Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/235

 THE FIRST OFFICERS' TRAINING CAMP

���AWARDING COMMISSIONS

��The remarks of all of the speakers at these meetings created a deep impression on these men who were on the verge of an experience without precedent in American history. The words of the commanding officer, Colonel Nicholson, were especially taken to heart:

A previous speaker has told you that many of you will be officers. I would like to make officers of all of you, but we are limited by Wash- ington. You know the good book says that many are called, but few are chosen. We are going a little further and say that many have been called and nearly all w^ill be chosen.

You are going to take upon yourselves grave responsibilities. The term officer carries the idea of leadership. You know your duties and know yourselves. You are going to be up against some hard proposi- tions propositions that you haven't been used to, and you have got to

make up your minds before you go across to France that nothing can stop you from reaching your goal. Whether you have one trench or fifty trenches to take, you must decide that as long as you have life in your bodies you must fight to the end. Many of you men have never been leaders. You have always been told what to do. Now^ you are going to tell other men what to do and teach them. So remember this — all men appreciate justice and a square deal. You must be square and just in all your dealings. Be honest and direct. Don't be afraid to go up to a man and take hold of him if necessary. The law permits you to use necessary force. Keep yourselves above reproach and never do any- thing that will enable a man to say, "Oh, well, if that man does anything to me, I'll inform on him. "

Keep your consciences clean, live like men, and nothing will ever make you ashamed or afraid.

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