Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-19
FEEDING OUR BOYS.
Uncle Sam Provides Pretty Good
Table for Them.
From the st. Louis Republic.

From the st. Louis Republic.
Uncle Sans soldiers are probably the
best fed and cared for troops in the world.
The facilities for securing provisions, even
on forced marches, are such that the COM
missary department has little trouble in
supplying the troops with varied and
pala table bill of fare.
The greatest tests in the matter of food
supplies during the past two decades have
been to secure and transport provisions to
the little bands Of cavalry and infantry en-
gagged in keeping down Indian depredations
in the west. 1t was during these expedi-
tons that the equipment of the commits
sary department has been perfected, until
today each company carries in a small
space all the necessaries OF a kitchen and
culinary department. This outfit is one
which never fails to interest women visit
ors to encampments of United States troops,
and to win from the housewife great praise
for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Each company has Its cook, usually fat
and jolly member of the service, whose
headquarters are frequented during all
parts Of the day by convivial members of
the company. The usual habit Of cooks to
grow fat and good natured seems to be a
rule of those who serve in the army, as
well as those who are in civil life. The
cook Is a regularly enlisted member Of the
army, told off for his duties because of his
fitness for the part. He is allowed two
assistants, these being appointed by the
commander of the company for a weeks
service in the cooks department, and being
under his charge. While they assist in pre-
pairing and serving the food, the cook does
the major part of the work. and it is his
taste and skill which goes to make the
victuals served factor in the health and
| contentment of the corps
I The cook has one small ten. in which are
stored the extra provisions and utensils
needed. A large fly, with poles and guy
ropes, serves to shelter the cooking APP
paratus and to form the companys kitch-
zen. Under 1t the stove is placed. The lat
) ter BIS an oblong metal affair, made on
zpurpose for the army, and having griddle
holes for the pots and pans. A ditch is
I scraped In the earth, and on it the stove
is placed, leaving room underneath for the
fire of glowing wood embers. The cook Is
an artist at making a fire in this trench
and in keeping 1t attain even heat. Various
folding chairs, tables improvised Of camp
chests and other things, serve to make the
necessary apparatus for use in the kitchen.
A dozen big kettles, boilers and pans are
the utensils needed.
Dinner. at noon. is the principal meal Of
the day in camp life. and for an hour
before the kitchen presents q busy scene
One assistant, with sleeves rolled up above
the elbows, sits on chest peeling pota-
toes, q bushel or more being necessary for
the meal. Near him the other assistant
out q supply for the meal The cook
watches his men while he attends the
stove and begins preparations for the com.
ing repast A huge boiler on one side of the
stove holds four gallons Of fragrant coffee,
another boiler is filed with water to re.
on another part of the stove the cook drops
vegetables, rice and other wholesome parts
of soup and waits for the assistant to finish
carving the meat that It may be added.