The age-herald., 1898-06-12
FIGHTING PARSON
 ON CAMP LIFE

Perhaps review of a soldiers ex-
 perience for month would be interesting
 The boys from the start have behaved
 handsomely. Many hardshiPs have been
 overcome. and much discomfort endured
 cheerfully. The conclusion of the whole
 matter is that the First Alabama regiment stands first in the heart of her home peo- pie, first in volunteer discipline and first in eager anticipation of a move to the front. The officers, in the main, seem to realize the responsibility of their positions, and are studying hard and are trying to take good care of the men committed to their charge. There have been few acts of
 dsobedience, but these will not be repeat ed, because of the rigid enforcement of military discipline, without fear or favor. Colonel Higdon has preserved a graceful boise under many trying circumsances, and by his tact and diligence has overcome what seemed to be at one time insuperable obstacles.
 Lieutenant Colonel Mcdonald, of the United States army is every inch a soldier of magnetic and attractive personality. The West Point air of the First regiment is largely due to his manipulation and un- tiring work. I might go farther in saying good things about the other officers, but as this is impossible, must add that the First Alabama Is proud of its officers and men.
 I do not mean to criticize the United States government when I state facts There has been a great deal of misman- agement in various departments, and the proud boast of the United States that they could put million men in the field in SIX months time has been abundantly rebukeo. We have no guns as yet, except the oio ones we brought with us, about 25o Tn ali' and if we were ordered to move tomorrow we would be pitifully embarrassed. I called to see an officer of the cavalry the other day. He complained that tney had 65 recruits and no horses for them, no clothes nor arms, and still they have moved farther with this large percentage of in effective men, which must for a time be
 more of an incumbrance than help. I think
 the trouble is, as 1t has always been, that
 men are not appointed to place because of fitness, but because of favor
 Some pathetic things happen as we go along When a man is mustered in he is
 asked his name, his age his birthplace, and ito whom shall I send your body In case you die?" and in a few instances the answer to this last question is ''To no one" The physical examination was very inter- esting. And, by the way, will state that
 I passed it with flying coors. I told the examining surgeon that he might throw me
 on theology but not on physique. The boys kicked at first about examination, but since realizing that an infantryman had to
 march with 50 pounds of baggage on his back, they all realized the good sense of
 the government in insisting that man be as near perfect possible, and of good size. Under this regime, the First regiment has stalwar't and vigorous set of men,
 and as is often remarked by onlookers, ''they size up like regulars
 I saw a fight last Sunday. The train stop ped to get water and I had to lookon. It
 was hard fight between two teamsters, conducted according to prize ring rules. | Upon inquiry, I found that while fighting | is not allowed among the men, still if two | men get very anxious to fight they are | taken out to some place and made to fight
 it out and after the fight they are as good 1 friends as ever.
 
 | This is an ancient town and thoroughly | unpatriotic. am informed that only forty seven men have been mustered in from the | city of Mobile.
 | Texan got off good thing. He wrote l his father a letter and dated it "1SS9." | His father wrote back to know if he was drunk or wool gathering. He answered,
 neither. But this town was ten years IL. | tionally. They excuse themselves here by saying they want to give the loafers and l the unemployed a chance to get job be- | fore they take up arms for their country. | This is all right, and we are glad that | in this sense, the boys of the First Ala bama are loafers.
 We often think of Birmingham Every | letter that comes to private officer | brings renewed assurance of the Magic City's sympathy and care and if you could only realize how the memory of your many | kindnesses to the soldier boys is cher l ished you would not begrudge either the | time money you have bestowed. Among | the complex motives animating the human heart, one of the strongest in the First
 Alabama regiment is, that every member shall be worthy of the city or district from WHICH He comes, ana Snan illustrate Tn 1 camp, and on the field the virtues of the l community to which he belongs. You must pardon me for saying it. but | I have the prettiest horse and equipment | in the army, and I take this opportunity
 through your columns to again express my l thanks to Cyren Commandery for its ten-
 der regards and magnificent gifts The | boys all look forward to getting your pa l per. They say they have not much time,
 and do not want to spend what little they
 have in pouring over poorly digested | sheet for news.
 | A private died the other day and was | buried. Poor fellowi He had not a single
 friend. His remains rest in the beautiful
 National cemetery. The keeper said after | this interment the cemetery is truly na- | tional.' The crisp rustlee of the magno- | lia trees and the mocking birds song
 sound perpetual requiem over the na-