SEMPER FIDELIS--ALWAYS FAITHFUL
The actions of Dick Comstock for the next few days were clothed in
mystery so far as his own immediate family was concerned, for he kept
his own counsel as to his movements when away from home. Even his sister
Ursula was not taken into his confidence. In the meantime the day of
Gordon Graham's departure for Annapolis arrived, and his friends went to
the station to give him a proper send-off.
Ursula and Dick were there, also Donald, Robert and Tommy Turner and
many of Gordon's classmates, of whom Dick was the closest friend.
"I still wish you were going, Dick," said Gordon sadly when the express
pulled in under the train shed. "It will be fearfully strange down
there with none of the old crowd around. Have you made any plans yet
regarding what you are going to do?"
"Not fully," answered Richard. "I expect to be leaving town in a day or
two, though."
"Where are you going?" inquired Gordon in surprise. But Ursula
approached them at that moment, and Dick gave a warning signal for
silence which Gordon saw and understood.
"Good-bye, Gordon," she said prettily, and Gordon suddenly regretted
that so many of the boys and girls were there to bid him farewell. He
would have much preferred to say his adieus to Ursula with no others
present. Strange he never before realized what a beautiful girl she had
become, with her blue eyes looking straight out at one from under the
black eyebrows and the hair blowing about her delicately tinted cheeks.
"A-l-l A-b-o-a-r-d!" rang the voice of the conductor, standing watch in
hand ready to give the starting signal to the engineer. The porters
were picking up their little steps and getting ready to depart.
"Good-bye, Ursula," said the lad simply, wringing her hand with a
heavier clasp than he knew, and though he nearly crushed the bones, she
never gave the least sign of the pain he was causing her; perhaps she
did not really feel it.
"Kiss me, Gordon," cried his mother, as she threw her arms around him.
"Don't forget to write immediately on arriving."
"Come on, my son, time to jump aboard," cautioned his father in a
suspiciously gruff tone, and in a moment more Gordon mounted the steps
where from the platform of the moving train he stood waving his hat in
farewell.
"Give him the school yell, fellows," shouted Tommy Turner at the top of
his lungs, and with that rousing cry ringing in his ears Gordon Graham
started on life's real journey.
That same evening while Dick's father was engaged with some business
papers, the boy came quietly into the room.
"Father, may I interrupt your work for a little while?" he inquired.
"Nothing important, Dick, my boy," answered Mr. Comstock, laying aside
the document he was reading; "what can I do for you?"
"Mother has just told me you are going to New York to-morrow; is that
so?"
"Yes, I have business there for the firm. Why?"
"I was hoping I might go along with you," returned the boy.
Dick's father scrutinized his son's face for a moment, wondering what
was behind the quiet glance and serious manner of the lad.
"What is the big idea?" questioned Mr. Comstock. "Want to spend a week
or two with Cousin Ella Harris?"
"No," replied Dick slowly, "I have something else in mind, but I don't
want to tell you what it is until we get on the train. It's a matter I
have been thinking over for some time and--well, you will know all about
it to-morrow, if I may go with you."
"Very well," replied his father, turning again to his work; "pack up and
be ready to leave in the morning. We'll take the ten o'clock express."
"Good-night, Dad, and thank you," said Dick simply.
"Good-night, Dick," answered Mr. Comstock, without looking up,
consequently he failed to see the lingering look the boy gave the
familiar scene before him, as if bidding it a silent last "good-night."
For Dick was drinking in each detail of the room as if trying to fix its
every feature indelibly in his memory.
At breakfast next morning he was more quiet than his mother had ever
known him, and both she and his sister Ursula were surprised to see the
tears fill his eyes when he kissed them.
"I never knew you to be such a big baby, Dick," said Ursula. "If you
feel so bad about leaving us why did you ask Father to take you on for a
visit with Cousin Ella?" Although Dick had not said that this was his
object in going away, it was a natural inference on Ursula's part, and
as he vouchsafed no reply to the contrary she consequently watched him
depart with a light heart.
