The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-12
EXCITING RU M0RS.
Not the Least Interesting Being a
Report of Paying Off,
SNAKES CREATE A C0MM0TI0N.
Eleven Dead Reptiles the Record of
one Night i'm the Camp of tic
Virginia Troops - Colonel
Richardson's Nephew
Attentive To the
Blues.

JACKSONVILLE. FLA, June ll-spe-
clol.-The day has been fooled away in
regard TO the question whether passes
should be issued to the enlisted men and
in what manner.
Before the Fourth Regiment arrived
there had never been any difficulty on
that subject, the men simply left after
the morning drills. unless ordered to
special duty and did not return until the
afternoon drills and at the close of It,
they were again at liberty to do as they
pleased. with the arrival Of the Fourth
Regiment however, the aspect OF things
changed. The orders were issued under
which the men could only leave camp
after Z. NJ. to return before taps.
COUNTER ORDERS
Then came a number Of counter or
ders until matters were brought TO To-
Gus to-day. To avoid any further fric-
ton between the division, brigade ana
the regiments, 1t was finally decided
which seems to be the only proper thlns
To do. that the captains Of their respec-
tive companies shall have the power to
decide who shall be let out on fur
Tough and for hoN bong. This decision
appears to be perfectly satisfactory, but
II remains to be seen how long the order
will remain in existence.
Last evening there was a good deal OF
excitement in camp and great deal OF
hilaritv prevailed for quite while.
rImor was spread that the Illinois sol
ders would be paid Off to-day and the
men went wild over It, but they soon as
certained that the rumOr WAS without
foundation. Then again ii was said that
fhe operators from the West had arriv-
ed but that rumor also had no founda-
tion. Again Il was said that the Virginia
soldiers had been ordered home, which
caused the soldiers from those parts to
become iubllant. but this was also with
out any foundation.
A BLANCO STORY.
The last story spread which in a like
manner proved to fall 20 pieces, was TO
the effect that General Blanco had asked
for terms under which he might surren-
der the island to the Americans. The
excitement over these various rumors had
hardly duieted down when a commotion
arose I'm the tents Of the Virginia COM
panies over the appearances of snakes.
The officer of the guard seemed TOO
anxious TO attribute the entire matter
tn an Invitation on the part OF the men
10 create some fun at the expense OF the
authorities In charge. But when day
light arrived, It appeared that quite
number OF snakes had been killed.
Ouartermaster Sergeant Robinson, or
Company NJ, OF the Fourth Regiment,
produced FIVE dead reptiles and six more
were found in the immediate vicinity OF
the tent OF First Lieutenant Cheatwood
OF Company A.
Capt. wyatt. of Company A, the old
Blues. furnishes proof every day that
ne has the interest OF his men at heart.
when the Second Battalion left Rich
rond on last Sunday morning he took
into the Pullman car Private Gerald f.
Higgins. who had just left the hospital
and could not have stood the trip In any
other way. For some reason some one
OF the officers objected to the presence or
Private Higgins in that ear. but Captain
Wyatt proved to be right up to the occa-
sion and told the objectlng officer that
he would give up his own berth before
Mr.. Higgins should leave the car.
Young Higgins reported the incident 10
his father. Mr.. John M. Higgins. IN
Richmond. and yesterday Captain Wyatt
received a letter from Mr.. Higgins.
thanking him for the Kindness shown his