Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1892-08-27

WI HAaM camp o. instructor
,sftsE@MN contained fair ma
Ys@As terial. 1t was a few
10 - miles distant or
Jersey soil.
my quarters after the iatigues of hot
day, an orderly brought me the I'M
pleasant tidings that my camp was in an
uproar. The men refused to obey or
ders, and open violence impended. The
pay was in arrears through some red tape
delay. The men were poor and their
families were suffering.
Idressed myself carefully in full I'M
form, fastened over the ferry and soon
reached the high board fence which en-
circled the encampment. From within
came a confused rumble like the portend
of a storm. approached the wicket 1t
was locked. l peered through the lat
tice. There was the sentry, sure
enough; but with what a difference
His musket leaned against post. He
sullenly slouched up and down with
hands in pockets, in no wise needing my
presence. | would like to have shot that
man, but was bound and braced with
self-conrrol.
attention." l commanded sharply.
The man stared, then Strengthened,
seized his musket, presented, and stool
as a soldier.
"Open that gatel'
He obeyed at once, and l passed
through aud marched quickly forward.
All over the field were knots of men,
shouting, gesticulating, fcrcely ha.
rangutng. Here AMI there were few
officers arguing and pleading in vain.
The majority, however, sat dcjecte1
within their tents. 1t was most dis.
tressing sight for true soldier.
approached the first group Of about
200 freu1ied men. A captain was just
leaving them, pursued by teunts and
jeers. He was an Insignificant man,
with repulsiyc face, naturally POM
pous in bearing, but now thoroughly
cowed. Yet as he saw me he assumed a
certain uneasy bravado.
"Captain johnson. at your service,
sir" he answered, as be saluted
"What does this mean7" Iasked.
"Thcy are tends iucarnate, General, "
lie exclaimed, as he glanced over his
shoulder. They will murder US all
and ravage the town. On, what shall
you DOE
~ shall form the men. "
'Impossible. Why, that's just what
Eve been trying: but"
''Silence, sir"
As l reached the mob I noticed one
face alone which expressed respect OF
sympathy. All others bore a look Of
malevolence. A you1g soldier, we'll sci
up and scrupulously neat, seemed to bt
attempting to dissuade his comrade,
from some mad project. lie was fine.
looking fellow, with long, light mus.
tachc and bright, blue eyes, from which,
as | say, l caught flash of admiration
drew my sword and stood upright
and motionless before the men.
Attention, men! Fall in" com.
handed.
There was hesitation, monetary
budding together, and then they ar
rayed themselves.
"Present arms. Garry arms! Or ler
arms! Parade rest.' [ ordered, and
they obeyed,
Behind me stood a knot of wondering
officers.
GLOW do You dare2' I began. Then
arose a growl from the ranks. We want
our right. Wen get them, too. W.
demand our pay. We won't stand suct
treatment. Our wives, our children are
starving
"Silencc!" ! warned them. "Not
another word. II you have grievances,
if you have complaints, send them
through the proper channel and they
shall be heard and aIIayed, | promise
you. Men, I'm ashamed of you. While
your comrades are In the field facing
privation and danger and death for the
glory OF that old flag which you have
only Just sworn to defend, you, for a
trilling delay which the throes Of oul
Government should excuse, dare to muir,
muir and revolt Out upon such soldiers
Do you know what you riskl Do you
appreciate that have but to step to that
telegraph and the regulars will surround
you and rake your camp with an euflad
ing fire. Do you long to serve your
country at Dry fortugasl Have care,
or there you shall be sent, weighed with
the contempt of all loyal men. Officers,
to your posts There will be a review
presently"
"Three cheers for the, General"
shouted the clear voice of the blue
eyed recruit as | turned away, aud
they were given with will.
So l went through that camp, speak.
ing as l never had spoken. Iuwardly
overweight with excitement, but out,
wardly the cold, distant personifcation
Of discipline. Within two hours had
that brigade formed in hollow square.
and from its centre renewed my threats
and my promises. They were effective
Reason returned to the men, and with it
came shame. What had looked like a
dangerous outbreak was queDled by mora
force.
As left the parade I met Captain
johnson.
"By.the-vay, Captain" asked, "whc
is that bright-looking young soldier OF
yours who seemed to be resisting the
madness OF the menu The Captain
scowlel quite unnecessarily.
"That's Thomas Browne" he an
swored moodily. "He doesn't amount tc
much"
am certain you don't, l reflected as
returned to the city.
A month passed by. Discipline had
done Its perfect work. The mob had be
come a well-drilled brigade. The men
had received their arrears, and were
eager to wipe out disgrace and to achieve
repown in action. The order for theil
advance was expected daily. sat in my
quarters IN this city, alone and idle, fol
my duty had been fulfilled, aud l wa
about to report at Washington. The
door opened, and tall, slender young