In the crowded train Mr. Comstock and Richard succeeded finally in
getting a seat to themselves, and while his father finished reading the
morning paper, Dick spent his time in looking out the car window at the
familiar sights along the road. But before long he was talking
earnestly.
"Dad, I've decided what I want to do," he began, "but I can't do it
unless I get your consent."
"What's on your mind, son?" said Mr. Comstock, folding his paper and
smiling at the boy beside him. "Go ahead and I will pay close
attention."
"If I went to Annapolis," Dick observed, "I'd finish my course there at
the age of twenty-one, shouldn't I?"
"Yes, the course is four years at the Naval Academy."
"It would be the same if I went to West Point. In other words, by the
time I was twenty-one years old I would, if successful at either
institution, be either an ensign or a second lieutenant, as the case
might be!"
"Quite true," remarked Mr. Comstock, still unable to comprehend where
this preliminary fencing was leading.
"Have you ever heard of the United States Marine Corps?" asked Dick
after the silence of a second or two.
"Most certainly I have," was the reply. "The marines figure in nearly
every move our country makes in one way or another. They are always
busy somewhere, though they get but little credit from the general
public for their excellent work. I am not as familiar with their
history as I should be--as every good American who has his country's
welfare at heart should be, I might add, though perhaps I know a little
more about them than a vast majority. Were it not for the marines our
firm would have lost thousands of dollars some years ago when the
revolutionists started burning up the sugar mills and the cane fields in
Cuba. Our government sent a few hundred marines down there in a rush
and they put a stop to all the depredations in a most efficient manner.
The presence on the premises saved our mill beyond a doubt. But, how do
the marines figure in this discussion? You don't mean----"
"Well, you see, it's this way," said the boy, and now his words no
longer came slowly and haltingly, "I've made up my mind to become a
Marine Officer, and if I can't do it by the time I'm twenty-one, then my
name isn't Richard Comstock."
"Bless me! How do you propose going about it, Dick? As I have told
you, there is no chance of going to the Naval Academy this year, and I
understand that all marine officers are appointed to the Corps from
among Annapolis graduates. For that reason I do not believe you
have----"
"Excuse me, Dad, but that's just where you are mistaken. All the marine
officers don't go through the Naval Academy. Some of them enlist and go
up from the ranks. They win their shoulder straps on their own merit.
That's what I expect to do if you will only give me the chance. And you
will, won't you, Dad?" Dick's voice trembled with eagerness as he put
the momentous question.
A few moments elapsed before his father answered and when he began
speaking he reached out and gently placed his hand over that of his son.
"Evidently you have been looking into this matter thoroughly. I know
now what has been keeping you so silent these last few days. I
suspected you were grieving over your disappointment at my inability to
send you to the Naval School or possibly over the departure of your
chum, Graham, but I might have known my boy was using his time to better
advantage than 'crying over spilled milk.'"
Mr. Comstock paused a moment and then continued:
"I know how your mind is wrapped up in a military career, Dick. Ever
since you were a little shaver you have played at military and naval
mimic warfare. You love it, and I believe you would become a good
officer some day with proper training. Anything I may honorably do for
the attainment of your desires and your advancement I am but too willing
to undertake. But, my boy, I am not sure of the advisability of
permitting you to become an ordinary enlisted man with that uncertainty
of ever gaining your point--I imagine it is a more or less uncertain
proposition. Besides, Dick, you are pretty young to be allowed to start
out on such a hard life. The career of an enlisted man is not a bed of
roses--full of trials and temptations of all kinds. At West Point or
Annapolis you will be given kind treatment and be under careful
surveillance for four years and not subjected to the roughness and
uncouthness which must attend a start in the ranks. In another year
there may be an opening for you at either place. However, I will not
deny your request until I have looked further into the case. I am
afraid your mother would never hear of such a thing for her only boy.
Why not wait and consult her regarding it?"
"I'll tell you why, Dad," began Dick, launching again into his subject
at once so as to press home the slight advantage he believed he had
gained, "on the Fourth of July I'll be seventeen years of age. Mother
didn't happen to think of that, or she would have made me wait a few
days before going to Cousin Ella's, where she believes I have gone. You
know, Dad, that for years I've been able to blow a bugle and handle the
drumsticks better than any other boy in town. Well, last week, when we
were on board the _Nantucket_, I saw some young boys belonging to the
Marine guard of the ship, and I found out all about them. Why, they
were smaller than Tommy Turner!
