Evening star., 1898-09-02
Welcoming Our Boys.


interests of the returning District soldiers
would he best served by their retention at
Montauk Point for a recuperation period of
two or three weeks at the least. Their rest
at northern seashore. enjoying the best
of care both on the part of the govern
ment and of The Star and of Washingtons
pubIic-spirited citizens, for a time which
would not detain them there into the period
Vt danger forecast by DR.. Sem, was ex-
aacted to accomplish wonders in recreating
them. in restoring some of their wasted
strength and in clearing their systems of
the fevers contracted in the Cuban climate.
1t was thought that the news which would
reach them from day to day of the active
preparations for their welcome in this city,
the frequent sight of friends and neighbors
and the steady supply of wholesome food
and delicacie5 would prevent the delay from
being irksOme. would partly Danish home
sickness and would transform the ordinary
tedious life in camp into a health-giving
period Of hopeful anticipation. Since Wash
tngtOn's September is notOriously one of the
most trying months of the year and since
the weak and debilitated troops seemed to
be in no condition to endure in the imme
date future the fatigue of the rousing re-
ceptio1 planned for them it also seemed
desirable that the boys should be kept away
from Washington. if that were practicable,
until in the coolness of autumn they could
march up Pennsylvania avenue without dis
tress or danger. 1t did not seem that the
troops would be soon ready to receive the
attentions destined for them by Washing
ton. or that the citizens would be fully
prepared to extend the elaborate welcome
which they had planned.
This view of the best course to pursue was
also expressed by Colonel Harries, though
his personal inclinations as sick man with
a comfortable home awaiting him would
doubtless have carried him to Washington
by the first train.
But on the other hand there developed
the fact that the regiment almost uuani-
mOusly yearned for home, and that this de-
sire was stronger with them than any con-
siderations of Montauk sea breezes and
tender ministrations. of a fully elabo-
rated, rousing reception the day of
homecoming by the people Of Washington.
So widespread ard powerful was this senti-
nent that it appeared to threaten If unsat-
isfed, to keep the boys depressed and in the
blues and TO cOunteract the wholesome in
fuences upon the health of the volunteers
which were expected from the stay at Mon
tauk.
Inc appointed Dy StdJOF
vester to meet our soldiers at Montauk and
TO learn their wishes as to the proposed
reception, were so much impressed by the
strength and universality of this discour
aged and homesick feeling that they. or
majority of them, pressed upon Colonel
Harries the necessity of a speedy return
of the boys TO Washington, and 1t was un-
dcubtedly in response to this pressure. and
to representations and observation as to
this sentiment among the soldiers, that
Colonel Hsrries yielded his original opin-
ion, and consented to a return on Septem-
Der ninth.
The representatives of the citizens COM
Inittee On reception who thus arranged with
Col. Harrics in accordance with the wishes
of the volunteers, the date OF the soldiers
homecoming are expected momentariIy in
Washington. They will be able. know
ing all the conditions al Montauk and hav-
irg seen and talked with the soldiers. both
officers and priyates. to give practical ad-
vice concerning the character of the recep-
ton to be rendered on the ninth, and infor-
nation concerning the degree of exertion of
which the returning soldiers will be capa-
BILE at that time without distress. They
should also be able TO advise the committee
whether or not it would be wise TO postpone
the formal celebration until a later dale
when both soldiers and community would
be better prepared TO participate in the oc-
casiOn and to make ii memorable.
II. however, the Homecoming and formal
reception are to be on the NINTH energetic
Washington. Notwithstanding the shortness
Of time, will not be found wanting