The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-01
SIGNING THE PAY ROLLS
THE CAMP MOUNT SOLDIERS PASSED
A HAPPY SUNDAY.
Men Discouraged Over the Prospects
of Peace Before They Get
to See Service.

Signing the pay rolls occupied all the at
tention of the soldiers at Camp Mount yes
terday. Church, drills and everything else,
except meals, were sidetracked for the work
of putting their signatures to the different
company papers, which, in a few days, will
bring the soldiers few of Uncle Sam S
dollars. The only thing serving to enliven
the camp was the concert of the new regi-
mental band. Adjutant Tichenor has sue
ceeded in getting together sixteen musicians
of considerable ability. who in their play
ing make up for the lack of numbers in the
quality of the music rendered. Yesterday
was the first time all of them had played to-
gether, and their fine work surprised every
one. When the band has recruited from
bonst and a few carionetists it will be
good enough for any comparison as a regi-
mental band.
All the men and officers are concerned
over their chances of seeing service in the
present war. The accounts of the peace me-
gotiations printed in the papers have served
to discourage them, and about all one hears
on coming from the city to camp is,
Whats the chance of peace being de-
clared?" Every man, from the colonel
down, is hoping the war will last at least a
few months, so they can get a chance to
do little fighting. The men have worked
hard to perfect themselves as soldiers and
have experienced many discomforts, in the
hope of getting to the front In a rather
gloomy mood, one of them said yesterday,
IF the Dons knuckle under at this stage
Of the game they'll rob us of the chance of
a lifetime" One of the regimental officers,
in discussing the matter, said he thought
even if peace should be declared within the
next few days there would still be enough
work ahead to keep the regiment busy until
next January.
The regiment will not draw any ammu-
milton for the new rifles until it is ordered
to make some move. Then the men will
get chance to try the new smokeless cart
ridges The knapsacks, hayersacks and
canteens recently received by Major Peter
son will be issued to the men to-day
Lieutenant Croker, of the Jeffersonville
company, has been appointed regimental
commssary, and is now receiving his first
lessons in issuing rations to the men at the
hands of Commissary Sergeant Weston, of
the regular army.
About one out of ten of the officers uni
forms ordered from the Cincinnati con-
tractors has given satisfaction. Several of
the officers have sent theirs back, while
others have received them under protest.
The head of the concern was in camp yes
terday trying to patch up the difficulty.
Major Peterson has escaped trouble of this
kind. He bought his outfit complete where
he knew he would get what he wanted
from the United States government arsenals
and now the rest of the officers are ar
hanging similar deals.
Private Simms. of ShelbyviIe, who has
been laid up with disease of the bones of
his feet, was yesterday removed to the City
Hospital, as was also Gilmore Black, the
colored soldier, who broke his leg Saturday
night while scuff1ng with fellow-soldier.