Frantz F. Berg letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - November 4, 1917
Transcript
Washington D. C. [November] – 4 – 1917 Dr. [Henry Milton] Whelpley. St. Louis [Missouri] Dear Dr. Whelpley - I received the greeting of the Naturalists Club, and think It fine that all should remember me in a card – thusly. Remember me to all and I hope I may some day get back and attend again with you - I also received your letter containing a picture taken at Godfrey, [Illinois] by Dr. Falk. Also your letter about Lieut Bolenbough – Shall try and find him and extend your greetings. I probably have seen him several times around the experiment Station but did not know him. I am now away from the base of operations. Am working in one of the Bureau of Mines laboratories in the New Dep’t of Interior Bldg. We have a very complete laboratory and best of Everything. Our laboratory is in Dr. Parsons section his office being just across the hall. The Problem of getting a commission out of this job is quite difficult
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There seem to be some getting them but how I can’t find out. I have yet to see anything they have performed which would justify it. I am laying low and hope to get some information It is the general consensus of opinion that promotion is not at all favorable. Chemists here from all parts of the country. But [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] and Ohio State men seem to predominate with a generous mixture of Harvard Princeton and Cornell men. It seems that the men at head of this research work such as Dr. McPherson. Dr Seins & Dr. Morris who are Ohio State and M.I.T. Men can do something for their graduates by recommendation etc While if a fellow is not from their institution he has a slim chance. On the Other hand many civilian Chemists are employed also, receiving $1800.00 per year while we get $30.00 per month. I am working under Morris as Chief of this branch of Investigation then Under Dr. Conant of Harvard (a young man about my age I should say) who is charge of organic laboratory.
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Then four of we soldiers including a man from [Illinois University] who is supposed to know analytical Chemistry and superintend the 3 of us are working away from Experiment station where one has little or no chance to get acquainted with those in power, and whatever one does each head above gets his credit before ever it reaches the top. This probably sounds pretty crabby but nevertheless it is the conditions which a drafted man meets and you can judge the chances of promotion under the conditions This of course is not for publication, and regardless of this fact I am yet going to find away around or over the situation as long as I am in it I’ll fight up there some place. Wish one might be offered promotion through good work but this seems faintly possible and consequently one has small incentive to work except by his desire to win the War and have it over with which is the main thing any way. with the exception of experience he may gain. Well we signed up for pay on Thursday
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and guess we will get some within a couple of weeks, which may help cheer up the soldier chemists, as most are like me have had $12.00 since [September] 19th I think I have about extended myself now might say tho that I have visited some of the historic places here and enjoyed them very much. With Best Wishes to you and yours Remember me to those I know about the place and at school Sincerely F. F. Berg 4118 Chesapeake st N.W. Washington D.C. P.S. Believe I may be here for sometime so wish you would change address on Meyer [Brothers] Druggist to here. Tried to see Hurter Collection in Smithsonian but we quit work at 4.30 and it closes at same time and is not open on sundays.
Details
| Title | Frantz F. Berg letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - November 4, 1917 |
| Creator | Berg, Frantz F. |
| Source | Berg, Frantz F. Letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley. 4 November 1917. Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley Collection, 1826-1929. A1737. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Frantz F. Berg sent this letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley. Dr. Whelpley was the dean of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and editor of the Meyer Brothers Druggist magazine. Berg discussed his lack of promotion and how others had been favored for promotion based on their past educational experiences. He also mentioned that he was working as a chemist in one of the Bureau of Mines Laboratories in Washington, D.C. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Chemical Warfare; Military Commissions |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Bureau of Mines Laboratories |
| Site Accession Number | A1737 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | November 4, 1917 |
| Language | English |