The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-06-26

cleus fGeneral Fitzhugh Lees Seventh
| army corps. only one arrived in Jack
sohVile htted for duty. This was the
second New Jersey, and fine regiment il
IS excellently equipped, well drilled and
high up in the scale of physical perfec-
ton. Very few of the states sent out
their regiments so we'll fitted for field
duty as New Jersey, Massachusetts and
Maine
Illinois usually makes herself heard
through her mouthpiece, Chicago, and
she seldom speaks unless she has some
thing to say in praise Of herself. The
Second Illinois is an excellent regiment.
well drilled and sturdy in appearance. but
when it arrived here the men didn't have
a tent TO sleep under. The state had not
furnished the regiment with tents. and
pending the filling Of an order for the
necessary number the regiment is Sleep
ing in dog or shelter tents.
But the lack of attention TO the wants
Of men going with an invading army to
fight their country's battles was never
more apparent than in the First North
Carolina. At its best the regiment does
not inspire much in the way Of admira-
ton, but it is finely differed and time
and little attention from Washington
VIII make a good regiment Of it, Until
yesterday some Of the men were actually
on their uppers, so far as footwear was
concerned. but a consignment of shoes ar
rived, and these boys came in for their
brOgans.
The First North Carolina is deficient in
shirts, uniforms and guns. They are be-
ing furnished with the Springfield rifle
of 1873, with buckhorn rear sight. Some
OF the guns were defective. This, of
course, would be denied at Washington.
but as matter of fact no less than five
Of them were rendered useless in the
aiming and firing drill last Wednesday af-
ternoon. The hammers broke as if they
were no better than poor quality cast
iron.
All such matters find their way to the
proper persons through the reports, but 1t
is rather discouraging for a soldier who
is likely 10 find himself in a place where
a shot from his rife would save his life,
to have to depend on such an uncer-
tainty
In perfect order the Springfield of 70 is
a mighty weak arm in comparison with
the Mauser.
The Spaniards use smokeless powder.
the American volunteers armed with the
Old-fashioned Springfield will have for
propelling force the old-time black pow
der. Black powder leaves a dense cloud
Of smoke, which will Immediately dis
cover a concealed firing point. while at a !
range at which the Mauser can be fired
point blank with a surety of the bullet !
hoIdlng UP, the same distance would |
nave TO be found" with the Springfield
talked with several officers here about |
the merit Of the two guns. and thew de- |
piored the conditions that precluded the /
arming of the volunteers with the Krag- |
Jorgenson carried by the regulars, or even
the latest model Springfield. such as the /
Second Massachusetts is provided with.
There are still men in the First North /
Carolina and the Fourth Virginia with |
out guns. These are the recruits. and /
there are lots of them in the first named 1
regiment, which lost twenty-five on ply /
steal examination last Friday.
Their places were Immediately flied
with new men from that state. but they
locke danythtng but soldierly as they /
were being put through company move
ments on the parade ground. Some of .
them were in straw hats and blue jeans. /
others in white shirts and Old confederate /
trousers.
The officers Of the regiment swear that /
their supplies have been hlched. but Col
onel Curtis Guild, Jr., assures them that
their boys viii get all that belongs 10
them.
RED TAPE IN THE way
These things are OF course 10 be ex-
pected. for it IS no trivial matter 10
equip an army and make it ready for an
active campaign. Red tape has ever acted
as a trig 10 the wheel Of progress. and il
IS doing so now. Men whose duty It is to
see that a regiment is supplied with ev
necessary must know their
business, and new men cannot be expected
10 compete With the old timers of the
regular army.
In time 10 come the regiments quarter
ed in Jacksonville Will be supplied with
everything necessary. Colonel Guild is
working early and late in the interest Of
keaeral Lees army. and he goes about i
IN the proper way. Instead Of depend
ing on the reports which come to him
from the various regiments he
makes daily trips through the camps.
talks with the officers and enlisted men
and takes careful note Of al the short
comings reported. In this way he gets at
the facts first hand. and when he gets
the facts h may be depended upon 10 DO
The rest.
Within the week there have been five
iesertions in The FIRST North Carolina.
Three OF the -unaways were caught and
are now In che guard house. Asked why,
after subscribing himself an American
soldier, he should contemplate such
thing as deseruon. one OF
them said:
IT'S all very well for people with money
and everything they want to talk abou;
honor, the cid flag. and sing rally round
boys. and rally once again. but put your
SELF in my place and take a look az the
prospect Want Of money induced ne 10
enlist. the lack OF 1t impeiled me TO de-
sert. 50 YOU see i was J case OF money
both ways We'uns are net al bowling
"a triots and all that, but We are willing
o do our share Of the fighting provided We
Ire properly treated
Were YOU ul-treatede" he was asked
Wei. sir, in reply 10 that. I viii say
hat the government paynastsr has not
-et put in an appearance. We'u1s have
lot received q cent since We were mus
cred in. and tell you Il Is getting dis
ouragnig. II the government was broke.
? even p!1ched for cash. wouldn't mind.