The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-07-06
Wizards Company of Volunteers.

''The richest man in Virginia, is
also one of the most patriotic of the
sous of the Old Dominion, says the New
York Sun. His company of volunteers
is probably the most fortunate in the
entire service of the nation. The men
are to have place in the army that is
to invade the Philippines, owing to the
influence of their captain; they have
been provided with uniforms at the ex-
pense of their captain; their pay is
double that of other volunteers, and
they will have extra care in the event
of wounds or sickness. When the first
call for troops was made there was no
man more eager 10 respond than Joseph
Willard, a member Of the Virginia
Legislature, a lawyer in active practice
at this place, and the son of the found
er of Wizards Hotel, for half CEN
tury the leading hostelry of the ma
tional capital. He offered himself for
enlistment as private, but 50 many
of the young men Of the neighborhood
asked him to be their leader that he
was induced TO raise a company.
As soon rs it was known throughout
the county that Joseph Willard wanted
recruits there was rush Of young men
to his headquarters. His only condi-
tions of enlistment were that the men
should be unmarried, able-bodied and
citizens Of Fairfax county. When he
had the required number he selected
uniform suitable for campaign in Il
tropical climate and sent every man to
a tailor to be fitted. He paid the bill
and was satisfied, when, on reporting
at Richmond, his company received
the fiattering notice of officials and
veterans for its fine appearance. The
young men are tall, as most Virginians
are, and show the sound health of men
who live in the open air. They are
nearly all farmer boys and the sons of
veterans of the Confederate army,
reared in the traditions of courageous
struggle. Next they were informed
by the captain that he would pay out
Of his own pocket an additional SIS, so
that their pay will be SIS month.
This is because many of the families
TO which they belong have been partly
dependent on them and must find il
hard TO carry on the farms in their alb
sence.
Since the war began many families
that were in comfortable circumstances
have found it difficult to make a living
on the few acres they are able to cuIti-
gste. In this region labor is not in the
market except for the large farmers,
who can employ hands by the month
or year. The generosity OF Captain
Willard has made it easy for the men,
bers of his company TO enlist, although
it was not expected when they first
offered themselves Then their only
indueement for joining this company
was that Captain Willard was dar-
ing and pushing man, of fighting
family, who would certainly be in the
thick OF any fighting that may be
going on. When they were told ofthe
promise to send them to the Philip
pines, Captain Willard made a short
speech that added enormously TO the
satisfaction Of the parents of the boys.
He said his income, aside from the
amount that Is necessary TO keep up his
household and the like, is 81 900 a day,
and that as far as this sum would go
the boys should lack nothing that
money could buy in event of wounds
or sickness or to preserve their health
in strange climate.
After several weeks at Richmond the
company has been ordered 10 report at
Camp Alger, where the boys will be
visited by relatives and friends for a
farewell. II now seems beyond all
doubt that they will soon start for Ma
Mia. Captain Willard himself leaves
a wife aud two children. His wife is
not less patriotic than her husband,
and has taken the utmost interest and
pride in the company. Captain VIII
lard told her how eager he was to go to
the seat of war, as his blood had been
boiling over the Spanish cruelty in
Cuba; but he had resolved TO abide by
her decision, as there would be no lack
of men to take his place. She did not
hesitate, but told him to go.