"It appears that there is a school for musics[#] at the Marine Barracks
in Washington, D.C., where boys between the ages of fifteen and
seventeen are given training. They enlist to serve until majority, but
often after they have served a short time as drummer or trumpeter they
get permission to change their rank and become privates. This puts them
in line for promotion to the rank of corporal and sergeant. I've been
talking with Tommy's uncle, and he was kind enough to have me meet an
officer of Marines stationed at the Navy Yard back home, who recently
came from recruiting duty. That officer, Lieutenant Stanton is his name,
told me that the Corps is filled up just now, and all enlisting stopped,
so that my only chance to get in right away would be in this school for
musics. In two days more I'll be too old to get in. I knew if I
proposed the subject at home, Mother would offer such objections that I
just couldn't refuse to do as she wished. Therefore I've packed up and
left home for good. Dad, you--you won't stop me, will you? You'll give
me this chance? I've set my heart on it so much!"
[#] In the Army and Marine Corps drummers and trumpeters are generally
called "musics." On board ship the sailor man who blows the trumpet is
called a "bugler." The school for Marine Corps musics is now located at
Paris Island, S.C. (1919)
Dick stopped talking. It was the longest extemporaneous speech he ever
had made in his life, and as he watched his father's face, he wondered
if he had said too much or not enough!
Once again a long silence ensued, while Mr. Comstock reviewed all the
boy had said. What should he do? To deny Dick's request might be the
very worst step he possibly could take, for he knew the process of
reasoning by which this purposeful, upright son of his arrived at his
conclusions. He believed thoroughly in his son, and wanted to make no
mistake in his decision.
"Let us go in to luncheon, Dick, and give me a little time to think this
over. It is a little sudden, you know, and should not be gone into
unwisely."
During the meal John Comstock questioned Dick closely regarding this
subject uppermost in the minds of both. He saw that the lad was bent
upon carrying out his project; that the boy had given it careful
thought; that he had weighed its advantages and disadvantages with more
acumen than most boys of his age.
Richard was a good student, and not for a moment did the father doubt
that his son if given the opportunity would win his commission.
"Was it your idea to go to the New York recruiting station to-day on our
arrival?" asked Mr. Comstock, when they resumed their seat in the day
coach.
"Yes, Dad, for if I enlist in New York the government sends me to
Washington and pays my way there."
"I have a better plan than that," said his father. "I will let my
business in New York wait on my return, and we will both go to
Washington this afternoon, and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
To-morrow I will go to the Commandant of the Marine Corps with you,
armed with a letter of introduction, and we will talk it over with him.
In this way I shall have a much clearer and more authoritative view of
your prospects. Then if you get by the physical examination and are
accepted I shall be able to see for myself how and where you will be
fixed."
"Then I may go? You will allow me?" cried Richard, almost jumping out
of his seat in his enthusiasm. "You are just the finest Dad in the
world! And what is best of all about your plan is that Mother will be
less worried if you are able to tell her everything as you see it."
"That is one of my chief reasons for going about it in this way,"
quietly remarked his father. "I know she will be heart-broken at first,
and probably will accuse me of being an unworthy parent; so, my boy, it
is a case of how you manage your future, which must prove to her that we
both acted for your best interests."
"I'll work hard; I don't need to tell you that, Father," Dick replied.
On arriving in New York they hastened across the city, luckily making
good connections for Washington, and the following morning the schedule
as planned was begun.
It was Richard's first visit to the capital, and consequently everything
he saw interested him. The wonderful dome of the Capitol building; the
tall white shaft of Washington Monument, the imposing architecture of
the State, War and Navy Departments, the broad streets, the beautiful
parks and circles with their many statues, all claimed his attention.
