The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-16
BAD WEATHER FOR CAMPERS.
Soldiers Who Will Invade the Phil
ippines Soaked with Rain.

SAN FRANCISCO, NJ ~ 16. - ALI night
long the rain, which commenced falling yes
terday at noon, continued to drench the
5000 men camped at the Presdio, awaiting
orders to proceed to Manila to relieve Ad-
miral Dewey The Preside is a sea of mud
and the troops, most of whom are lacking
proper clothing to withstand the cold and
damp, are suffering greatly, but the men
do not complain. Although their tents are
surrounded by miniature lakes and small
rivulets course the camp underneath cots
and shake-down beds not a whimper is
heard. Last night was the most disagreeable
yet experienced by the men. Fires would not
burn and the troops had to content them
selves with cold lunches and an occasional
cup of hot coffee which the good people of
the Red Cross Society prepared for the shiv-
ering soldiers. Although blankets in plenty
had been distributed during the day, little
sleep was obtainable owing to the incon-
veniences with which the men had to con-
tend. The sentries suffered most of all. All
day yesterday and last night they tramped
steadily up and down their beats wet to the
skim Most of them lacked overcoats, but
one by one they were supplied with this
comfort. There has been so much to do
and so little time in which to do it that it
has been impossible for the officers to look
after every detail, and they were much
handicapped owing to their inability to se-
cure the articles necessary for the comfort
of the men, the stocks of local merchants
being depleted early in the week
The Charleston is still at Mare island, and
nothing definite can be learned regarding
the time of her departure or whether or
not she will convoy one or more of the
troop ships which have been chartered to
take the supplies and men to Admiral
Dewey. 1t has been given out at the Pre-
sidio unofficially that the first shipload of
men will leave tomorrow or Tuesday, but
this is impossible unless the men go al
most totally unprepared for the duties they
may be required to perform in the Philip
pines. They have not been supplied with
sufficient clothing or arms and ammunition.
The troops need shoes. overcoats. under
clothing, rifles and ammunition 1t has been
determined by the officers to ask for Krag-
Jorgensen rifles. and if these cannot be Sc
cured No. SS4 modern Springfields will be
asked for. The quartermaster's department
is unable to supply the thirty days rations
necessary for the first months service. and
these must be secured before any of the
troops can leave.
first vessel ordered to the Philippines, and
she is not in condition to receive the troops.
but large force of men is at work on her
and she will be prepared for the reception of
men on twenty-four hours notice. Orders
have been received to get the First Regi-
ment ready for departure, but this cannot
be done until the necessary supplies have
been received. Several small steamers and
schooners are engaged in TRANSPORTING sun
plies from Mare island to this city for load
ing on the Picking. The steamers Australia.
City of Sydney and Ohio are being gradu-
ally prepared for service as transports but
1t will take at least a week or ten davs
before they will be ready for sea. 1t is
given out to-day that the steamer Cone
maugh has not been chartered bv the sov-
ernment, as previously stated.
Nearly 5000 troops from Minnesota. Colo
rado. Utah and Oregon win arrive here on
Wednesday and Friday next and will 60 into
camp at the Preside. The Thirteenth In
fantry Regiment of Minnesota, comprising
1.O3O men and officers, will leave ST. Paul
tomorrow and arrive here on FRIDAY morn
ing. One complete regiment from Colorado
numbering over 1000 men. a battalion from
Utah numbering several hundred men
and officers and another special trainload
OF men from oregon will arrive here
wednesday morning. The transportation of
troops and supplies is testing the carving
capacity of the Southern Pacific Companv's
lines to the limit and there is a shortage of
passenger cars in consequence.