Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1905 — The Quartermaster. [ARTICLE]

The Quartermaster.

The term quartermaster as used in both the army and navy appears to be confusing and anomalous. In the army it Is the title of a commissioned officer who performs Important and responsible duties. In the navy he is simply a warrant officer, directing subordinate duties. In old ships and under former arrangements his position was a more important one, so much so that he was considered to be the fourth part of the master; hence the term quartermaster, being principally engaged in assisting him in the navigation of the ship. Even at the present day he has charge of the steering gear and the men at the wheel. Other terms accentuate the fact of the original ufllitary predominance on board our svarshlps in early days. One of these still exists under the title of captain. There are captains of the quarter deck, forecastle, foretop, mainmast, mizzenmast, mizzentop, etc. The ship’s cook was once a great man on board ship, and there are instances on record of his being promoted for efficient preparation of food.—London Mall.