Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-08-22
UNCLE SAM'S HORSES.
Substance of the Army Regulations Pre-
 vidins for Their Purchase.


 For ten years following the close of the rebellion the army was supplied with horses which were gathered up wherever they could be found, says the Detroit Free Press. The cavalry horses came mostly from New York, Pennsylvania, Ono, Mich igan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Mis- Souri. As the Western States and Terri tories became sprinlled with settlers, tho attention of the latter was turned to the matter of breeding horses. During the h. dian troubles of 1875 and 1876 in the North west and Texas it was found that the na> tivc-bred horses, although trife 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 SUD- 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 Vest ern division have been purchased on the coast, and there is no likelihood of this practice being discontinued in the future. Lower Oregon and Uv Der Nevada are now breeding the best army horses on the coast. The ranges in these regions are rocky and hllly, and the horses arc therefore provided with hard hOOfS, muscular limbs and fine development of chest and body. They are considered far superior to the Kansas horses. The stock-raisers breed them es- peclally 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 fcoursc only geldings are ac- ceptcd. They must be sound and In good condition; that is, with no traces of consti- tuuOnal 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 the ambiguous statement that the horses must also bo in all respects fitted for the cavalry service. This latter being solely matter of individual opinion is the source of many Quarrels and disputes between contractors and inspectors. More care is exercised in the selection of cavalry horse than horse intended for the artillery service. Hemust possess a bright, intelligent eye, a good head, Shapely shoulders and breast, and hard hOOf, free from splints and unsightly marks His weight must be between 900 and 1, 100 pounds. The color of the animal has much to do with his being purchased. The colors which are preferred are roan, black, bay and chestnut. Next to these come iron gray and sorrel. Horses of "off" SO4OlS, SuCl ktS Cd1LCOtS, DuChShluS, eUC.s aTo taken only when it is necessary to do so to complete a contract. White horses are rarely accepted for the ranks, although they are sometimes bought and used in mounting buglers or a band, The modus operandi of purchasing horses is, as rule, as follows: At stated periods, say the end of each quarter, each company commander of a cavalry troop makes out a requisition on the assistant Quartermaster of his de- partmcnt for the number of horses which ho may need. When the acquisitions arc all in, the assistant quartermaster advertises for bids for tho horses wanted, the animals to be delivered at a certain place for inspec- ton on a certain day. Each bid sent in must be i'll triplicate and accompanied by 8 guarantee indorsed by two responsible par ties, that in casc the bid is accepted the con- tract will be fulfilled to the letter. At the , time and place agreed upon tho contractor must not only have tho number of animals actually required by tho Government, but also a sufficient number to select from in case of rejcctiOns, and he should fall short of fulfilling tho terms of the contract.