After securing the letter of introduction, Mr. Comstock first took
Richard to the Navy Department where, on inquiry, they found that Marine
Corps Headquarters was in a near-by office building. The original
structure built for the Navy was even then getting too small for the
business of its many bureaus. The building they sought was but a few
steps away, and their route led them directly past the White House, the
official residence of the President of the United States.
While on their journey they saw but few persons in uniform. Even in the
Navy Building there was a decided absence of officers or men in the
dress of their calling. This seemed very odd to the boy, as he always
pictured in his imagination the "seat of the nation" was gay with
uniformed officials of his own and other countries.
"Why is it, Father, you see so few uniforms in the capital?" he
inquired.
"I am not positive I am right," replied Mr. Comstock, "but the American
officers, soldiers and sailors object to wearing their military clothes
except when they are actually required to do so.[#] Our nation is so
democratic that they believe it makes them appear conspicuous.
Furthermore, in uniform they are often discriminated against,
particularly in the case of enlisted men. This is one of the reasons
why a better class of men do not go into the service--they consider the
wearing of a uniform belittles them in the eyes of the public."
[#] Previous to the war with Germany officers of the United States
services were not required to wear uniforms when off duty and outside
their ship or station. Enlisted men were also permitted to wear civilian
clothing while on liberty, under certain restrictions. Civilian
clothing was generally called "cits" by those in service.
"I think a uniform is the best kind of clothing a fellow can wear. I'll
be mighty proud of mine, and never will be ashamed of it."
"In Europe," continued Dick's father, "a soldier is looked upon in a
different light, depending to a great extent in what country he serves.
They are honored and usually given every consideration, or at least the
officers are, and particularly in Germany, where militarism is the first
word in culture. The United States, on the other hand, maintains such a
small and inadequate army and navy that our men in uniform are really
more like curiosities to the people than anything else."
"But there are a lot of men in uniform back home," Dick remarked.
"Yes, enlisted men, seldom officers. The reason is, the proximity of
several army forts, a navy yard and the frequent visits of the
men-of-war in our harbor. So we at home are familiar with the different
branches of the service; but it is far from being the case in most
cities of our republic," answered Mr. Comstock.
They were now approaching the building wherein the headquarters of the
Marine Corps were located, when Dick exclaimed:
"Look, Father! There are some marines now; aren't they simply great?"
Two stalwart men in uniform were crossing the street just ahead of the
speaker. In their dark blue coats piped in red, with the five shiny
brass buttons down the front and yellow and red chevrons on the arms,
trousers adorned with bright red stripes and blue caps surmounted by the
Corps insignia over the black enameled vizors, they were indeed a most
attractive sample of the Marine Corps non-commissioned officer at his
best.
"It's their regular dress uniform," Dick announced, "and I think it's
the best looking outfit I have ever seen, but, Dad, you should see the
officers when they get into their full dress!"
"Where did you pick up all your knowledge of their uniforms, Dick?"
asked his father curiously.
"Oh, Tommy Turner made his uncle show them all to us. You see, he
stayed in the Corps for some years after the Spanish War, and he has
always kept his uniforms. He believes that some day he may need them
again if ever the United States gets into a big fight, and if that time
comes he is going back into the marines."
Following the two non-commissioned officers into a tall structure, Mr.
Comstock and Richard were whisked up several stories in an elevator and
found themselves before an opened door upon which were the words, "Aide
to the Commandant."
A young man in civilian dress rose as they entered and inquired their
business, which Mr. Comstock quickly explained.
"Sit down, sir, if you please, and I will see if the General can talk
with you," he said.
They did as directed, while the young man disappeared into an adjoining
room. A few moments later he returned and motioned for them to follow
him.
"What may I do for you, Mr. Comstock?" inquired a large, handsome,
gray-haired gentleman standing behind the desk when they entered. He
too was in civilian clothes, but despite the fact, looked every inch the
soldier he was known to be.
Mr. Comstock introduced Richard to the General and then told him the
reason of his visit.
"My boy is anxious to become a marine, and I have promised to look into
the necessary preliminary steps. I understand that you are not
recruiting just at present, but we were told that possibly my son would
be taken into the Corps as a bugler or drummer."
