Evening star., 1898-08-29

fever. Lieut.. Hayes was not so fortunate.
The fever hung on to him with a grim
tenacity all during the voyage. But the
gallant officer fought against it heroicaliy,
and in spite Of the warnings of his surgeon
refused to give up to the disease and take
to his state room. He is now in the hos
pital at Camp Wikon.
Sighted Montnuk Point.
We sighted Montauk light Thursday
night. and thrill of joy went through the
heart of every man in the regiment when
the fact was announced. We proceeded un-
der easy steam until the next morning,
when we signaled for a pilot, and. none
appearing, Capt. Halsey mounted the top
of his pilot house and took his ship in with
out one. By o'clock we were at anchor,
and the men crowded over the side to get
leng-wished-for look at the United States
again. Stretching off across the hills in the
distance were the white tents Of Camp
Wikof. 1t was an inspiring sight for the
500 men, who had not laid eyes on Ameri-
can soil for two months.
The quarantine boat soon came alongside
and we heard the first news of what had
been going on practically during the past
month, for news from the states was scarce
at Santiago, and after it had filtered
through the many sources of gossip was
not always of the most reliable sort. In
deed, we were not too certain that peace
even had actually been declared, though
We had strong suspicion that matters mad
been settled so far as Cuba was concerned,
else we would not have been fortunate
enough to get home.
Surprised by Luncheon.
Saturday morning about o'clock the
transport Vigilant came alongside and took
off our sick, and few hours later two
lighters came out for the balance of the
troops. Upon landing the men met a most
agreeable surprise in a fine luncheon pre-
pared by the Red Cross Society. They had
been worn out with the never-changing
round of tard tack, coffee, beans and to-
matoes: SO that when they were invited to
form single file and take sandwich and a
cup of ice cold milk their hearts bounded
with gratitude and their stomachs leaped
for JOY. 1t was another instance of where
that noble organization had come to the
front SO opportunely with something to
cheer up and help out the American soldier
The march to camp was fortunately a
short one, as the District troops had been
assigned to the first quarters on the hill
above the harbor. They were also rejoiced
to find that their tents had been fixed for
them, and they were spared this usually
disagreeable task following a long march.
Camp Wikoff is situated in a most health
full and picturesque spot, but it does not fill
the requirements for a lot of men just re-
turning from an arduous campaign in a
foreign country, where they have not only
felt the pangs of actual disease, but home
sickness as well. The troops should be sent
their homes
desire one hears expressed on all hands. l
talked with perhaps a dozen regular army
officers. friends that 1 had met in Cuba.
Their universal expression was:
Suggestion as to Regulars.
We should be sent away at once to our
old stations. Regular troops form local ties,
and what might be called home associa-
tions. as well volunteers. Our men are
expected TO recuperate quickly and return
to Cuba for duty. This can best be accom-
plished by sending them to the places where
they have local and home ties"
They cited many instances to show where
this change could be effected with little
cost to the government Take the cases of
the 18th Regular Infantry, which was
formerly stationed at Fort Niagara and
Governors Island; the 21st, which had been
stationed at Plattsburg. n. Y: the o., at
Sackett's Harbor; the 9th Cavalry former
ly of Fort Myer and Fort Ethen Allen
Then there is the 9th Infantry which had
been stationed at Fort Thomas Ky; the
4th, at Fort Sheridan, ILL.,; the 18th, at CO.
lumbus barracks, Ohio-alI within easy
striking distance of Camp Wikoff, with the
great railroad facilities at hand. And the
claim was generally made that whatever
might be incurred in cost would be more
than amply returned in the good effects
which the men would experience in the
change. DAVID l. MERCER.