New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the world war, 1917-1918, Part 22

Author: Wall, John P. (John Patrick), 1867-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: New Brunswick, N.J. : S. M. Christie Press
Number of Pages: 246


USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the world war, 1917-1918 > Part 22


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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Country


Net Cost


Roumania


339,117


200,000


Belgium


267,000


40,000


While these tables probably are approximately cor- rect, they give little idea of the damage inflicted on each country, which obviously depends on the coun- try's population and resources. Serbia, for instance, lost about sixteen per cent. of her entire population, while Russia, losing more than twice as many men, had her population impaired only about one per cent.


Organization of the American Legion


The American Legion organized in New Bruns- wick on July 10, 1919. The Post was named Charles Henry Post in honor of the first man from this city to make the supreme sacrifice on the bat- tlefield of France.


The first cfficers chosen were: Commander, Capt. J. Bayard Kirkpatrick; Vice Commander, Capt. Herbert W. Nafey; Adjutant, Lieut. Franklin M. Ritchie; Finance Officer, Walter H. Smith; Histo- rian, Chester R. Holeman.


One hundred fifty


IN THE WORLD WAR


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Rutgers College; Its Part in the War


Throughout the period of hostilities, Rutgers Col- lege, which was chartered as Queens College by George III of England, on November 10, 1766, and which has been located in New Brunswick since 1771, performed meritorious service for the United States, both as an institution and through its alumni and undergraduates. With the declaration of war with Germany in April, 1917, the college at once for- mally pledged its unqualified loyalty to the cause, and offered its fullest co-operation with the govern- ment in all matters pertaining to the successful car- rying on of the war. At the same time, President D. H. S. Demarest, with the sanction of the Board of Trustees, placed the resources of the college, its land, buildings, equipment, and educational forces, at the disposal of the State. Special emphasis was laid upon the course in Military Science,, and an extra two-hour period granted for military training. After the first flurry of excitement had passed, the college settled down to something of its usual rou- tine; but during the period from April to June, 1917, two hundred and six undergraduates were released from their college obligations in order to enter some form of government service.


The first complete war year of the college was begun on September 19, 1917, with an enrollment of 451, a decrease of 61 from the preceding year. Major John Bigelow, U. S. A., retired, was detailed by the War Department as Professor of Military Science and Tactics, and with the aid of four assistants, gradually perfected the working organization of the military department. In September, the War Serv- ice Bureau of Rutgers College was organized "for the purpose of keeping Rutgers men in touch with the college and with one another." This bureau, which as far as can be ascertained was the only one of its kind among the American colleges, per- formed splendid service for alumni and undergradu- ates, sending monthly news letters to all Rutgers men in the Army and Navy, answering personal questions, notifying the alumni body of possible gov-


ernment openings, and compiling and preserving the records of the activities of Rutgers men in the war.


With the beginning of the second term in January, 1918, the student enrollment had fallen to 387. The military department increased its scope of activi- ties; a course in Radio-Communication was given by the Department of Electrical Engineering at the re- quest of the authorities at Washington, and war courses in various lines of agriculture were offered at frequent intervals at the College Farm. The aca- demic year was brought to a close on May 21st, in order to permit the undergraduates to enter upon government work as soon as possible. At the 152nd commencement, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels.


In October, 1918, shortly after the beginning of the 153rd year of the college, a Students' Army Training Corps was established at Rutgers. Under this plan, all students over eighteen years of age and of the required physical fitness were voluntarily inducted into the service of the United States and were subject to military discipline. They received the pay of a private, their uniform and equipment; and their tuition, board and lodging were paid to the college by the government. The campus, therefore, was virtually turned into an army camp.


During the last week in September, James C. Tor- pey, First Lieutenant, U. S. A., was detailed by the War Department as Commanding Officer of the Stu- dents' Army Training Corps. Associated with him were seven second lieutenants, recent graduates from Plattsburg. Lieutenant Torpey proceeded at once to perfect plans for the organization of the S. A. T. C., and at noon, Tuesday, October 1, induction exercises were held on the college campus. Thereafter, mili- tary work superceded the academic. The two col- lege dormitories and three of the fraternity houses were turned into army barracks; the dining room in Winants Hall, with some material changes, was transformed into a mess room; special courses of


One hundred fifty-one


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NEW BRUNSWICK


study were adopted; and military headquarters es- tablished in the Ballantine gymnasium. The ordi- nary working day started at 6:15 with reveille; the other items in the schedule included the following: 7.00, breakfast; 8.00-10.00, classes; 10.00-12.00, drill; 12.00-1.00, dinner; 1.00-5.00, classes; 5.00-5.15, re- treat; 5.30, supper; 7.00-9.00, study; 10.00, taps. Fol- lowing the establishment of the military organiza- tion, the college settled down to a routine of in- tensive work.


