The Irish standard., 1888-09-15
+ UNCLE SANS HORSES.
substance Of the Army Regulations Pre-
yidfnr. fer Their Purchase. 2s$

substance OF the Army nexuiaClOnS# rs:
yidinE fer Their Purchase. tssss
For ten years following the close Of the
rebellion the army was supplied with
horses which we're gathered up wherever
they could be found, says the Detroit Free
Press. The cavalry horses came mostly
from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Mich
igan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Mis-
souri,. AS the Western States and Terri
tories became sprinkled with settlers, the
attention of the latter was turned to the
matter of breeding horses. During the ln-
dian troubles of 1875 and 1876 in the North
west aud Texas it was found that the ma
tive-bred horses, although trifle under
the regulation size, were much better
adapted to rough service than the Eastern
horses.
The commanders Of the Indian division
communicated this fact to the department
at Washington; and it was decided to sup
ply the army of the West with these horses.
Quartermasters were directed to specify TO
this effect in advertising for horses. For
couple Of years past the horses for both the
cavalry and artillery service Of the West
ern division have been purchased on the
coast, and there is no likelihood Of this
practice being discontinued in the future.
Lower Oregon and Upper Nevada are now
The ranges in these regions are rocky anG
hilly, and the horses are therefore provided
with hard boots, muscular limbs and a tine
development of chest and body. They are
considered far superior to the Kansas
horses. The stock-raisers breed them es.
pecially for the purpose Of selling them to
the Government
The army regulations provide for the pur-
chase of horses in a certain routine fashion.
AS matter of course only geldings are ac.-
cepted They must be sound and III gooe
condition that is, with no traces OF consti~
tutional defects; the height must be from
fifteen to sixteen hands, and they must not
be less than five nor more than nine years
old. The specifications conclude with tl5
ambiguous statement that the hegsas must
also be in all respects fitted for the cavalry
service. This latter being solely "a nsa-;ser
! OF individual opinion is the source OF 1:aany
saarrals aud disputes between contractors
and inspectors. More care is exercised in
tho selection of q cavalry horse than horss'
intended for the artillery service. Henust
possess a bright, intelligent eye, a good
head, shapely shoulders and breast, end =
hard hoof, free from spli1ts and unsightly
marks His weight must be between 8oo
and ]. 100 pounds The color of the animal
has much to Go with his being purchased,
The colors Which are preferred are roam:
black, bay and chestnut. Next TO these
come iron gray and sorrel. Horses OF "of2"
! colors. such as calicoes, buclSskins, ETC.. are
taken only when it is necessary to do SO to
complete contract. White horses ars
| rarely accepted for the ranks, although
they are sometimes bought and used az
mounting buglers OF % band. The uoaus
operandi Of purchasing horses is, as rule:
Us follows: At stated periods, say the ezd
OF each quarter, each company commander
o. cavalry troop makes out s. reputation
On the assistant quarter1naster of his de-
/, partment for the number OF horses which
be may need. When the acquisitions are all
| in, the assistant Quartermaster adversises
! Tor bids Cor the horses wanted, tbs animals
| to be delivered at certain place fer iospec-
:ion or q certain day. Each bid sent IN
nanst be in triplicate and accompanied by
guarantee, Endorsed by two responsible f,ar-
ties, that in case the bid is accepted tho con-
tract will be fulfilled to the letter. At the
| time and place agreed upon the contractor
| must not only nave the number OF animals
actually required by the Government, but
also :. sufficient number to select from In
f! caseot reflections, and he should fall short
Of fulfilling the terms CT the contract