Six-Year-Old Patriot Tries to Join the Army

Chicago, 1898

A Six-year-old Patriot.

Edward Maginnis, 6 years old and curly headed, presented himself with a convincing air of seriousness at the army recruiting station, 82 West Madison street, to enlist, when Captain Bomus appeared at his desk. He preferred the cavalry service because he could ride and have a saber as well as go to shoot Spaniards.

Captain Bomus is a big officer with a kindly smile, and has little ones of his own, so when the sergeant tried to throw cold water on the young patriot's plan of enlisting his superior took a hand.

"Where do you live, my little man?" asked the captain.

"I live at 287 West Randolph street, near the Second regiment armory, and I want to be a sure enough soldier," was the prompt answer.

"How do you spell your name?" queried the old cavalryman.

"That don't make any difference. When you want me, send for me," replied the child, while the six foot ex-artillery sergeant standing beside him waiting to apply for a chance to get into the service again forgot his lessons in discipline and went off into explosive laughter. Captain Bomus took the little fellow's name and address, patted him on the head and told him to come around for a physical examination later when Captain Birmingham, the surgeon, was present. — Chicago News.