Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1898-11-04

Bears the a e Kind You Have Always Bought
Signature s : &M2Zzzm
fertilization of Troops.

The official report of L. II. Poole as
acting assistant adjutant general of the
state in charge of the military camp at
Fargo when the volunteers were mobil-
lied there, is published in the Fargo
Argus of Sunday and should set at rest
the canards Of the populists regarding
extravaganza and Encouragement. The
report may be summarized as follows:
The number of officers and men fed at
camp from May End to May 9th was
5,251; number of officers fed from May
9th to May Goth, 377; total, 5,52s, officers
and men. Tho total cost OF subsistence
for the camp was $4,000, or about 5s%
cents per day per man. I am pleased to
report that during the time mentioned
there was no complaint heard or filed
relating to tho quality, quantity CT
variety of the food furnished.
The state was called upon at a serious
time of the year to provide for and
shelter 700 men, with tentage for not to
exceed 400 men and with no bedding or
gents furnishing goods in the military
stores of tho state. At tho state encamp-
ment each man provided his own furn-
ishing goods and bedding, but being
called upon by the government it became
n necessity to provide these things and
the emergency had to be met. Bed ticks
were provided as were also wool and rub
Der blankets and the men made temper
arily comfortable.
The general conduct and discipline of
the camp was a topic of much favorable
comment. The regimental officers were
placed in difficult position from the fact
that practically all the company officers
were new in the positions they occupied
at this camp and therefore had but little
of camp duties, and still further from
the fact that at least 60 per cent of the
men were recruits and never had expert
ence in drill. This came about largely
from the fact that the militia strength
of the eight companies which left was
but 800, officers and men, while the call
was for 685. Under these conditions at
least 365 men were devoid of anymilitary
training whatever, but officers and men
alike went at work and with a will and
the result was a very rapid and decided
improvement. Much credit is due the
field officers for this result as they are
all we'll trained, efficient officers and
have had military experience. The con
duct of the men was admirable and in
subordination was unheard of.
The commissary department was under
my supervision, including the whole
command, from May 2 to May 9, and the
officers mess only from May 9 to Mayo.
The general maintenance and expense Of
camp was under my supervision from
May Ito May 20.
The command was subsisted, equipped
for s%er:ice, expense of companies, at
home stations and per diem,p paid at total
cost Of but s10,O21.16, or an average Of
s14.22 per man for the full time given,
which under tho circumstances I con-
slider very economical.
The item in schedule A headed Eek
penses paid companies at home stations
and rations furnished en- route to camp"
amounting to s442.O9 is really not a part
OF the expense Of the camp, but all bills
were presented to mefor adjustment and
veritication and were paid as per general
order. The expense was largely for
board of volunteers while being enrolled.
The state ordered the amounts paid and
as same passed through my hands I
have also included this amount.
All military supplies not taken by the
troops were returned to Bismarck. Re-
ceipts for all military stores taken from
the state by the troops have been filed III
the office.
AS all the expenses of this camp were
to be borne by the general government
as per instructions from the wa depart
ment, copies in triplicate Of all bills in
CURED, duly itemized, were taken, one Of
OF which was duly 0. KID. by Lieutenant
Albright, mastering officer for the gov
ernment, and sent to the war depart
mont.