Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1917 — WAR TALKS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WAR TALKS

By UNCLE DAN

Number Six

Billie and Jimmie Will Take Military Training. “I am mighty sorry, Uncle Dan, that this is your last night with us. Can’t you stay longer? We boys are having a peach of a ttffie,” said Billie. “Well, if you get more out of it in the way of pleasure than I,” said Uncle Dan, “you are going some.” “Billie,. I have been talking seriously with your father and mother about sending you to a military academy and they asked me to talk with you about it.” “Whoopee!” Billie screamed, like a wild Indian. “Now, hold your horses,” said Uncle Dan, “and listen to me. You know I sent my boy, Howard, to one of these schools for a year w hen he was about your age. He was narrow cl <ed, stoop shouldered, rather loose jointed; he had the big head and needed discipline and physical development. He was growing fast and I wanted him to be strong physically.” “Say, Uncle Dan,” said Billie, ‘T believe your description of Howard fits me pretty well, eh?” “Well,” said Uncle Dan, “to be frank I think it does; you need the same thing. Howard did not like it at first. I am told for a few weeks he had ‘rough sledding? but after he found that the only way was to obey orders, he caught the spirit of the institution and liked it. We did not see him for about six months, then he came home for a few days. We were astonished at his appearance. He had gained about 20 pounds in weight, his muscles were as hard as nails, he stood as straight as an arrow, he was courteous, consider-

ate and manly. His awkwardness had disappeared. The change was wonderful and it was all to the good. Here is a photograph showing ‘before and after taking,’ and I am sure no patent medicine advertisement could beat it. “Well, mother and I were delighted. That was ten years ago, and Howard says the year he spent at the military academy was the best year of his life. “Now,” said Uncle Dan, with great earnestness, “when- such training does so much good, makes better citizens and at the same time fits a man to defend his country, why should not Uncle Sam furnish this training at the government’s expense? The government has the right call anyone to iserve in case of war, and without training, a man is worth nothing as a soldier. Un» cle Sam has splendid new training camps that will soon be available for the purpose, therefore, here is double reason why the Chamberlain bill for compulsory military training should be passed at once, so that every boy physically fit may have this training and not leave it fQr his parents to pay for. On account of the expense, not one boy in 50 can take the training now. lam glad that you can do so. These big crops and big prices, I find, make the farmers rather ‘cocky,’ and'that the best is demanded by them.” Billie was up with the lark the next

morning, more excited and enthusiastic than ever. He had a plan. He knew Jimmie owned a colt worth $100; that he would make almost another SIOO on his potatoes if they turned out well, and that he had from his previous savings, bought a SIOO Liberty bond. Billie’s plan was to have Jimmie cash in and go with him. He was disappointed to find that Jimmie would still lack about S3OO of having enough to see him through. His lip quivering, he

said: “I’m mighty sorry to leave Jimmie.” Uncle Dan was silent a moment or two, then he asked Billie to go dova to the orchard and get him some apples to eat on the train. While he was gone, it was arranged that Uncle Dan and Mr. and Mrs. Graham would advance the money necessary so that Jimmie could go. When Billie returned he was told about it. He ran to the ’phone and called Jimmie, “Come on over, run just as fast as can, I’ve got the greatest news JM| ever heard of.” J

Note the result of six months of military training. Compare lines A-A and B-B in cut.