The Y. M. C. A. carried on a program similar to that of the regular army camps, and the football team completed its schedule of games. But for the most part, the interest of the student body was con- fined to purely military subjects.


In accordance with the purpose of the Training Corps, namely, the selection of the best qualified undergraduates for further training for commissions in the United States Army, ten undergraduates were selected for additional work at Camp Lee, Va., and were transferred to that place on November 2nd. Meanwhile, the military organization of the college had been steadily increasing in efficiency, until on November 11, 1918, when the announcement of the signing of the Armistice was made, the machinery was running with commendable smoothness and gave sure promise of the accomplishment of the purpose for which it was established. With the cessation of hostilities, however, it was apparent that the work of the Corps would not long continue; and on De- cember 14, 1918, word having been received from Washington, the Students' Army Training Corps was formally discontinued and the undergraduate members discharged from the service of the United States.


So ended a unique chapter in the history of Rut-


gers College. But the service of the college in training potential officers through its S. A. T. C. was, of course, only a small part of its total contribution to the United States in the dark days of the war. Exclusive of the 361 members of the S. A. T. C., 854 Rutgers men were enlisted in the Military and Naval forces; 401 of these served in France, and 453 in the United States. The total number of Rutgers men in uniform was 1,215, representing 35 per cent. of the entire undergraduate and alumni body. And there were, moreover, hundreds of Rutgers gradu- ates in supplementary work ,which in many cases was fully as essential as actual participation on the field of battle. There were 435 Rutgers men com- missioned; of these, two were major generals, one a brigadier general, two colonels, four lieutenant colonels, 26 majors, 6 captains, 116 first lieutenants, 182 second lieutenants, one lieutenant commander, three sergeons, five junior lieutenants, 30 ensigns. Of the men in service, exclusive of the S. A. T. C., 51 per cent. were commissioned; and of those who were members of classes prior to 1914, 75 per cent. received commissions. Twenty-three sons of the col- lege died in the service of the nation, and 24 were wounded in action. Seventeen were decorated by the United States or foreign governments, and eleven were cited for meritorious service or exceptional bravery in action.


The record of Rutgers College in the Great War is one to which New Brunswick may well point with pride. To the splendid achievements of her sons in the four wars which have taken place in the first century and a half of her life, Rutgers may now set down with equal satisfaction the deeds of the younger generation of graduates and undergraduates in the years which have just past.


TOR


SEVEM ROI EST


VERUM CAUDIUM


1766


The Rutgers Preparatory School in the War


Soon after war was declared, and before the spring term closed, one of the teachers and several of the graduating class enlisted. All of the teachers but the Headmaster and First Assistant enlisting during the summer and were sent to various officers' train- ing camps. Military intsruction was revived at the opening of the fall term, and a company was or- ganized and uniformed. Mr. G. W. Nuttman re- turned to the position of Drill Master, which he had


previously held for many years.


With the opening of school in the fall of 1918, the entire school, including the four preparatory classes and the two highest classes in the Elemen- tary School, were uniformed and drilled by Regular Army Lieutenants from the S. A. T. C., throughout the year. They were organied into three platoons under the usual cadet officers, chosen by competitive examination on the study of the Infantry Drill Regu-


One hundred fifty-two


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THE WORLD WAR


lations. Drill was conducted out of doors for six hours a week throughout the year. Dummy rifles were used, as it was impossible to procure cadet rifles. The "best soldier" in 1917 was Cadet Captain Clarence J. Hofer; in 1918, Cadet Captain William P. Kelly, Jr., and these names were inscribed on the School Tablet donated for this purpose in 1898, by the class of that year.


A large number of graduates and former teachers of that school held commissions in the Army, Navy, and Flying Corps, and many others served in the ranks. A bronze tablet commemorating three of its graduates who made the supreme sacrifice, was erect- ed by the classes of 1918 and 1919, to JOYCE KILMER, DANIEL SMART, MICHAEL HERSHMANN.


A silk regimental flag was presented to the Cadet Company by the class of 1916.


Throughout the War the spirit of the school was vibrant with patriotic purpose. The war issues were discussed, the progress of war campaigns was re- viewed ,and the students were set to work on such things as pupils could do. The boys studied their daily lessons with a marked increase of purpose, be- lieving that they were preparing, possibly for army life, and surely for reconstruction work after the war.


