In these government departments it is expected that the finger print
records will serve to keep undesirable people out of the service, as
well as to afford a complete method of identifying every member, or
past member, in years to come.
Both branches of the War Department, the army and navy, had first
installed the Bertillon system, and within the last year the finger
print system, thereby recognizing both, but apparently giving the
finger print system the preference; owing to the many ways it can be
applied in the service, and especially as to recording all enlisted
men and to the identification of those who might be maimed or killed
in battle, whose identity might be sought afterward, or to identify
deserters; or if a soldier or sailor has lost his honorable discharge
paper, he can go to any enlisting office, have his finger prints
taken, his identity established, and new papers issued, thereby
avoiding red tape or having about one dozen affidavits from different
people to substantiate his claim.
Not only as a means of detecting and identifying criminals may the
finger print be used, but its usefulness in various ways is easily
demonstrated.
It is clearly within the range of possibility that the traveler a few
years hence may be called upon to imprint an identifying finger mark
upon his letter of credit or certified check.
[Illustration: (Fingerprints on check.)]
As a means of preventing-fraud or securing the signatures of those who
cannot write, the finger print system is invaluable, as the mark may
be easily forged, but the finger's impress can be only made by the
proper party and cannot be duplicated by others.
The thumb or finger tips will leave an imprint upon glass, polished
metal or wood, owing to the moisture and natural oil oozing from the
cuticle. It is a simple matter to procure such imprints when wanted,
and they can be turned over to the authorities for identification of a
suspect.