ Our Uptown SEED STORE at 22 W. 59th Street Carries a full Hne of Seeds and Bulbs of Highest Quality and Everything Else for the Greenhouse, Garden and Farm. CATALOG FREE ON REQUEST ^^^ SCHLING PHONE PLAZA 2022 225 THE PLATTSBURGER C. H. Foote & Co. Wholesale Grocers Opp. the D. & H. R. R. Station PLATTSBURG, N. Y. Dry Goods Goats Suits Dresses Sweaters Army Lockers Hosiery Underwear Schiff & Haley PLATTSBURG, N. Y. Weber & Heilbroner Eleven New York Stores Also Plattsburg Branch 226 THE P I, A T T S B U R G E R At Training Camps Muscles and ligaments that in civil life are little used are called into active service. The result is soreness and lame- ness. Prepare your muscles for the extra effort by a rub-down with Absorbine, Jr. — this prevents the usual discomforts and you will be "fit" the next day. Absorbine, Jr., stimulates and invigorates jaded muscles — heals and soothes. Absorbine.J THE ANTISEPTIC LINIMENT Absorbine^- •MLGESir ' ' 'fOPHaACTIC dSrUIIENT STIMUUW ANTIPHLOGISTIC RtSOlVEKT i nti>a!it,(i and swcNing! .1,1' IM"''! ■'"'l'""Vi'l''iop !>«'»*' To ALLAY PAIN "" Jl SjllF IJIOEBS 8011.S ^<^.y....^o'.jQ^ gives prompt relief to muscles and tendons that have been strained or wrenched. It is also valuable for cuts and bruises, as, in addition to its healing properties, it is a positive germicide and prevents infection. After a long hike, rest your tired, aching feet with a light application of this effective lim'ment. Absorbine, Jr., is clean, fragrant and safe to use — ^purely herbal. It is highly concentrated so that only a few drops are required at an application. This makes Absorbine, Jr., especially suitable for the army or navy man. A good formula for a rub-down is one ounce of Absorbine, Jr., to a quart of water or witch hazel. ABSORBINE, JR., HAS STRONG ENDORSEMENTS Many letters in praise of Absorbine, Jr., have been received from physicians and dentists who use and prescribe it. Several chemical and biological laboratories have given this antiseptic liniment severe tests and their reports in- variably support my claims for Absorbine, Jr., as a destroyer of germs. Then, of course, I have hundreds of testimonials from individuals who have been materially benefited by Absorb- ine, Jr., in one way or another. THE EMERSON LABORATORY Analytical and Industrial Chemists 145 CHESTNUT ST. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. September 14, 1911. Mr. W. F. Young, 332 Temple Street, City. Dear Sir: We recently made an exhaustive test of Absor- bine, Jr., to determine its elEciency for killing germs. We made numerous tests to determine the dilution, the length of time required to kill disease-producing germs, and we find that your Absorbine, Jr., in a dilution of 25' c kills the staphylococcus aureus, the common pus-producing germ, in six minutes; that a 10% solution kills the bacillus coU, an organism similar to typhoid bacillus, in three minutes, and that a 10% solution also kills diphtheria germs in four minutes. Yours truly, THE EMERSON LABORATORY. (Signed) Herbert C. Emerson. SEND HIM A BOTTLE It will be a practical and much appreciated gift. If more convenient for you I will mail Absorbine, Jr., post- paid direct to any address upon receipt of price, and guarantee safe delivery. $1.00 a bottle at druggists, or postpaid A Liberal Trial Bottle ^^.^^ mailed to any address on -"""•p*^ of lu cents in stamps. W. F.YOUNG, P.D.F., 332 Temple St., Springfield. Mass. /t®"Just KTlte your name and address on the margin below. Tear off and send with ten cents. The sample is well worth the money. [227] THE PLATTSBURGER B. Turk & Bro. Co. Service Uniforms and Equipment. The only Military Store in Vermont. New York Office: 1107 BROADWAY COLUMBUS, OHIO CINCINNATI, OHIO PLATTSBURG STORE: 42 United States Avenue. R. 0. Barber & Sons PLATTSBURG N. Y. When You See a Shredded Wheat Just Think of the Wonderful Cream and of the Name WILKINS! 228 THE PLATTSBURGER HOTEL WITHERILL WM. H. HOWELL, Prop. PLATTSBURG, N. Y. All Rooms with Private Bath or Running Water New Fireproof Addition Local and Long Distance Telephones in Each Room Elevator mmmmmum RUSTIC CxRILL ROOM SERVICE A LA CARTE Open From Noon to Midnight '^ 229 THE PLATTSBURGER AS A WAR MEASURE The Country is Asking of Women Service A C Women Are Asking of the Country Ab FARMERS MECHANICS NURSES and DOCTORS MUNITION WORKERS MINE WORKERS YEOMEN GAS MAKERS BELL BOYS MESSENGERS CONDUCTORS MOTORMEN ARMY COOKS TELEGRAPHERS AMBULANCE DRIVERS ADVISORS TO THE COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE ENFRANCHISEMENT AiMJ The Country is Getting it! Are The Women GoingToGetIt? Vote for Woman Suffrage Nov. 6 [230 THE PLATTSBURGER At Oyster Bay on Saturday, September 8th, Former President Theodore Roosevelt said: "Let the United States, as its first act of leadership in the war, as a matter of right and justice, put the women in fact on a level with the men, by saying that every woman who does her duty shall stand at the ballot box, exactly as every man who does his duty is entitled to stand." President Wilson says: "I hope that the voters of the State of New York will rally to the support of woman suffrage by a handsome major- ity. It would be a splendid vindi- cation of the principle of the cause in which we all believe." 