The contributions to War Activities reflected this spirit. The United War Workers' Fund received $645.89, the Red Cross $453, Second Liberty Loan $200, a Village in France $100, and other objects smaller sums, making a total of $1,528.64. The school at this time enrolled 75 in the Preparatory School proper, and 131 in the Elementary Depart- ment, and such an outpouring of benevolence was most creditable.


New Brunswick High School's


Part in the Great World War


Throughout the entire period of the war the stu- dents took their part in all of the activities. Every student was a member of the Junior Red Cross. The girls prepared 5,800 surgical dressings, 50 knit- ted garments and 200 miscellaneous articles. Lib- erty bonds to the amount of $11,900 were pur- chased and $5,700 in Thrift Stamps. The amount contributed to the United War Workers' Fund was $2,108 and $375 to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memo- rial Fund. Seven French war orphans were cared for by the school.


There were enrolled in the Army, Navy and Fly- ing Corps 255 former students. Of this number five were wounded and five gave their lives for world- wide liberty. The school has erected a tablet in the memory of those who made the supreme sacri- fice :


JOSEPH CORSO, ARTHUR GOWEN, SAMUEL NOVINS, JACOB POLLINS, LAWRENCE QUAL.


The Parochial Schools' Part in the Conflict


St. Peter's school sent out two hundred and twenty-six of the boys that passed through her doors to answer the call to the Colors. Among those being Lieutenant Commander Frank J. Daly and Lieutenant John L. Donnigan of the Navy, and in the Army Captain J. Leo Daly, in the Quarter- masters department, Captain Wm. J. Condon and Finst Lieutenant John F. McGovern in the Medical Department; Captain Harold Flannigan in the Den-


tal Corps. Also Lieutenant Joseph A. McGovern in the Engineers. All of whom saw active service in France.


The Sacred Heart School sent out its propor- tion as did the Hungarian, Italian and St. John's German Catholic School, to this school belongs the honor of having one of its pupils, Charles Henry, to be the first New Brunswick boy to offer his life on the battle fields of France.


One hundred fifty-three


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One hundred fifty-four


THE EXHAUST


PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY THE Raritan Arrenal METUCHEN NEW JERSEY


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RAISED BY EDDIE SKIFF PASSING IN AUTO TRUCKS - AT GON PER HOUR.


UP-TO-DATE NON-COM TRENCH FIGHTERS.


DURING THE WAR THE MEN AT CAMP RARITAN PUBLISHED A CAMP WEEKLY. THIS PAGE IS PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL HEADING, AND WITH IT A CARTOON BY SERGEANT PAULIN. THE EXHAUST WAS A REAL LIVE PUBLICATION, AND WAS PRINTED BY S. M. CHRISTIE, 11-15 PEACE STREET, NEW BRUNSWICK.


NEW


BRUNSWICK


ALL FOR THE BOYS.


A SEVEN


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THE WORLD WAR


Raritan Arsenal


Among the many problems that arose in the orig- inal consideration of the successful prosecution of the war was the establishment of an ordnance depot near the Port of Embarkation of New York, capable of receiving, storing and shipping immense quanti- ties of material for the use of the military forces of the United States and her Allies overseas. The necessity for such a depot gave rise to the selection of the site now generally known as Camp Raritan and officially as Raritan Arsenal.


The arsenal properties were acquired under re- quisitions of January 8, January 25 and February 2, 1918, and embrace about 2,220 acres.


There were built 172 barracks, 29 mess halls, and 29 latrines, together with a 200-bed hospital. The building program at the arsenal called for the erec- tion of magazines and other buildings, as well as about 53 miles of railways, locomotive houses, docks and incidental equipment amounting to over four- teen million dolars.


Raritan Arsenal became one of the most import- ant in the United States and from February until November, 1918, 333,038 gross tons of munitions were handled, 187,446 tons were received and stored in the magazines, 78,342 tons were shipped, includ- ing shipments by lighters over seas, domestic, truck and express orders; 67,251 tons were transferred from one magazine to another. These figures rep- resent the gross tonnage of the material itself. In estimating the total tonnage actually handled by the men all material transferred and shipped by way of the docks was handled twice. This would double the tonnage actually handled, on these two items.


From the docks alone there were shipped by ligh- ter 52,239 tons, loaded on 161 lighters and shipped overseas.


From the standpoint of carload lots, the men un- loaded 5,294 cars or a daily average of 17. The number of cars actually shipped out of the reserva- tion amounted to 755 or two cars daily.


