The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-08-22
he Has Won the Respect of the
Montana Troopers.
AT CAMP GEO. H. THOMAS
Some OF the Ways in Which Thought
less Commanding Of1cers Rub 1t
Into the volunteers in the
Camps.

that things were coming our way. and
the camp duties becoming lighter. An
order was issued disseminating after
noon drill; Wednesdays and Saturdays
were named as field days for athletic
sports and were free from drill.
In Saturdays exercises First Sergeant
Heyfron of Troop r won first prize for
the 10O-yard sprint, and Corporal owens
Of Troop f won first prize on standing
broad jump. The other prizes We're
about evenly divided among the other
troops. All the boys were figuring on a
Sunday holiday when they might 20 To
the river for "A good bath.
Sunday morning, when we lined
Tor stables, we had read to us an order
TO prepare for a practice march. i'm light
order 10 start at 3 a. m. Now practice
marches have been longed for by all Of
US, and we felt anxious to have two or
three each week; but on Sunday-no. II
was not proper, not right. il was an out
rage. Not that the army life has had "A
tendency TO make the boys religious.
but the first day is regarded as a day
OF rest to which we are Justly entitled,
and for which we will contest. How
ever, a soldier has no means of re-
dressing his grievances, but can only
submit. SO with much grumbling we
mounted and began our journey. We
took the road leading east from our
camp n passed out through the camp
OF the Second and Third divisions OF the
First army corps. We crossed Chicka-
manga river. climbed over the hills ana
again crossed the river, marching
through the most fertile section Of coun-
try we ave seen i'm this vicinity. our
way was along a turnpike which much
ira vel had made worry 1llEfN 81. that
when we halted for dinner. 10 miles out.
IL was difficult TO distinguish rider from
horse. so completely were we all COW
cred with the lust. Mess call was sound
ed shortly after noon, and unsaddling
our horses we partook of the sCant fare
provided. which consisted Of a slice of
fried bacon, two slices of bread, a
pickle and onion. which had been given
US when starting out. We rested an
hour and then again took up the march.
\ mile beyond our lunChing place we
halted for water at a fine spring by the
side OF the road. After a hearty drink
we moved on another two miles. exc
cuted "fours right about and were on
the homeWaTd march. Tired. dusty,
thirsty and hungry we reached camp
at $50, had cold supper, attended To our
horses and received orders that regi-
mental mounte inspection would be
had i'm heavy marching order at 1.3O
Monday morning. 1t was $50 when the
order was published, and il fell like a
storm cloud upon us. our rifles. sabers.
reVolvers, clothes and saddles were all
dirty from the practice march. All these
must be cleaned and frightened up for
the morrow. In addition we must roll
our blanket, shelter tent, poles and pegs.
Ia be tied on our saddles; in our saddle
pockets we must carry a complete
change of clothes. our dishes. curry
comb and brush. must take picket pm
and rope, watering bridl and halter.
When could we find time 10 prepare all
this? Not tonight, FOR taps would soon
blow. In the morning we would have
our hands fun 10 saddle up aud pack.
The order came hat reveille would
sound at 4 a. ma pleasant prospect
after a hard ride; RSsSs.2ess seized
upon US, and with a. fares?" we
turned in. Morning too soon,
but by a great deal Of MfsIn1ng we were
ready on time. ~
We proceeded to the Dyer field. the
regiment drew up by s%quadTons. and we
sat sullenly, stuhbornly waiting for an
other order. Noticing the heartless
manner Of his command, as indeed he,
too, felt. Major Munteith spoke a few
words Of sympathy To his men and
asked them to hold up a few more days.
1t was the man more than the words
that inspired the men to brace up and
resolve To do then utmost. And. though
we stood under "A fierce sun for nearly
hNe hours, we never allowed our spirits
To lower. and when we returned 10
camp after inspection and review.
though worn and hungry and exhaust
ed, not one of us but felt glad i'm his I
heart that We had learned of a new
friend. There were hundreds of re-
marks made about our major. and his
kim words had left a deep mark upon
the hearts of his men. ! wish | had
time and space to record the many eN-
cellent compliments given this man.
our major is first Of all, a man in every
way; second. he is "A gentleman. as his
bearing bespeaks; third, he is "A leader
not a communications there is "A vast
difference. Anyone vested with an army
commission may command. and because
he has the power to enforce ii he is
obeyed. Such men are not leaders. but
merely a human mechanism that can
speak. They are never respected nor
honored nor cared for: and the soldiers
are anxious for an opportunity 10 mu-
tiny. But the leader-his men hear his
words n his wishes are ohoyed, not
through fear and sullenly, but from love. ,
and done smartly. \ leader is obeyed
and followed because he has the conf
dcnce N respect Of his men.
hus have called our squadron Off
Ger a leader, and, on behalf Of the -four
troops Of the Montana squadron. |
promise that when we are all made citi-
zens again we will not forget the kind
ness and consideration with which we
Were treated. Major Montieth. when he
lofts his uniform. will not lay down the
respect Of these men, but may expect
their earnest support and best wishes
wherever he may be, whatsoever he may
do, whensoever he may wish a friend.
GEORGE BYRNE wILDS.
WATER MEASUREMENTS