AMERICAN BATTALION.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1916, Page 7

AMERICAN BATTALION.

' UNDER CANADIAN COLOURS, Toronto, November 13. Au American-born battalion is the latest to take its place in ,tlie Canadian overseas army. Officially it is known as the f>7th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.), In addition to the number, shoulder straps of the uniform will have a special badge denied to all other Canadian battalions. The badge will be a combination of the maple leaf and a George Washington shield With the words, "American Legion." It will be one of the most popular of the Canadian battalions. Membership in it, both 'for officers and men, is confined to persona born in the United States. It will consequently be distinctly American. On joining, ail the initiation that takes place is swearing to the oath of allegiance to King George for the length of the war and six months thereafter.

U.S. ARMY MEN OFFICERS. There is no intention of appealing for recruits among residents of the United States, although it is possible that there will be many applications from such. The paymaster, a, retired United States army officer, arrived from across the border this week. So did the surgeon, who comes from Chicago. The other officers so far selected include two graduates of West Point and another from Annapolis. But judging by the way applications from American-born Canadians are tumbling in, there will not Jong be many vacancies. The prime mover in the organisation Is Major A. B. Clark, formerly of tjio 23rd National Guards and late'r of the 7th Regiment, New York, who has for some years been a resident of Ottawa, where he has been closely in touch with governmental authorities. Initial organisation is in charge of LieutenantColonel R. H. Labatt, a Canadian officer, who went to France with the first contingent, saw service at Ypres and is home en furlough. As soon as the organisation gets under way the command will be handed over to Major Clark, who will be promoted in rank. The adjutant of the battalion will be Captain Good, formerly of California, who has also been residing in Ottawa.

EAGER TO GET TO FRONT. The organisers of the battalion understand that their equipment and will be facilitated and that they will get to the front with expedition. Officers hope this will mean early next spring in time for the big spring movement. Up to the present, recruiting has been going on in Hamilton, in Calgary and other wstern points, but within a week Dr two the battalion will move to Toronto and will go into winter quarters h'ith the 10,000 other men at present located (here. A large building on the exposition grounds has been reserved for it as barracks, and is now being put into shape. Officers and members of the American Club of Toronto, under the presidency of Asa Minard, are taking more than a paternal interest in the battalion. A number of club members have enlisted as officers and privates. On December 11 a concert will be held for the purpose of providing comforts for the nun and a band. There is no doubt the battalion will do much to cement friendly feelings between Canada and the United States.

RtX'tUITING ON INCREASE. Recruiting at the present moment is proceeding faster and more satisfactorily than at ai:y time since the war started. In one day this week the Toronto recruiting d'-pot enlisted 173 men, the largest, number for one day on record. A big push for 100 new Canadian battalions is on, and already practically one-half have been raised. Military fervour in the cities is reaching new heights. Toronto always turns out for any kind of a military parade, but (he other day. when 10,000 soldiers who have been in Niagara camp all summer, were called out for a route march through tl.e main streets, practically the whole city decided to take a holiday. For throe hours the city as nearly a* ross-ible duplicated what happens in a country town when the circus arrives. This group of 10,000 is Toronto's third 10,000. She is now busy raising her fourth. Announcement from Sir Sam Hughes that he himself proposed to lead the Canadian divisions in F.nrope on the final march to Berlin will no doubt do much to stimulate reeriting. It also is doing much to hearten Canadians generally. His departure for the front would be an indication that the task of raising fresh troops was about completed, and that those already in the field were expected to be competent to finish the job. Further, Sir Sam's presence on the scene of operations will undoubtedly be. beneficial, even if the Canadian force he will command will be small when compared to European armies. He is a real soldier and possesses qualities of aggressiveness that will cot come amiss on the Allies' side.