On September the 6th, seventy-two cars were un- loaded and ninety-two loaded, requiring the services of 1,418 men, not including checkers and foremen. The accomplishments for this banner day shows a " total of 164 cars.


The month of August was the busiest, 66,510 tons were handled this month. More cars were received and unloaded than in any other month. In Septem- ber records were made in transfers and shipping.


During the busiest months labor details averaged between 700 and 900 men per day. In the month of August they averaged from 800 to 1,200; the docks alone averaging about 300.


The training activities of the camp commenced January 14, 1918, with the arrival of 70 men and two officers. During the month of August the per- sonnel reached a strength of 6,519 men. On Novem- ber 11, 1918, there was 458 officers and 5,867 men on duty, making a total of 6,325 in camp when the armistice was signed.


On September 1, the first unit was organized and shipped for service in France. On July 13, the Mili- tary Police began their work in this section, and the force, numbering 125 men, worked in New Bruns- wick, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, Bound Brook and Metuchen. They were a great aid to the civil au- thorities at all times. They were demobilized Feb- ruary 21, 1919.


The camp was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel J. H. M. Andrews, to whose untiring efforts much of the success of the camp is due.


THE ORIGINAL KITCHEN POLICE.


One hundred fifty-five


NEW BRUNSWICK


The Four-Minute-Men


When on April 6, 1917, the Congress recognized the existence of a state of war between the Im- perial German Government and the people of the United States, it became necessary immediately to mobilize, not alone the physical, but the mental and spiritual powers of America.


There was no lack of patriotism on the part of the American people, but there was a failure to fully appreciate the existing and threatening danger and the duty that every man, woman and child owed to the country, together with the good each could do.


This could only be accomplished by a campaign of education, those in authority appreciating the fact that when our people understood what they should and could do, there would be no qeustion about the result.


It was, therefore, in March, 1917, decided to or- ganize a group of speakers for the purpose of carry- ing whatever message the authorities in Washing- ton thought proper and advantageous to the people.


The title "Four-Minute Men" was given in dual reference to the Minute Men of the Revolutionary War and to the time limit necessarily imposed upon speakers who were to appear during brief intermis-


sions in Theaters, Moving Picture Houses and, in fact, every place where people congregated.


The New Brunswick organization of Four-Minute Men constituted of the following gentlemen: SAMUEL SCHLEIMER, Chairman,


PROF. LIVINGSTON BARBOUR,


DR. LEON CHAMBERLAIN,


HON. PETER F. DALY,


DR. WILLIAM H. S. DEMAREST,


DR. HENRY HALE GIFFORD,


DR. JASPER S. HOGAN,


SAMUEL HOFFMAN,


DR. J. A. INGHAM,


DR. W. W. KNOX,


DR. JOSEPH B. KULP,


PROF. JOHN H. LOGAN.


DR. G. H. PAYSON,


DR. HERBERT PARRISH,


MILTON J. PREGER,


FREDERICK RICHARDSON,


FRANK H. SKINNER, A. C. STREITWOLF,


DR. AUSTIN SCOTT,


FREEMAN WOODBRIDGE,


RUSSELL E. WATSON.


SAY VIVE ! JOIN THE TANKS


THANKS MILES I DON'T DRINK


-


LIEUT. MILES ROSS OF THE TANKS INVITES CAPT. "VIVE" ROSS TO BECOME ONE


-


One hundred fifty-six


IN THE WORLD WAR


Summary of the Local Daily Events


MARCH, 1917.


14. Board of Trade adopts unanimous resolution to support the President.


21. Home Defence League proposed.


22. Rutgers graduates and upper classmen apply in large numbers for commissions in the Officers' Reserve Corps.


26. Home Defense League organized at a meeting of 200 men. Spanish-Ameriacn War veterans, offer services to Mayor Farrington.


28. Company H ordered to mobilize.


31, Company H mustered into the Federal service. APRIL, 1917.


3. City Commissioners vote $3,000 to the Home Defense League.


4. Filtration plant, reservoir and pumping station placed under guard.


6. Co. H leaves for Trenton. War declared.


23. U. S. Marines put on guard at the Marconi Station.


MAY, 1917.


27. Over 2,000 members secured for the local Red Cross.


30. Greatest Memorial Day celebration ever held in the city.


JUNE, 1917.


