Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-09-14
TIE LATE RnoAmPMeNr.
sThose Indignant Tro 'p'."-The Truth Of
the Matter.


FdirB0pt Indsr.
CORRESPONDENT In the IatelItge7lceT
OF last Wednesday assayed to ''roast"
somebody on account OF the supposed
irregularities at the late military en-
campment at Gypsy Grove. We're it
not that the author is known we would
suppose that the article in question was
prom pted by malicious intention to
iniure the service and to wilfully mis-
represent the state Of facts, but as we
know the writer we think we can exon
crate him from any charge OF malice
and can excuse him on the grounds or
his lack of information and q desire
TO gain a little momentary notoriety.
The writer, as well as many other peo-
pie, and even some Of the militia them
selves. seemed TO have COR
ceived an entirely wrong impression
of the aims and objects OF the encamp-
ment. They evidently seemed to think
that the sole object Of this expenditure
of money by the State was to insure the
boys a general good time-more In the
nature of picnic-than military en-
campment. They forget that the State
armed and equipped this brigade and
provided the money for this encamp-
ment for the purpose OF having the
force instructed in military tactics, Gus
toms and usages, and to acquatnt them
with the life OF the soldier. We admit
that the BOYS we're called upon to do
some mental tasks, which were very I'M
pleasant, but each of which were nee
In 40 nj a
dier's life, and they were just sucn
duties as each man voluntarily agreed
to do. No more of such work was done
than was absolutely necessary for the
health and comfort Of the soldiers and
the proper care Of the property OF the
State.
The reference to overcoats lying idle
in Charleston would not have been made
had the writer known that all the coats
owned by the state had been shipped
to Gypsy Grove more than 3 week be-
fore the encampment began, and by
some means were detained In transit,
and notwithstanding General Oxley
was constantly wiring in search OF
them, they did not reach the camp
ground until Monday night, when they
we're at once distributed to the guards.
The same is true of the blankets. The
State did everything that 1t could have
been reasonably expected to do. Plenty
of good and wholesome food was issued
and in the main it was we'll cooked, but
il il wasn't that was the fault OF the
officer of the day, and the State au-
thorities were not responsible therefor.
If the writer Of the article referred
had taken the time to investigate he
would never have penned his dispatch,
and If his only object was to write sem
sational article and to do an injury to
the militia, he may have succeeded.
The facts about this whole affair are
that the troops did not find camp life
Just what they expected, and the con-
slant rain made II more dlsagreea6le,
but they now realize what the militia
means, and next year each company will
meet in annual encampment with In
creased members. The brigade Is COM
posed OF splendid material. Gen. Spill
man is an experienced and competent
officer. and knows just what the service
demands, and if he is properly support
ed will make the West Virginia Ma
tional Guard one OF the best In the
Union. The officers are a Jealous and
gallant set, and the men are willing and
ready to obey orders, and we expect by
the next encampment to see marked
through the whole
brigade.