Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-27
THE SECOND CALL.

The Presidents second call for troops
has been the subject of some animadver-
sion, because the 125,OOO men who have
already volunteered have not yet been
fitted out for duty at the front. But it
would be well for the public TO consider
that in all probability all existing or
CARNATIONS OF regulars and volunteers
will be fully equipped in the course of
the next ten days. ct is certain that the
1900 can be much more easily provided
for than the 1851 600 have been. since our
-armories. gun-shops, manufacturers Of
uniform cloth, uniform tailors. ETC., are
now working enormously large numbers
of hands. night and day.
The War Department people say they
have been disappointed in the number of
drilled men that the volunteers have
brought into the service, and with the
OUTFIT they had. 1t was expected that
the National Guard would volunteer in
a body almost. and it was thought they
were fairly well provided with uniforms,
arms. and camp equipage. Results have,
however, shown that nearly every conf
pany of uniformed militia has found it
necessary to fill its ranks with a con-
siderable percentage of raw recruits; nor
did they possess as many uniforms and
arms. or as much camp equipage, as was
expected. Hence delay that had not
been counted on.
The War Department. however, prompt
~ awarded contracts for all sorts of army
supplies, and deliveries Of these stores
are now being made with great rapidity.
Supplies are being shipped mainly to
Chickamauga, Tampa, and Falls Church,
Va. For instance, the stores for the
Second Virginia Regiment are awaiting
the regiments arrival at Tampa.
SO far as small arms are concerned,
there will be enough Springfield rifles for
the men who cannot be furnished with
rifles of better sort. But 1t is not
doubted that before the mass of volun-
teers under the 125.OOO eau have been
ordered to Cuba or Porto Rico, all will
be given long-range rifles, that are now
being made under contract by the VIM
chester. Arms Company. So. too, with
field pieces; the government will soon be
In a position 10 issue large number OF
improved guns for light artillery. Pre-
variations are also being made to supply
the heavy artillery batteries.
In short, we dashed into this war Ill
prepared. We did not have at hand the
resources that we thought we had; but
we are now Catching up" very rapidly
indeed. Our information is that by the
time the President has use for the 1000
he win have the necessary uniforms
arms, and camp equipage ready for them.
Meanwhile the $4,000. wel-armed ana
fully equipped. may be put on duty in the
Philippines. Cuba, or Port Rico. or on our
coast defences.
The 1900 are 10 be taken from the body
OF the people. Companies Of uniformed
militia may volunteer as bodies II they
see NJ, but II is settled that most OF the
commands will be formed of men who will
then come together for the first time.
The first call for troops was made upon
me volunteers. The hope was that with
and wsll-driIled body OF volunteers would
b. called into existence; but. as we nave
said. this expectation was not fully rea-
l,zcd. The i25.OOo. as whole. are any
thing else bet well drilled, but that the
men ore learning very fast Is freely con-
eeded By. experts.
The eau for the 1900 additional men
wIlL bring the army. when It is fully or,
ganized, UP 90 a total Of 27s.5o0 men, as
efoliows:
AtteNiot ofih} s...s.ss s.....,--....... bS.V9O
Nolnnteers from States. FIRST call ~, 900
Volunteers from States. second call 1900
Ihree eavalfy regiments at large. 5000
Ten 'nfantry regiments United
States Volunteers. immunes. 1000
5psipesrs at large .........a... $500
----
$500 '''s,ff' 'sssss'sssssss..sss..ss @f1tJ}y
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The tune OF Dixie has been incorpo-