Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-08-11
WITH OUR SOLDIERS.
Interesting Letter From the Boys at
Camp Merritt.


OF those who shall say "peace" or
"war TO the death" There seems to
be feeling among the Kansas troops
that the next two weeks will disclose
much OF vital interest to them. The
regiment Is In readiness to move at
any time now. The last detail OF its
complete equipment was finished last
Saturday, when knapsacks were is
sued to those companies which did
not have them. The most intense
excitement was caused at "retreat"
Saturday night by Lieut.. Col. Little's
announcement that Kansas had been
assigned to the Tartar or Athenian,
which will reach this port from Ia.
coma this week. Up to the present
time 1t has been impossible to confirm
the statement, but there ought to be
something in it, as it was the first
time the officers had stated officially
that the regiment was to leave for the
Philippines.
On Thursday night the regiment
will give an exhibition drill at
Mechanics Pavilion for the benefit Of
the Army Christian Commission The
routine work of the regiment for one
day-roll calls, meals, drills, guard
mounting and parade-will be repre-.
sented on the program. In addi.
'ion there will be a night attack
on camp and sham battle. There is
arumor that as soon as the regiment
gets the exhibition off its hands it will
leave the deep sands that have been
Its home SO long and encamp on q
new site on the Preside reservation,
chosen because Of Its sanitary ad.
vantages. On the other hand it Is
claimed that II the regiment Is to
leave soon the present camp will be
occupied until its departure.
On tfs 2lst Of July Company l.
suffered Its second loss by death.
Cecil Flowers was the unfortunate
young man who was called upon to
lay down his life for his country when
but a few weeks in her service. He
was one Of the recruits that enlisted
at Kansas City. His parents reside
at Belleview. The young soldier was
buried in the beautiful National CEN.
etery at the Preside.
Company l. is very indignant con.
cerning false report which orig.
mated with the Topeka State journal
and was reprinted in all the county
papers. The journal said that one
tent in Company l. refused to drill
because of the poor food issued, which
is a distinct and positive falsehood
Not one tent nor one man Of Company
l. has ever refused to drill or to do |
any other duty assigned.
One crooked officer who has been
stealing the very bread from the
mouths Of the soldiers of the regiment
came to grief last week. When |
brought before a courtmartial he |
termaster Sergeant Young unbush-
he admitted that he had been ex.
changing flour and other supplies for
pies and tobacco which he sold to the
soldiers. He made no defense, ad.
mitted that there were no extenuat-
Ing circumstances in his case, and
will doubtless be sentenced to several
years Imprisonment at Alcatriz
Island.
Since Lieut.. Col. Little returned to
duty he has teen showing the boys
every favor possible, and doing all he
can for their welfare. He received
the $50 which was raised by the Abb
lene people and will spend it for the
sick boys Of Company l..
A number Of organizations have
taken steps to supply the various
needs Of the soldiers at Camp Merritt.
The Army Christian Commission and
Christian Endeavor have erected
tents where writing and reading ma
Lerial and stamps are furnished the
boys. The Catholic Truth society
does more toward satisfying the real
needs Of the boys than any other or.
ganization. A band OF noble Oakland
ladies' have put up tent in the Kan
'as regiment where the boys may
read and write and where deicacies
and strengthening food are prepared
'or the sick boys Of the regiment.
These ladies visit the tents in search