"Yes, we do take boys in for training as field musics," said the
General, glancing at Dick for a moment, "but your son, I fear, is too
old; the ages for this class of enlistment are from fifteen to seventeen
years, and judging by the lad's size he already passed the age limit."
"He is very nearly, but has yet a few hours of grace," replied Mr.
Comstock. "He will be seventeen to-morrow, and I was hoping that you
might enlist him to-day. My son's object in going into the Corps is to
work for a commission. That is one of the inducements which I understand
the Corps offers its enlisted personnel, is it not?"
"You are right, Mr. Comstock; at the present time our officers are taken
from graduates of the Naval Academy or from the ranks. There have been
times when civilian appointments were allowed, but the law has now been
changed."
"In that case then, could you take my boy into your organization? He
understands that his advancement depends entirely on his own merit, and
he has taken a decided stand as to what he intends to do and has my full
consent to try it."
"Does he also understand that the number of officers appointed from the
ranks are few, and picked for their exceptionally good records and
ability, and that he serves an apprenticeship until he is twenty-one
years of age?" inquired the Commandant.
"Yes, sir," answered Richard, speaking for the first time.
"Why do you not enter the Naval Academy, young man, and after graduation
come into the Corps?" asked the General, looking at Dick with his stern
eyes.
"Well, sir, I failed to get the appointment at the last minute."
"Do you also realize there are many unpleasant things connected with the
life of an enlisted man, and are you prepared to meet them?"
"Yes, sir, and I believe I can make good."
"I like your spirit, young man," said the General approvingly; "the
motto of the Marine Corps is '_Semper Fidelis_--Always Faithful,' and to
be a true marine you must bear that motto in mind at all times and under
all conditions, if it is your hope to succeed in the service."
He now turned to Dick's father:
"Ordinarily, Mr. Comstock, our young men are held at the school for a
few days before we complete their enlistment in order that they may get
an idea of the life and duties to which they are about to bind
themselves when taking the oath of allegiance. In your son's case, I
believe he knows what he wants, and he is the kind of young man we wish
to get. Were he compelled to wait according to our usual custom he
would be past the age limit, consequently I will further your desires
and arrange to have him sworn into service immediately, providing he
passes the surgeon's examination. I will give you an order to the
Commanding Officer of the Marine Barracks which will answer your
purpose."
Saying this he gave the necessary directions to the aide, who had
remained standing near by, and a little later Dick and his father were
on a street car bound for the barracks, where the School for Musics was
located. Arriving there they soon found themselves in the presence of
the colonel commanding the post, who, on reading the instructions of the
Commandant, looked the boy over with an approving eye.
"I reckon you will be about the tallest apprentice we have here," he
said, and calling an orderly directed him to escort Dick to the
examining surgeon, and invited Mr. Comstock to sit and await the result.
The Marine Corps is primarily organized for service with the Navy,
though this has by no means been its only function in the past, nor
likely to be in the future. On many occasions the Corps has acted
independently and also with the Army, which is provided for in the
statutes. Being attached to the Navy and operating with it at Navy
Yards, Naval Stations and on board ship its medical officers are
supplied by the Navy, for the Corps maintains no sanitary service of its
own.
The Navy surgeon gave the lad a very thorough examination, one even more
thorough than usual, and after Dick had been passed and departed he
remarked to his assistant:
"That boy is one of the finest specimens of the American youth I have
ever examined. He is so clean limbed and perfectly muscled that it was
a joy to look at him."
After this visit, Dick, with the attendant orderly, returned to the
office of the Commanding Officer.
"Well, the surgeon states you are all right," said Colonel Waverly,
having glanced at the slip of paper the orderly handed him; "you are
quite positive that you wish to undertake the obligation, young man?"
"Quite, sir," was Dick's laconic response.
"Very well," and the Colonel then called loudly for the Sergeant Major.
"Sergeant Major, this young man is to be enlisted as an apprentice at
once. Make out the necessary papers."
Fifteen minutes later, with his right hand held high, his head proudly
erect, Richard Comstock took the solemn oath of allegiance to his
country, which so few young men seriously consider as they repeat its
impressive vows, and with the final words he graduated to man's estate.