New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-04
MKINLEY AT CAMP WIKOFF,
SICK SOLDIERS CHEERED AND CON.
FORTED BY THE PRESI-
DENTS VISIT.
CAREFUL INSPECTION OF THE HOSPITALS
SPEECH BEFORE FIVE THOUSAND
SOLDIERS GOOD WORDS
FOR THE CAMP.

A SPEECH BEFORE FIVE THOUSAND
SOLDIERS GOOD WORDS
FOR THE CAMP
What I saw OF the care Of the sick in the
hospitals by those in charge and by those noble
women who are engaged In that worn was espes
cay gratifying TO me-"
So said President Mckinley while he was on
his way to Long Island City yesterday after
noon after his visit to Camp WikoY, at Mon
tauk Point. The words were not spoken hastily.
They were dictated to George D. Cortelyou the
assistant private secretary of the President by
Mr.. Mckinley, and read by Mr. Cortelyou to
the newspaper reporters Ii may therefore be
accepted that the President. In his statement,
desires to convey the impression made upon
him by his tour of inspection. Nobody can say
that this inspection not thorough. The
President went everywhere and saw everything
that possible to He could not. Of
course. visit the fever hospitals; but with this
exception he visited every part OF the immense
camp. He even drove through the detention
camp and spoke a few words Of welcome to
General Shafter. although the risk by those
who go among the new arrivals is theoretically
almost great II the fever hospital itself
were visted
But although it seems from President McKin-
everything possible is being done for the sick
soldiers. 1t appears from another announce
ment that was made by Mr.. Corteyou that
the President is not satisfied that Montauk
Point is a healthy location. THE President"
said Mr.. Cor alyou, has ordered that all the
Regular troops at Camp Wlkoff coming from
posts east OF the Mississippi be directed to re-
turn TO their posts with the least possible do
lay"
1t was also unoficially rumored that the Presi-
dent will take measures to have all the troops
nov at MOntauk removed 10 their homes. IN
the case Of volunteers, and 10 their various posts
in the case Of Regulars. as soon as possible. II
is understood that orders 10 this effect will he
issued to General Wheeler as soon as the Presi-
dent and Secretary Alger return to Washing
ton.
THE JOURNEY TO THE CAMP.
The journey of the Presidential party which.
as announced in yesterdays Tribune, started
upon A special train from Long Island City for
Montauk Friday night. was an dneventful
one There no attempt on the part OF the
authorities of the Long Island Railroad TO make
the journey 10 the camp a quick one. Instead.
every effort was made TO allow the President
and his party undsturbed rest. and the train
slowly, without any perceptible jarring' At
Hicksville however, al about IL 40 o'clock. just
after Mr. Mckinley had retired. the enthusiasm
Of the good people of that place had the effect
of upsetting the efforts Of the company. The
villagers knew Of the coming arrival Of tho
Presidential train. and had prepared for it
They not only assembled a, the station in full
force. but they obtained a small cannon from
somewhere and as TIE train passed slowly
through the station there were terrific cheers
and then report which would have awakened
the Seven Sleepers. The officials of the line who
were upon the train grew angry, but the Presi-
dent took II all good -naturedy and bowed his
ACCOMPLISHMENTS from n window. After this
the railway people were on thorns during tho
rest Of the journey. but there were no further
demonstrations of this kind. and Mr.. Mckinley
was allowed to sumber in peace The train was
stopped at Amagansett, the next station &c
Montauk. and the engine removed some distance
away. in order that its throbbng might not
annoy the travellers. Breakfast was served
soon after o'clock. and at 500 the train ar
rived at Montauk Point.
LOOKING IT'S BEST.
The camp was looking its best yesterday.
Compared with the temperature in New-York
CITY and Washington the heat was not oppres-
sive the cool sea breezes making the air almost
bracinC The atmosphere was delightfully."- clear
ard seen from the station the undulatng
ground dotted as far as the eye could reach
with the white tents. beautiful and lnspir-
ing sight. For several days previous TO FRIDAY
there had been no rain at the camp, ana the
dust had been thick upon the roads. The con-
slant passing 70 and fro of Army wagons and
mounted troopers had stirred IL up In great
clouds which the wind had blown over the hills
deposting IL in thick layers upon the scruboy
grass and the white tent-fiies. The latter had
turned a rusty brown from the accumulation OK
dust and looked as though they had peen
nein,ed with a good weatherproof roof paint
But on Friday night storm came up. Inc
wind tlew and swayed the tents until all the
dust had been shaken out OF them. and then the
rain came and finished the general cleaning up.
/. washed whatever dust particles still cluns
to the tents out of them. and 1t beat down the
dust in the roe ds so that persons could pass
over them without being almost choked ID
death by the sitting dust clouds. Then the
storm its work finished, moved out TO sea- "hen
morning came the sun was shining orighty
again and the white tents on the hiiisiues
fairly cleaned in the brilliant light
In the various camps every one was early
astir and busy policing company streets ana
quarters for every one was anxious that the
president receive favorable impression OF
Camp Wikof over in the Sd Cavalry camp
there was an extra busting about, for the en-
tire regiment to turn out as an escort.
Horses received an extra grooming and rubbing
down sabres and scabbards an extra polish.
and then boots and saddles" rang through the
camp At AZ a. m. the regiment was in motion.
and at slow walk was making its way TO the
station troop guidons futterng gayly in the
morning breeze and sabres changing with every
motion OF the horses. Caroines had been left be-
hind and the troopers were clad in light blue
trousers and dark blue flannel shirts. They wore
their campaign hats. and about their waists
were the web cartridge belts. bearing the pis-
tol holsters. from which the pistol butts pro-
truded.
AT THE HEAD OF THE COLUMN.