The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-09-29

The beginning OF arrangements for the
cad Of the camp commenced at subrise yes
terday II was apparent from the restless
s;lr OF the men that the moving fever had
taken a strong hold among than, and they.
began to laugh and cheer. by ones. by
dozens and by companies. even before the
breakfast meal was served. smile was
needed as to the cause that prompted It,
for 1t was apparent to all that the boys
were glad Of the change. though loath to
give up their many friends In Houston
who had been so kind to them.
All military procedure was practically
dispensed with for the day, and oppor-
tunlty was afforded to the ,men to com
mence the packing up of an odd clothing
and incdentals prior 10 the general order
OF striking camp.
Blankets were rolled w. and with the
pouches as an outside covering carefully
tied In fashion ready to be carried over
the shoulders OF the men, canteens were
filled with pure arteslan water, ready for
use on the train. while guns and bayonets
were polished as they never had been boz
fore, with an energy that showed the pride
of the men In the care of their equip
ment.
The citizens committee, composed of
X. NJ. Johnston. w. A. Childress. II. r.
MacGregor j. NJ. Lee and II, A. Reich
ardt. having charge OF the arrangements
Of Camp Tom Ball. visited the camp yes
terday morning to say goodbye to the
officers and men OF the Fourth regiment
The committee were more than pleased by
the kindly expressions OF Colonel Edmond,
and other officers, Colonel Edmonds said:
I'VE have been treated with great cour-
fesy and Kindness; in fact. II would be hard
to find another place where we would ra-
ceive as good treatment as Houston has
accorded us. The health OF the camp has
been good, there being as little sickness
here as In any other camp ia tho United
States with which | am acquainted. There
10 no doubt but that N our tents had been
floored Camp Tom Ball would have been
the healthiest camp In the country
Camp Tom Ball would be a splendid
place for a winter camp II the tents were
floored, and would glady recommend It to
the government as adapted for winter quar-
tiers. The Fourth regiment leaves Houston
with the best feeling toward the people
OF this city, and we are grateful for the
numerous courtesles extended and will
carry with us pleasant remembrances. Of
Camp Tom Ball and Houston"
Camp Tom Ball has had a remarkable
record Those who have visited many
camps In the United States place II at the
head OF the list. The mess sheds were
substantial, pure artesian water was piped
TO all parts OF the grounds. there being a
hydrant at each mess tabls The park Is
In the midst OF a beautiful grove which
was brilliantly illuminated with mean
descent electric lights. The drainage WAS
admirable and Immediately after the heav
lest rains the walks through the park were
% dry AS q paved street. It's health con-
hitions were gplendid--very little sickness
except in the first few days which followed
pay day.
X was not till 1.4o o'clock that tue o,.
ders came to tear down the tents. and the
boys having waited some hours for the
Command, ieaped into the action and pulled
up pegs. tore down poles and rolled M
the eanvsn with as mitch spirit as though
thsy wsrc nshting spaniards There
eesms8 desire for bi. Of grand stand
plsy, ara there was mitch rivalry as 70
vhtuA company could accomplish the work
- - shortest time. II was all done quick
eoeh With very iittls margin rs to
e>Fsaee d time between tsSsm. ana il
- ~ apeeaxapes - the tents fell down
u foeoeonten like thAt Of work done