Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-09-15

Troy was the first military organisation to
wear them in the state.
Their adoption was at first a matter Of a
great deal Of criticism. The rank and file
generally did not favor them. as soldiers
seldom do favor any kind Of innovation in
their equipment.
The officers tested them carefully. how
ever, and were convinced that the Merriam
pack would not only prove a great conven-
fence, but would also be much easier on the
wearer than the ordinary knapsack.
The experience at the state camp has
practically verified the wisdom of the OFF,
GERS in adopting them.
What the soldiers particularly objected to
was the fact that the pack contains nearly
forty different pieces. and they seem to
think that 1t was too much harness to get
INTO. The weight of the pack does not fall
on the shoulders as 1t does with a KNAPP
sack, but by a clever contrivance Of a stick
on each side. fastened into the waist belt,
the entire weight is m de to fall on the hips
The sol1iers objected to this, too, and
claimed that 1t would be better to tire their
backs than their legs.
The pack is so arranged that a soldier can
carry a large amount of goods in 1t. II q
soldier should be marching on a hot day he
can open his coat without interfering with
the adjustment of his pack. Then, If night
should overtake him and he has nothing On
which to rest his head. he can use the pack
Tor a pillow without taking 1t off. In the
pack are placed the helmet of the soldier
and many other articles, while on the out
side are strapped his overcoat, trousers and
blouse, while his blanket is rolled up under
the pack. His shoes are also carried on the
outside of the pack.
Then the haversack Is a great improve
nient over the old one. The new one has
several pockets In it; one for knives and
forks and things like that, one for rations
and others for various uses.
Notes.
Corp. Frank Z. Gibson of company A.
second battalion, has been appointed staff
sergeant on the brigade non-commissioned
stan Of Gen. Ordway. Sergt. Gibson has
been a memter of the guard since Septem-
Der 1, 1881, when he enlisted in company
ID. second battalion at that time the Logan
Rifles. Previous thereto he had served in
the High School Cadets for two years.
Serst Gibson was transferred to company
A, second battalion (CorCoran Cadet Corps,
May Z. 1872; served as acting cor
poral for one year and was then
elected to that position. He also acted
as bugler for the company while in
camp. While a member of the Corcorans,
Serst: Gibson Won two gold medals given
by the company as prizes for it's best
marksman. He was also a member of the
first regiment team at Sea Grit on the re-
cent trip. He is a candidate for second
lieutenant and viii prove valuable addi-
ton to the brigade non-commissioned staff.
First Sergt. Logan Prosise, jr., of the
Corcoran Cadet Corps. company A, second
battalion, was on Tuesday evening last
unanimously elected second lieutenant of
that organization. With the exception of
Capt. Edwards and Lieut.. Meyer, he has
been Corcoran Cadet longer than any
otner man in the company. He served in
every grade from private up.
First Lieut.. Lee Mosher of company C.,
second battalion (National Fencibles), has
applied for three months leave of absence
lie Will go to New York to engage in BUSH
ness.
private Patrick j. Haltgan of company
"A, fourth battalion, has been transferred
TO company c, first battalion.
First Lieut.. and Quartermaster John V.
heidt OF the third battalion has rendered
his resignation.