New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-01
THE SUBALTERN'S TAT"
A USEFUL FRIEND OF BRITISH OFFICERS u


Inc suparern's "tat- Is doubtless unknown to go
people out OF thousand. To the small minority no
Is remembered as the useful and faithful animal VINO
has made II possible for officers to perform their day
duties when stationed in India. "Tat' IS the lin
dustanee for pony and the subaltern's "tat' comes
into existence as regiment marches ihto Hs
cantonment no matter in what city that may %.
The tat Is the common property OF the eutenahts
and 1t IS on his back that those hardworked omcers
spend much of the day and night when detailed for
orderly officers duty.
As a rule the tat, IS bought from the outgoing
regiment and at the first coming In OF new corps
really most useful. for he knows n good deal moro
about the geography OF the cantonment ana wheo
the sentres are posted than the newly arrived Officers.
Though having many masters the tat has py no
means a bad life OF 1t. He has his own " syce' or
groom his grasscutter and much " gram" as Is
good for him. At o'clock in the morning ne Is 10
be seen near the house, sadded and waung ZOE
the officer who IS inside having his morning conee'
pcrchance " b. and 81
As one jumps into the saddle there Is no need 10
guide the animal, who knows his rounds Thoroughly
Int il Is as well before starting TO give him few
humps OF sugar. II Is kindly thought anyway anu
the pony perhaps starts with quicker gat ior 'ns
stores, where the orderly omcer mas "
examine the meat and see that each company sose i
proper weight OF ratlons. The "tat' always gets
crust or two OF bread. but otherwise takes t'e IN
his daily master round the barracks ana ieSrls
whether the breakfasts are all correct Al
O'Clock he attends guardmounting parade ana LOOKS
on with critical eye for he knows that the cieanet
bestdressed man will be selected for orderly ana VIII
have charge OF him during certain parts OF the day.
After guard mounting the tat goes back 10 MS s~o
and gets his morning meal. and by D. M. when ne
is wanted 10 carry his master around to inspeos tne
dinners he looks sleeker and better Groomed than no
did I'm the morning. After 1t has been learned that
the men have no complaints about that NEAL the @t"
as q rule visits the guards and sentries.
The sharp inquiry of Halt Who goes there y WIN
The answer "Visiting Rounds" and the PERMISSION
Advance visiting rounds and all's WE'LL with tine
clatter OF arms as the men come to the shoulder
or .post. has no effect upon him. lie appears, how
ever TO nut on supreme look OF surprise when some
recruit breaks down In giving the orders OF his post
and cocks his ears increduously ut the mans stam
mering. .
The afternoon as rule. Is a time OF rest for tie
" tat, and IL is only when the quarter bugle for
tattoo, has sounded that the officer grudcngiy leav
Ing the table, jumps his back and makes tho
small gee, rattle the grounds 10 the barracks'
- Tattoo parade Is AT o p m. ana a quarter OF an
hour later all lights ont and the tat returns "
his stable Ia remain there till some hour after MD
night when II suits the sweet Will OF his master 70
make the nightly visit to the guard and seItries AZ
70 be sure that sails WELL