Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1898-07-02

quarters scattered here and there through
the camp. ~,
On the anniversary Of Bunker Hill day
a camn fire was rendered to 10000 men
by the Grand Army OF the Republic. 1t
was the most enthusiastic meeting ever
attended. The fervor with which the ma
tional airs were sung and patriotic senti-
ments were applauded caused the hearts OF
every one present to beat with patriotism
and to cause one to value more highly than
ever the privilege of serving beneath the
stars and stripes.
Thus it goes; nothing is held too good
for the soldiers. individuals receive lnvl-
tations to the best homes, in fact nothing
is left undone that can be done to make
things pleasant for us.
But It is not an easy life; the bright and
glorious side of it is far out-balance by the
rigid camp discipline. the many hours OF
hard drilling, the continual coming and 60
ing of troops. The almost heart breaking
goodbys given the San Francisco regiment
when it embarked, the weeping mothers
and sisters of that scene remind us of the
strife and render us impatient for the day
when general orders will come in to break
camp and board transport for the Philip
pines. determined to do or die for our
country.
A. H. WHITTEMoRE,
Co. G 18th U. S. Inf
THIRD EXPEDITION TO MANILA.
By the time this letter reaches Bellows
Falls the third expedition to Manila will be
under way AMI over half of the 10000
troops allotted to General Merritt will be
on the sea. Within two weeks more prob
ably the rest will have sailed. Every man
in camp is eager to depart and if there is
to be any fighting done, to see little of
it. Intervention by Germany and the con-
sequent struggle in Manila would not be
unwelcome to many who envy their eastern
brothers the chance for active service.
Still the Philippine question is in its in
fancy. There are many delicate questions
of policy and diplomatic bearing to be
settled There is population OF millions
that must be held in check and made to
realize not only the authority Of the United
States but our ability to compel its recog-
milton.
The rapidly with which this army has
been equipped and drilled into fighting
trim is remarkable. Over one-half of the
volunteer regiments were poorly equipped
and almost entirely lacking in uniforms.
And yet in short time all present in
appearance and at drill the form of a regu-
lar army.
The sanitary condition of the camp has
been very satisfactory. But few deaths
have been recorded and the promised
plaques and epidemics that yellow jour-
mails" have been prophesying are still in the
visionary future. The field hospital serv-
ice is very complete and every precaution
possible for thu health of the soldier is
being taken.
All the men are being provided with
stomach bandages said to guard against
cholera and like diseases, helmets with q
netting to be pulled over the face to pro-
tect against mosquitoes, caps to be worn
over the ears at night to keep the vermin
out, hammocks to use in swampy regions,
light linen clothing and underwear, IN fact
every precaution is being taken that is
possible.
The warfare is likely to be of guerrilla
nature and immense quantities of barbed
wire are being taken to make outer picket
posts unapproachable, and other contriv.
ances that will reduce danger to mini.
mum. Every man is to carry bags that
can easily be filled with dirt aud sand and
thrown in front of him for temporary
breastwork. Many of the officers and
men have seen much Indian service and are
particularly adapted for the kind OF work
in prospect.
The famed Aston Battery from New
York arrived last week and by a cur
refusal OF the captain to accept Red Cros.
hospitality caused much uniavorable com.
ment from the press, and so prominent
journal advertises as Sunday attraction
The Manners of the Aston Battery"
suppose that our fare is luxurious com.
pared to our eastern brothers. Donations
of oranges and cherries, string beans and
green peas make the hardest Of bread and
the safest of bacon edible. TIL. army
bacon is not the breakfast bacon that is SC
appetizing dish but salt pork cut in thick
pieces and often served almost raw. Bread
is supplied in large quantities by an inn
mense army bakery. Boston Baked
Beans" take conspicuous place on our
weekly menu, coming at least every other
day. A dish peculiar to the army and
known as "slum" is served very frequently
1t is composed of all the leavings of two
days beef, bacon, onions, potatoes and
tomatoes, with Mexican pepper and spices
in abundance. 1t is not exactly popular
dish but in the army we must take what we
can get and be content with that. Army
coffee, or rather, :" army black" as it is
known to us, is another article that is de-
cidedly peculiar to the army. 1t is made
of the strongest black coffee with but little
sugar and no milk.
| remember that Vermont Academy
boys, and girls as well, would often be sick
for the sake of getting dropped eggs on
toast for breakfast. 1t is the same here
tor one on the sick list has eggs and toast
and even milk, a luxury almost to US. But
keen-eyed and sharp-witted surgeon is
there to decide the delicate point Of ones
condition, and now that he has discovered
that soldiers are prone to sickness when
there is an abundance of eggs, the man
who is placed on sick report deserves it.
Every private and all officers as well, from
corporal to msjor general, has been COM
PEELED to offer bis left arm for vaccination.
Any Vermont vounu man do siripp to