The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-11-17
PORTO R|CAN CAMPS
Careful Analysis Into Neces-
sary Camp-Life Elements.
ALL SORTS OF OFFICERS
And By the Same Token, All
Sorts of PrivateS.

New York, Nov. 16-The San Juan, Porto
Rico, correspondent Of the Evening Post
thus writes of camp life and conditions
of The island: Widely differing conditions
naturally exist between the camp which
is. comparatively, fixed centre for pur-
poses of mobilization, drill, ard equip
ment, and the camp of a moving army
engaged IN active service. Hence, an al
most unsurmountable difficulty IS en-
countered in any attempt to institute a
comparison OF the trials, the discomforts,
and the hardships of the soldier in the
home camp and the soldier in rne field
1t is almost equally difficult to compare
justly and effectively the systems and
their results, through those discomforts
and hardships are supposed to be reduced
10 their minimum
While admitting that there have been
more or less frequent and more or less
general instances of privation in our
nome camps, it has been my contention,
based upon an experience of many weeks.
during which ! was in continuous associa-
ton with different camps, that, except in
a few very rare cases, those privations
have been unduly magnifed. Yet it is not
to be denied that there have been faults
and blunders IN the commissary service.
The quartermaster department has been
slow and inadequate, and the medical de-
partment PRESENTS its own argument for
an investigation by its hospital records.
1t would be beyond absurdity to expect
that a large army could be modified with
in brief time without some measure of
friction. some degree OF hardship, attend
ing its concentration. Our experience
during recent months Is not unique. Ger
tain phases Of it are something Of a
novelty, while others find there proto-
types in other conflicts. Beyond question.
much Of the condition in staff departments
which mas given rise 10 such animated
and bitter criticism was wholly avoid
able, and blame rests somewhere. Tho
blame should be located if il be possible
10 locate il.
With no wish TO discuss a question
which, according to the latest advices
which nave reached Porto Rico, is now
in the hands Of duly appointed and
presumably properly qualified committee.
there is still room for some consideration
Of the conditions which nave existed IN
our home camps, in comparison with
those which have affected the troops en-
gagged in the campaign in Porto Rico.
The army regulations OF the United
States make distinct provision for the
feeding of the soldier. The specify what
and how much shall constitute a days
rations for each man under three different
conditions. These cover what are known
as travel rations," field rations," and
camp rations." Other provisions clothe
him and equip him for the work ne has
to do. All is distinctly and definitely
stated. yet in spite of this apparently
complete and explicit system, the whole
business Of feeding, clothing, and gener-
ally caring for an army under variable
and varying situations is. and must nee
cessarily he, very elastic. Camp rations
are supposed to be an Improvement upon
field rations and both are great improve
ment upon the unavoidably restricted
travel rations. Yet there may be, and oc-
easionally there is. time when one lives
better. for a little while. in the field than
ne does in the camp. There are also times
when he has 20 go hungry in the field.
There is never any reason for such a
time in the camp. During some OF our
Indian campaigns on the frontier, men,
officers as well as privates, have lived for
days together upon raw horsfiesh. We
did not get down to that In Porto Rico.
But by the laws OF environment and
more permanent establishment. the SOL
dier's life in camp is far easier one,
better ard more amply supplied, than in
the life in the field. Whenever and wher-
ever it is in any way possible 10 do 50.
whether in camp or field, camp rations are
10 be furnished to the troops. That is the
intent purpose, and effort of our commits
sary system. That the purpose is not al
WAYS effectively carried out NAV be the
fault Of the War department. of the dis
tributing stan of the officer in Immediate
charge of the food supply Of any particu-
lar command. or Il may be due to condi-
lions which man cannot control. For OBJ
vious reasons, il is far easier to control
conditions in the vicinity Of Falls Church.
or Tampa. or Chickamsuga, than It is in
the vicinity Of COamo. or Adjuntas. or
GUaya-mas- The inference Is therefore
wholly logical and correct that the SOL
dier's life in a home camp presents far
less of hardship and privation than has
been the lot of our troops IN Porto Rico
The same is true Of the experience n Gu
IA. The home camp may seem unendur-
ably monotonous. but it IS better provis-
toned and can be more readily made COM
Portable than any camp in a foreign field
! Undl men have made A few weeks trial
/ of field life. they are very eager 10 ex-
| change the provisions and the greater
I comfort. FOR the presumably greater ac-
! uvity. As a matter OF fact one l.fe is
/ quite as monotonous A. the other. There
/ are hours of guard 10 every minute Of rir-
/ ing line. days NJ weary marching for
! every hour of excitement OF q conflict. In
the late war" there have been many
/ among our forces in Cuba and Porto Rico
| who have been on no firiuE-Iine. have
seen 10 conflict. Many nave not even
! heard sun 20 Off. unless 1t was dis
charged by accident.
! But the unavoidable discomforts and
/ har5shi7s Of the Porto Rico campaign
/ have not been limited u questions 81
! food and c,o5hing. Nor would il cover All
/ - include even the diseases from which
! our troops have suffered insuch fearful
. measure. Few among those who have not
Succumbed have wholly escaped the in
/ fuences which. viii so many OF their com
radeS. have resulted in disease. II not in
death. There are few cut Of the whole
army II Porto Rico have not had all the
/ experience they want in The discomforts
and harlships OF life n the field. I; may
De eNailarating % hear, for The first time
in ones lie. the order 20 take three or
/ five days Of travel ratons and move
foreward % an advanced position. pre-
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