Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1888-11-30
SoLDlERs' CLOTHING.
An Army OAlcOr Tells How Uncio San
Dresses tho Regulars.

An Army OHicOr Tells How Uncio Sam
Dresses tho Regulars.
There has been u wonderful inn
provement in the clothing supplied to
the army since the close of the war,
and If the Veterans OF the rebellion
were TO examine the articles now is
sued to the enlisted mon they would
regret that no such provision was mado
during the period of their service. In
tho first place, they will remember
that army clothing of that time was un-
gninly, shapeless and much OF It of tho
most worthless quality, and as the
sizes were few and generally too large,
man arraycd in his best toggery
even, and ready for dress parade,
locked as awkward as rag baby or q
London policeman. For winter there
wGs an oyorcoat, single-breastcd, with
abbreviated cape and tails, and if he
would keep his fingers from freezing
while on guard and picket duty, he
was compelled to patronize the sutler
and buy shoddy gloves ut highway
mans prices. Now the clothing is
quite rs good in quality and set upon
the figure as the average man on
Change wears. For hot weather he
has white corlI-lined helmet, tho
coolest head covering invented. For
dress occasions his helmet Is of dark
color, richly trimmed, but to my taste
a triile TOO much like that of the Ger
man soldier. His fatigue cap is of bet
tor quality than the officers were form
erly able TO got, while his hat is of the
finest fclt better in shape and color
than the slouch hat of the war time.
For winter wear in northern attitudes
the enlisted man has buffalo over
coat, arctics, beautiful fur cap and
fur gloves. Think of that, you who
used to shiver and dance in the show
to keep from freezing while baving an
eye on the Johnnys. For cold and
rainy weather he has can
vas cloth-linel overcoat, which
sheds water Then clothing is
issued with trimmings, ready to be
made by the company tailor, so that u
perfect fit may be insured if the men
prefer it. For garrison they are pro-
vided with woven wire springs and cot
ton mattresses, pillows, pillow-slips
and sheets, canvas bags for soilcd un-
derwear, and brown linen suits for
fatigue duty. The white gloves for
dress occasions are of the finest quail
ty, while the cayalryman is supplied
with gauntlets as good rs Grant or
Hancock wore during the war. Tho
international Red Cross Society, by its
provision for the care Of the wounded,
have rendered IL almost impossible for
men to die from lack of proper care,
us many thousands did during our
war. A vast deal of comfort has been
added to the life of an American
soldier, and infinite care has been
bestowed upon appliances for
the amelioration of his suffer-
ings when wounded or sick.
But there is comfort in this reflection
for the veterans of 1851. Think of
the Gatllng guns, repeating and maga-
zine rifles that he will have to face in
war time. In old times fellow could
catch breath between volleys, but now
it is Il steady cyclone of destruction.
In style there has been the greatest
improvement in the uniforms of tho
officers, who, while they will not COM
pete for gaudy trappings with those of
the European armies, are clothed with
good taste and have the appearance OF
the gallant men that they really are.
Again. while continental officers arc
compelled to appear at all times, even
in the salons, in fp!l,,paraphernalia,
swords and spurs the American may,
when off duty, shed his uniform and |
sword and dress like a civilian.
LOu,S Globe Democrat.