Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-01
The HOMECOMING.

The decision to bring the District regf-
ment home week from tomorrow necessi-
tates much hard work on the part of the
citizens 10 make ready for the returning
volunteers. 1t was originally thought that
the men would be kept at Montauk for at
least two weeks in order to strengthen
them for the ordeal of fatiguing journey
and march and an exciting reception by
their friends. But it appears that the de-
sire to get home is so strong among the
troops that a compromise upon only
weeks further detention at the camp was
reached.
1t is to be hoped that this time will suf-
flee to give strength to most of those who
are now on the sick list and those who
while not in hospital, are yet debilitated
from the effects of the Cuban climate and
the hardships of the campaign. The pros
pect of speedy return to Washington will
doubtless aid the soldier boys in their con-
valescence and it may be that by a week
from tomorrow the regiment will be in
shape TO be welcomed with the demonstra-
lions Incidental to the citizens outburst of
qualification and pride in the returning vol
unteers.
The setting of the time for the return
finds the work of preparation for the re-
ground to be covered by all of the commit
tees. The medals are yet to be struck the
decorations are to be put in place, the full
amount of the required fund for the recep-
ton Is to be secured and scores of details
are unadjusted. But Washington is capa-
Bile of even greater achievements than that
which an emergency of this kind demands.
1t is not to be questioned that the money
will be forthcoming, whether the donation
period is one week or two or three. The
decorations may not be as elaborate under
present circumstances as though another
week were to be had for the accumulation
of materials. and some of the features of
the reception may lack somewhat in COM
pleteneSs. but there will be no question as
TO the heartiness of the welcome, or the
sincerity of the cheers greeting the return
ing heroes or the depth of the gratitude
which the people feel that their boys are
back once more in the home circle.
This change in the plans merely means
that all those concerned in the work of
preparation will have to hustle the harder
to make all the loose ends meet. A pre-
MUM is put upon added energy, and when
tina capitals record for brilliant achieve
ments in the reception of incoming bodies
of people Is recalled there is every reason
70 believe that the next week will be one of
the liveliest ever known in Washington, de-
spite ths heat now prevalent and likely to
continue through several days. 1t is to be
hoped that the temperature will moderate
materially before the regiment reaches
home, for it would be hard upon the weak
ened troops to be forced to enter the city
and march over thu asphalt on the morn
ing of a blistering day such as September
sometimes produces. and. while sweltering,
to be subjected to the pleasing but pro-
tracted attentions of whole community
with only ons object in view, the hearty
welcoming of their sons. and brothers, and
sweethearts-their soldiers.
The earlier date of the arrival of the boys
will make IL all the more necessary to
adapt the reception very carefully to their
physical condition. The strain of a march,
the standing around always involved in
these professional spectacles, the tradition
al delays Incidental to the moving of many
men and the excitement inevitably attend
ant upon d homecoming under such cir
cunlstances, will all be borne in mind in
wisely determining the exertions to be de-
manded Of our fevered and convalescent
soldiers