The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-02
SOLDIER BOYS
IN FINE SPIRITS.
Rev. DR.. Wharton lust From Florida
Tells About Them.
COOL WEATHER AND GOOD FOOD
A Movement Started TO Establish Or
phanages for the Children of Sol.
diers Killed or Disabled i'm tho
War-Generai Lee Well.

Rev. DR.. II. NJ. Wharton, or Balumore'
who is so we'll known i'm Richmond, ar
rived here yesterday evening from Tam
pa, Fla, where he has been for the past
month preaching 20 the soldiers.
DR.. Wharton registered az the Jefferson
and spent the night lie will leave for
Baltir'ore to-day.
He said that the soldiers at Tampa are
in fine spirits and in good condition. lie
never saw a finer looking body Of sol
diers. and he had seen large divisions OF
the English. French, German and Italian
standing armies The troops at Tampa
and jacksonville, said he are strong,
hearty. well built men and nearly all Of
them are young men. They carry them
selves we'll are well equipped ana pro-
duce a fine impression upon spectators.
THE boys" said DR.. Wharton, "are
very anxious TO go to the front AID do
not hesitate 10 say so. They are being
drilled from day to day and are put
through some rather rigid military DIS
cipline. They show up in hne shape.
Most Of the statements about tner nara
fare, and al that, are untrue. Ihey are
being well fed on wholesome, substantial
food and are well cared for The Doys
are very anxious for religious instruc-
ton. and they gave me the cioest atten-
ton when [ preached TO them. Iher
health is unusually good
COOL IN FLORIDA.
In speaking of the weather in Florida
DIR. wharton said that Tampa and jack
sonville are both cooler at this time than
Richmond and that the soldiers sal1 they
suffered much less there imam While IN
Richmond. There is nearly always
good breeze and he himself did not feel
the heat there anything like so much as
here.
Or. wharton said there are now about
400 soldiers at Tampa. There have
been no transports to leave there for
cuba since the first expedition except
one. That was the Louisiana wien
he left there a lot of mules were being
loaded on a transport There were
seven others there but the work OF
loading was being very slowly done. IL
was expected that several more trans
ports loaded with troops and supplies
would soon sail for Cuba.
DR.. Wharton staid a short while In
jacksonville. where he saw General Lee
aud Rev Frank Stringfellow. General
Lee treated him with the utmost court
esy and gave him passes 10 20 when and
where he wished among the soldiers.
General Lee he said, IS quite we'll but
exceedingly busy with military matters.
DR.. Wharton was I'm Jacksonville when
General Lee presented the flag 10 the
Fourth Regiment I'm behalf of the Viz
einia women. When he told General Lee
that ne would stop in Richmond and ask
ed II he had any messages, Tell them
| am well. but worked pretty hard said
he He is looking in the best OF health
and cheerful and happy "a a boy.
a society has recently been organized
snown as the Virginia Orphanage Com
mission. 10 IL for the care. protection and
education Of the children Of soldiers who
NAV die Of disease or be killed or per-
manently disabled during the present war.
PLAN HIGHLY ENDORSED.
Or. Wharton is president Of this COM
mission He has letters from the Secre-
tary Of War and the Surgeon Genera
approving the movement. and also one
from General Lee of the same nature
with the added suggestion that Cuban
soldiers children be also included. Cen
eral Lee writes as follows:
Headquarters
Seventh Corps u. $. Volunteers.
REV Dr. II. NJ Wharton. Baltimore
Md:
Il beg 10 add my testimony to that
YOU nave already received anu ludHh YOU
for the offer OF the institutions over
which you preside to provide a home ior
the orphan children OF soldiers who lose
their lives by disease or I'm battle.
Expressing the hope that the orphans
Of Cuban soldiers may be included in
your generous proposal, ! am
every truly yours.
"FITZHUGH LEE.
"Maior General Commanding"
There Is already one orphanage at Luz
ray. Va, for white children and one in
Charlotte y. G., for colored children. II
IS now proposed 10 follow General Lee s
suggestion and establish another in Flor
ida for the children OF Cuban soldiers.
This IS all without charge 10 the gov
eminent. but will be supported by a free
will Offering OF the American people.
il takes money and a great deal Of II
to meet these demands and all who can
render assistance are most earnestly re-
auested 20 do so. Contributions should
be addressed 20 The American Orphanage
Commission. 304 north Howard street,
Baltimore. Nd.