Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-08-19
FIRST DAY In CAMP
Troops Inspected by General
Lothrop as They Arrive.
ALL THE SEMBLANCE OF WAR
Opening of the Encampment of Michigan
State Troops-Pen Pictures OF
Scenes in Camp W,nans.


Camp was formally opened this
morning after a free-and-easy night,
which the boys enjoyed. rs the disci-
pine was not as rigid as it will be- here
after. Songs. in which whole compan-
les joined, were indulged in, and the
soft greensward, bsthed in the mellow
moonlight, furnished glorious area
for various romps and games. but
"bianketing" was barred.
Views of the Camp
The Detroit, Lansing & Northern
track passes just along the north line
of the camp ground. Island Lake
station stands on the opposite side OF
the track and q few hundred feet
surrounding dense green foliage.
Backing against the north fence OF the
grounds are brigade headquarters.
The reglmental headquarters extend
from east to west across the field. A
hundred yards III front and 100 feet in
front Of them again are the solid plats
of tents-backing and siding against
each Other-of the regiments, the
Second regiment being on the extreme
left and the others running in numer-
ical order from right to left. The four
companies OF regulars from Fort
Wayne, who seem none the worse for
their forty mile march. are quartered in
the extreme northwest corner OF the
grvunds.
These foot up over $500 meu, COM
fortably tented on less than forty acres
of clover stubbie. The double lines Of
white tents with "strests" between
are dressed" as straight a. die, and
with the none too spacious parade
ground in full view of the lake, makes
altogether beautiful picture. Over
against the fence on the extreme left
are the officers Quarters-regimental,
brigade and governors staff. 1t Is the
finest camp ground yet occupied, aud
still 1t 10 somewhat crowded.
First Days Camp Duty.
The last company arrived just in
time for breakfast, and at 8 o'clock
this morning all were ready for guard
mount, which commenced the formal
duties OF the camp. The men h ID
been out and ARC and bu. u snoiL Tune
before it was discovered that short
grass would soon he changed to a field
OF dust. the clover having been recently
cut and the stubble very brittle. This
will be a great drawback to the enjoy
ment of either work or play unless
coplous rams should occur.
About two inches Of dust as fine as
powder now covers the great field, and
tue stubble is Just long enough t. be
shook by the feet OF the marching men
ald agitate the dust ut the roots into
rising in sutfocatiug clouds. TINS furn-
lsnes an excellent excuse % make fire.
quent visits TO the various regimental
canteens. Back of each regiment, on
the brink of q ravine, is . square,
whitewashed, barn-llke structure. These
are the camp saloons, of which there
has been 90 much contention.
Scattering Notes.
Just to the left Of brigade headquar-
ters has been pitched a large tent by
the Young Mems Christian Association,
and it is here where most of the re-
porters slept the first night and where
they meet TO compare and scatter
notes.
The horses are well stabbed in q
whItewashed board corral in the north
west corner oil tile grounds, next the
road, to Brighton, three miles away.
when road Is lined with pop and pea
nut stands, but no strong drink Is cold
except a. the "CAnteeus' mentioned,
under charge OF Quartermaster Suck.
ert.
The regular camp duties, closing
with fine dress parade, comprised the
work OF the day, snd all the spare time
was devoted To masking the tents COM
Portable aud completing all necessary
arrangements.
1t has been decided to devote today
to The forced march. The Second regi-
meDt will assemble At s O'Clock with
one days fatlous and ten rounds OF
ammunition. The route will be west
ward, but the distance has not been
decided on. Tnecycle corps will lead
over nearly the same route covered by
them when coming into camp.