Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-08-11
REGULAR ARMY STATUS.
Congressman Hull Says That Steps
Will Be Taken to Increase the
Number of Soldiers.
EASTERN SQUADRON READY TO MOVE.
mand and Commodore Watson Desig-
mated as Second to the Admirai-Errors
in the Pay Rolls at Camp Thomas Delay
the Work or Paying the Volunteers.

Washingtona Aug. 7.-Chairman
Hull, of the house committee on mill
tary affairs. who is now in Washing
ton, is interesting himself in ques-
tons which will come before that COM
mittee for settlement during the short
session of congress One of these is
the status of the regular army. He
said:
As soon as peace is declared the regular army
will be reduced to about 26. 600 men, think
that every one will concede that this number
will not be sufficient for the future. In my
opinion we will need 10000 regulars for some
time to come. The reorganization bill which
the regular army up to 6t,000
thought that probably 5000 would be
the appropriate figure for the standing
army of the future. but within the past three
months conditions have arisen which will put
an entirely different phase upon the situation.
We will need men in the Philippines, in Cuba
and in Porto Rico and doubt If 200 men
will be enough Steps will be taken to frame
measure in the recess of congress to be sub
mitted to the committee on military affairs as
soon as it meets in December The committee
can then pass upon it and we hope to secure
early action in the house and senate. OF
course, my suggestion of 100, 00o men is entirely
my opinion and the committees of the
house and senate will fix the number
The Eastern Squadron Ready to Move.
Washington, Aug. Rear Admiral
Sampson will command the eastern
squadron if it be sent abroad by the
president It was learned yesterday
on high authority that he has received
orders to take command and Commo-
dore Watson has been designated as
second to the rear admiral in the fleet.
The squadron is now in prime condi-
ton to proceed on its mission. Re-
pairs have been made at antanamo,
n hou al he
and bottoms of the ships to some
extent and the vessels are loaded
with ample stores of all kinds, in
Guiding plenty of ammunition. Rear
Admiral Sampson has reported to Sec
rotary Long that his ships are in
readiness for orders, and the latter Of
fetal has acquainted the president
with this fact. The selection of Rear
Admiral Sampson to command the
squadron was based, it is said, upon
the desire of the president and Secre-
tary Long to put in command of the
fleet an officer of tried Judgment and
discretion. It is known to be still the
in ten ton of the administration to re-
inforce Rear Admiral Dewey by means
of the eastern squadron, although it is
stated in administration circles that
circumstances naturally have a great
deal to do with the ultl mate orders to
be given.
At Camp Thomas.
Observation-Disclosures National
Military Park, Tenn, Aug. 7.-On &C
count of errors in pay rolls, the pay
masters have again been delayed in
the work of paying the men at Camp
Thomas. The regimental officers are
now busily engaged Strengthening up
their lists and they will be in shape
next week. The signal corps found it
impossible to get away to-day and will
leave tomorrow morning. The men of
this corps has been paid up to August
l. Col Whipple. the marshal of Camp
Thomas, has given notice that he will
keep his provost guard in Chattanooga
next week to prevent any repetition
of the disorderly scenes which fol-
lowed the last pay day. A number of
regiments are moving their camps to-
day. The many removals made dur
ing this week are expected to have
highly beneficial effect on the general
health. The seven regiments includ-
ed in Gen. Wade's expedition are ex-
pected to leave Tuesday or Wednesday