5. Big Mass Meeting at Ballantine Gymnasium to boost the Liberty Loan.


6. Exemption Board appointed.


11. French Commission visits the wireless station. JULY, 1917.


3. Home Defense Guard ordered to South River to preserve order.


5. Big Fourth of July celebration.


12. Warning issued that any person found walking along the shore or path near the railroad bridge would be arrested.


25. Raymond Grimes is the first name to be drawn in the draft.


AUGUST, 1917.


6. Peter E. Vliet is the first man to pass physical examination for military duty.


10. National Guardsmen mobilize at Buccleuch Park, the battalion consisting of 425 men.


16. First Battalion hikes to mobilization camp near Trenton.


SEPTEMBER, 1917.


4. First five men for National Army leave for Camp Dix.


14. Over 2,000 participate in parade held in honor of Co. H and drafted men.


23. Mayor Farmington and large delegation visit Camp Dix.


OCTOBER, 1917.


3. Home Guards reorganized.


3. Co. H arrives at Camp Mcclellan, Alabama.


4. General Goethals elected president the Wright-Martin Aircraft corporation.


26. New Brunswick Lodge of Elks takes $25,000 in Liberty Bonds.


NOVEMBER, 1917.


2. Coal dealers give notice that only one ton of coal will be delivered to customers at a time.


3. Twenty-one thousand housewives in Middlesex county sign food conservation pledge cards.


19. Fifty-five boys leave for Camp Dix.


20. City Commissioners vote $1,000 for work of the Home Defense League.


DECEMBER, 1917.


7. Over 5,000 residents become aliens upon declara- tion of war with Austria-Hungary.


14. Doctors Donahue, Smith, Gutman, Howley, Mc- Laughlin and Anderson are named on Medical Advisory Board in connection with the selective service system.


JANUARY, 1918.


2. Government takes over Wright-Martin plant.


3. Jersey Blue Chapter presents Rutgers' College with handsome American flag to replace one over Queens College, which is worn out. Mayor Farrington starts movement for registration of all aliens in city. Cash receipts for Jewish Re- lief announced as $4,167.34.


4. Fuel Administrator Charles A. McCormick is- sues order closing all public schools until Janu- ary 15th. Public Service shuts off power in over 100 local establishments until Monday.


5. Fuel administration opens five coal stations in the city.


10. Board of Education decided to keep public schools closed until January 21st.


13. Service flag with 118 stars is blessed at special exercises held in St. Peter's Church.


16. Wright-Martin Aircraft Co. is included in three days a week order for power to run plant.


18. All manufacturers in Middlesex county comply with order of fuel administrator to close down for five days except those exempted.


21. Holiday is observed in all lines of business not exempted by order of fuel administrator.


25. Chief of Police Michael O'Connell announces complete plans for registering aliens beginning February 4th.


27. Service flag in honor of 19 young men in war service is presented to the First Baptist Church.


28. Shortage of coal is so acute that three coal dealers announce their supplies exhausted. Eighty-three soldiers en route to Washington with army trucks, are served with a hot lunch.


One hundred fifty-seven


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BRUNSWICK


1. Rutgers College announces that in order to con- serve fuel several buildings will be closed and others kept open but half time. Official records show that there have been 20 snow storms so far and that nearly 29 inches of snow have fallen.


FEBRUARY, 1918.


1. Fuel Administrator McCormick announces that all food stores must close at noon on Mondays. Kenneth Swain, Winant Gowen, A. D. Prentiss and Paul Haney arrive home on ten day fur- lough and tell of experiences on first trip across with U-boats.


4. Mayor Farrington sends letter of protest to Public Service Company against shutting off power from local filtration plant. Work of reg- istering enemy aliens starts with 18 appearing at post office.


10. About $1,000 is contributed to the fund for the repatriation of the Jewish people in Palestine, at a mass meeting held in the Opera House, Rabbi Wise speaking.


13. Many local plants shut down on account of lack of power from Public Service.


18. Fire destroys building at Morgon Shell load- ing plant, causing less of $30,000.


19. All factories in Middlesex county in full opera- tion, after enforced shut down due to lack of power.


20. Ten New Brunswick men leave for Camp Dix. 22. J. W. Johnson made chairman of next Liberty Loan Campaign committee.


25. One hundred and twenty-five men leave for army service at Camp Dix, a big demonstration being given them at the railroad station by citizens. Food administration leases big ware- house of Janeway and Carpender for storage of manufactured goods for new terminal at Bonhamtown.


26. High wind blows over brick walls of two build- ings at government terminal at Bonhamtown, killing Philip Moscowich, of New York, and in- juring three others. Title to 1,200 acres of land at Bonhamtown, part of which is in government reservation, is transferred to Lewis Nixon.




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