231 THE PI, ATTSBURGER BOOKS Every Plattsburger will wish to own Arthur Stanwood Pier's THE PLATTSBURGERS "Taking a group of boj'S from various colleges, Mr. Pier weaves into a vivid narrative the details of camp life." — N. Y. World. Illustrated. $1.25 net. THE MAN IN THE RANKS By John Gallishaw (Late 1st Newfoundland Regi- ment, Gallipoli, 1915) and Sergeant William Lynch (Instructor at Plattsburg.) A book of sound, practical advice for every new recruit who wants to lessen his hardships and become quickly an efficient soldier. Pocket size, ,^1.00 net. Leather, $3.00 net. AMONG US MORTALS By W. E. Hill and "F. P. A." This unique collection of pictures, with the accompanying witty text, will fm'nish much fvm for anyone with a sense of humor. $1.00 net. THE RESERVE OFFICER'S HANDBOOK By Captain S. J. Sutherland A complete and authoritative manual covering clearly and con- cisely every subject that officers or pro.spective officers need to know. §1.75 net. CRUMPS The Plain Tale of a Canadian Who Went By Louis Keene Dfescribes with breezy freshness the training and fighting of the Canadian Army, and the light- hearted courage with which they have mocked death on the Ypres salient. Profusely illustrated. $1.25 net. TRENCH FIGHTING By Captain Frank H. Elliott Of the British E.xpeditionary Forces. " I earnestly recommend this book to all officers for study and use." — E. Leroy Sweetscr, Brig. -Gen. Nat'I Army U. ^. $1.50 net. ALL IN IT Kl Carries On By Major Ian Hay Beith The further exploits of Kl at Ypres and at the Somme. Written with all the vividness, humor and human interest that has made "The First Hundred Thousand" the greatest book of the War. .^1.50 net. AT ALL BOOK,STORE.S Houghton Mifflin Company BO.STON and NEW YORK The Progressive Banker ''^Broker knows the value of adver- tising and publicity Financial advertisements prepared and placed in mediums where best re- sults are obtainable. Financial booklets, cir- culars, follow-up letters, written, prepared for the printer, and published if desired. Years of experience have qualified this organiza- tion to give sound advice and counsel. Others have been bene- fited by the expert know- ledge of the personnel of our organization; it may prove of profit to you. Your inquiries invited Rudolph Guenther, Inc. Specialists in Financial Advcrlising for Newspapers and Periodicals 25 Broad Street, New York City —-1 Silk the Fabric Supreme Patriotism, Fashion and Comfort demand Silk Wool must be conserved tor the soldiers; cotton, also, is required in immense quantities for ammunition and surgical service, hence silk is the logi- cal as well as a highly desirable fabric for both men's and women's cloth. The Silks that are acknowledged leaders in the fabric world are the well-known MALLINSON'S Silks de Luxe PUSSY WILLOW As satisfactory for men's shirts as for women's loveliest creations. KHAKI -KOOL The outdoor silk that knows no se.x. RUFF-A-NUFF A novelty silk inspired by the Russian theme. ROSHANARA CREPE A heavy, crinkly crepe ideal for tailored dresses and suits. LNDESTRUCTIRLE VOILE A sheer silk that makes good on the name. SLENDORA CREPE A filmy silk in a rougli weave as durable as it is beautiful. WILL 0' THE WISP A gauzy, colorful silk fantasy. Look for the identification marks on the selvage or the package H. R. Mallinson & Company "The New Silks First" Madison Ave — Thirty-first St. New York City ■ '232 1 THE PLATTSBURGER 1 1 PLAITSBURG GAS AND FJ,ECTRIC CO. PLATTSBURG, N. Y. ORGANIZED 1903 The City National Rank OF PLATTSBURG PLATTSBURG, N. Y. OFFICERS DIRECTORS JOHN F. O'BRIEN S. G. PRIME JOHN F. O'BRIEN, President ^^^^ hauGHRAN J. H. MOFFITT JOHN HAUGHRAN, Vice-President J. S. SHEDDEN C. E. INMAN H. W. KNAPP GEO. CHAHOON C. E. INMAN, Cashier j p j^^yERS 233 THE PLATTSBURGER DENGATE & HADLEY Dry Goods We Specialize in Ready- to-Wear Garments Our Aim is to Give You Good Desirable Merchandise and at Prices that are Al- ways Right. DENGATE & HADLEY 104 Margaret St. PLATTSBURG, N. Y. PHONE 290 yV competition for EXCELLENCE and \^ competition for CHEAPNESS will always be STRANGERS This label stands for the BEST the money can buy STUDHOLME Clothing Furnishings Hats 87 Margaret Street Phone 78 J Jay A. Freeman Contracting Department PLUMBING AND HEATING ELECTRICAL WORK SPRINKLER SYSTEMS ROOFING OF ALL KINDS COMPLETE LIGHTING PLANTS CORNICE AND SKYLIGHTS WATER SYSTEMS Sales Department HARDWARE PAINTS, OILS, ETC. ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES PLUMBERS' SUPPLIES STEAM FITTERS' SUPPLIES HOUSE FURNISHING SUPPLIES STEEL AND FELT ROOFING 32 Margaret Street Plattsburg, N. Y. 234 THE PLATTSBURGER UNIFORMS FOR OFFICERS MADE TO ORDER Samples of cloth and a line of ac- cessories at our branch in Plattsburg, in charge of Mr. E. W. Sweeney Prompt and Satisfactory Service MACULLAR PARKER COMPANY BOSTON [235: THE PLATTSBURGER J. H. MOFFITT, Pres't G. E. BARBER, Vicc-Pres't F. H. JUSTIN, Cashier THE PLATTSBURG NATIONAL BANK OF PLATTSBURG, N. Y. ORGANIZED MAY, 1901 Paid in Capital . . - - $100,000 Designated Depositary of the United States and of the State of New York Established 1889 • Howe & Seligman .f , Military Uniforms t ^-^>^-' \L 59 WEST 53d STREET U NEW YORK 4k 28 U. S. AVE., PLATTSBURG {0pp. Barracks) BELLEVUE AVENUE, NEWPORT [236; THE Pl-ATTSBURGER 700,000,000 Sold Last Year That is the number of SMITH BROTHERS' used by the people of the United States in one year. The output for this year will be much greater. One shipment from the Pough- keepsie Factory was a trainload of 20 freight cars containing 95,000,000 SMITH BROTHERS' S. B. Cough Drops. This factory, by the way, has the largest hard- candy equipment in the world. It is used wholly for making S. B. Cough Drops. A large addition was made to it last year. Another is being constructed now. Think of the great benefit to the nation in 700,000,000 S. B. Cough Drops, Think of the coughs relieved, the colds warded off, throats soothed and voices cleared. Who uses these cough drops? Opera singers and policemen, soldiers and sailors. Letter carriers and congressmen. School children and actors. Woodsmen and pub- lic lecturers. Motorists and sports- men. Is there anyone who doesn't know and use S. B. Cough Drops? They have been a national stand- by for 70 years. S. B. Cough Drops are pure, absolutely. No drugs. No nar- cotics. Pure ingredients with just enough charcoal to sweeten the stomach. Cold, damp, raw, cough-pro- ducing weather is around the corner. Be prepared with a box of SMITH BROTHERS'. Put one in your mouth at bed- time to keep the breathing passages clear. SMITH BROTHERS of Poughkeepsie Also maimers of S. B. Chewing Gum ^ 237 THE PLATTSBURGER "// it's Hardware we have it" Attention!! r^UR Store is full ^^ of the many things to make the officer Happy and Comfortable such as the Regulation Army Roll Leather Shirts Leather Coats Leather Puttees Imitation Leather Puttees Sheep Lined Coats Chamois Lined Coats French Coats Gun Cleaners Gun Oils Gun Greases Hoppe's No. 9 Solvent Marbles Gun Solvent Camp Slippers Pullman Slippers ThisisonlyapartialHst of the many articles we have to sell. If you are interested we would be pleased to quote you prices. Goods shipped same day order received. The largest Hardware and Sporting Goods House In Northern New York A. H. Marshall Co. Incorporated 74 MARGARET STREET PLATTSBURG NEW YORK MY ADDRESS W. E. CROSS City Jeweler 36 CLINTON STREET PLATTSBURG, N. Y. In case the purchase you made from my store while in Plattsburg, did not turn out just as repre- sented. Branch Phone 599- Y-3 City Phone 75-J BRANCH OF The Fashion Shop H. A. WOOD Uniforms and Equipment KNOX HATS 52-A U. S. AVE. 22 CLINTON ST. PLATTSBURG, N. Y. 238 THE PLATTSBURGER HI'ICHCOCK'S PHARMACY PLATTSBURG, N. Y. Boomhower Grocery Co., Inc. Wholesale Grocers and Manufacturers of BUTTER and CHEESE PROVISIONS and FARM PRODUCE We specialize in Pure Food Products for Public Institutions, Military Posts and Training Camps Main Office - PLATTSBURG, N. Y. PHONE 200 239 THE PLATTSBURGER A Glimpse of the Trip through the Chasm l*i*«r^ Men ID Uniform from the PlatUbiirg Training Camp Ausable Chasm — The Yosemite of the East Is Fourteen Miles South of Plattsburg on the Ausable River Accessible by rail, boats on Lake Champlain, and on the Empire Tour HOTEL AUSABLE CHASM AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE GORGE HAS 200 Rooms with All Modern Conveniences Furnished with vegetables and dairy products from its own farm Artesian well water thrf)ughout the hotel 240 !'.B*?l4i«