New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-12
GOSSIP AT THE CAPITAL.
WASHINGTON'S WARM INTEREST IN THE
MEN At CAMP ALGER


cIorHEs-A REPORT ON ALASKA MAPS
MR. DUELI.. THE NEW PATENT
COMMISSIONER.
WASHINGTON June 11.-Camp Alger continues
10 provide constant entertainment to patriotic
Washin gtonians. Since the beginning or the en-
campment the country roads have resemDieo
city boulevards and fashionable drawing rooms
OF winter afternoon do not present 9ayer
scenes than those about the camp. Last sunday
many thousand people visited 1t. and there was
hardly regiment among those stationed ,here
that did not entertain friends from town. Every
class in life represented. and there were
many high officials among those who went out
to cheer up the soldier boys.
Senator Hanna was an early caller and a most
Interested one He dined with the officers or
the Sth Ohio and after dinner was driven In a
hospital ambulance through the regiments or
the different commands making an inspection
that was neither perfunctory nor superficial
The most enthusiastic visitors to Camp Alger
are the women They perhaps the most
welcome too for they rarely go empty handed.
and, no matter how excellent and bountful
Army rations are an occasional dainty is keenly
enjoyed. During the war the notable house
wives OF the country contributed generously from
their well-stocked larders Of everything that
could be transported to the soldiers at the front.
and there are veterans whose mouths still water
when they recall the doughnuts and preserves.
the jellies and potted meats made in some
New England kitchen and sent to them In the
South Already the camp mess here has been
enriched by acceptable contributions. and one
popular soldier is said to have received seven
cakes in day. What will be most desirable
are dainties for TIE sick. The regular hospi-
tai allowance provides only for the necessaries,
and recovery is fastened cOnyalescence bright
ened by the fruit, broihs and jeles that are
sent to the patients from outside
The excellent conduct of the men is uni
versally remarked They are on good behavior
not only at the camp. but in town. when boys in
blue in groups Of three or four are often met
strolling about the streets. visiting the public
buildings resting on the benches under the
trees in the parks The American sense OF
humor is not lacking at Camp Alger. and the
soldiers chaff each other in great good nature
A wholesome practice. for in this way peculiari-
ties overcome that might otherwise require
those possessing them to be severely disciplined
There several boys in the camp below the
age limit who have cunningly smugglcd them
selves in. and. when found. have been allowed at
their earnest pleading to remain. typical lit
tie plckaninny. known as Lemons whose
voluminous smiles display the blue gums re-
garded by his people as a preventive against
the sinister work OF the evil eye and the
Vaccinations of all conjurers. is the mascot Of
the LIST New-Jersey Volunteers. Lemons" IL
not more than twelve or thirteen years old. and
was formerly employed by of the officers
who refused the little darky's request to accom-
pany the regiment South But on arriving here
Lemons was found curled up among the
horses in freight car. and the New
Jersey troops regard his presence good
omen. and he Is the pet OF the camp
Gerald Finlayson. drummer OF Company a.
33d Michigan Regiment. is scrap OF a
newsboy from Detroit He was tempted TO join
the Army because OF his admiration for the
Secretary Of War. who has a warm spot in his
heart for the sturdy vendors of newspapers
and in Detroit at Christmas time presents every
Cewsboy with a handsome suit Of warm clothes
According to these little citizens, General Alger
Is "all right. all right" and Gerald. who is go
ing TO the war, is not the least enthusiastic Of
his admirers The youngster has had many ad
ventures since his arrival at the capital. the
most potent Of which was his visit to the White
House Mrs McKinleys love for children is
well known. and. finding this diminutive soldier
the steps of the Executive Mansion on re-
turning from her morning drive the other day.
took him inside with her Toasted him royalty
and sent him away armed with a bagful Of the
good things that children love
The very youngest soldier in the Army be-
longs to Tennessee regiment. and is a con
stituent Of the honorable and beautiful J. Ham
Lewis. Judge McCorey his father. is well
known I'm the State OF WASHINGTON and when