The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-22
HOLIDAY FOR SOLDIERS
THEY WE'RE ALL GLAD TO TAKE
PART IN THE M'KINLEY PARADE.
Physical Examination of 18TH Regi-
ment CompIcted-The Question
as to Car Fare.

Almost no work was done. The cherries
barns We're vacant while soldiers and Off
GERS did honor to William Mckinley. Two
thousand men had a relief from the
monotony of waiting for discharge and six
ty cars brought them to participate in the
city's pleasure.
Breakfast was served yesterday at
O'Clock. At O'Clock the One-hundred- and
ffty-eighth Regiment had formed and the
men were taking the ears. Without break
or delay the One-hundred-and-fif fifty eighth
Regiment, the battery. the signal corps and
small number of men from the One-hun-
dred-and-ffty-n Regiment followed.
Only small guard was left to take care of
the camp.
From the time the soldiers took the cars
until they got off at Massachusetts avenue
the trip was happy one. All the patriotic
songs that could be thought of were sung.
John Browns Body Lies Moldering in the
Grave was sung with variations. Many
people along the line cheered heartily, pref
ty girls waved their handkerchiefs, bril-
gade Of children from the public schools
gave its yell and the soldiers were not slow
to respond Crowded seats were not thought
of as a hardship and the waiting and
marching were pleasure. Every officer
was delighted with the conduct of the SOL
diers on the parade The step was especial
ly pleasing. Major May of Chicago, said:
II never knew anything to pass off more
smoothly" The men themselves are pleased
with the manner in which everything was
conducted and feel that some credit is due
them. Many of the men had never seen the
President, and they were delighted with
their opportunity to do him honor.
Unfortunately, a misunderstanding of the
time schedule delayed dinner until o'clock.
The men were quite hungry after their trip
and were not prepared to take the hard
ship patiently and when they finally had a
chance to eat they chased into the dining
hall like voracious wolves. But a good sup
per soon restored their spirits.
SOME EXAMINATIONS CARELESS.
What little work was done yesterday was
disposed of very quickly. The physical ex-
animation of the e-hundred-and-fifty-
seventh, the battery and the signal corps
were completed. Major Standard, Lieut..
Davis and Captain Hawkins, having COM
pleted their work, went to their homes at
Terre Haute for a vacation of two or three
days. In connection with the examinations
it has been said that not sufficient care has
always been taken. One officer says that
he did not even take off his overcoat, hat,
or shoes Another officer. 1t is said, sent in
his papers and received certificate with
out appearing at all. More care was taken
with the privates, but few complaints are
heard about their examinations.
The accounts of the regiments are now
nearing settlement. The officers Of the
d-and-ffty-eighth Regiment say
that all of their papers are nearly ready
to be turned over to the mastering officers.
They have always kept strict accounts, and
the discrepancies which must be straight
ened out are comparatively small. Monday
they will begin to turn in equipment. This
will not occupy much more than two days.
The -hundred-and -fifty-seventh Regi-
ment is now beginning to see satisfactory
escape from its difficulties. Discrepancies
in the clothing accounts may cause some
insignificant loss to a few of the captains,
but this is only laughed at since the trouble
due to state prices has practically been set
tied. What the officers do pay viii be on
account Of their own carelessness. and the
necessary haste in supplying the men which
marked the early preparations of the regi-
ment.
There is only one matter yet unsettled
which is of vital interest to the men. 1t is
the question of car fare to their homes. 1t
was said few days ago that the privates
would receive 50 cents for each twenty
miles, and the officers more in proportion
to their salaries. 1t was found a few days
ago that the enrolment papers of all ex-
cept the recruits say enrolled at Indian
apols." In truth the men were enrolled for
state service at the towns where they live,
and the papers probably should have been
made out accordingly The State paid the
car fare Of the men from their homes, and
it appears that there should be no trouble
about the expenses to their homes. The
United States government afterwards ac-
knowledged that national service began at
the time the men were called out by the
State, SO that now, if the expenses are
paid, it must be by the general government.
The recruits will have no difficulty what
ever. Their enlistment in the United States
service took place at their home towns,
and their expenses will be paid without
question. When the captains began to
make out their muster rolls they changed
the enlisting place. as named, from Indian
apolis to the home, in the cases where 1t
could be done. The chief mastering Of
fcers returned the papers and ordered the
places named as they were in the original
documents. This has caused some disturb
ance, as both officers and men feel that
they should not pay car fare.
Colonel May said last night that he would
telegraph to Washington about the ques-
tion, and he feels sure that the government
will arrange everything to the satisfaction
of the soldiers. All the favors granted in
other States will be given in this State.
The remains of Private John Moon, who
died at the state hospital Thursday night,
were taken by his parents to their home at
Greentown, Howard county, at 1:30 o'clock