Evening star., 1898-09-03
"ISeISN INNNIPt.
HEISTAND, A. A. c..

The above order covers the full part
played by the War Department in fixing
the date of the departure of the District
troops from Montauk Point
This information was given today by Ad-
jutant General Corbin to the special COM
mittee of citizens, composed of Major Syl-
vester, T w. Noyes and H. l.. West, ap-
pointed by the reception committee to con-
fer with him and with Col. Harries on the
subject of the return of the local regiment.
The Custom Followed.
This general order was, Gen. Corbin said,
issued to the commanding general of the
corps who fixed the date of departure, SUBJ
ject only to the restriction that he should
not permit the soldiers to depart untn they
were In condition to travel.
The commanding general often fixes the
date of leaving the camp upon the recon-
mendation of the colonels Of the respective
regiments, who take into consideration the
wishes and condition of their men.
This course was pursued In the case of
the District regiment, Gen. Wheeler. as
already reported in The Star, having re-
ferred the question of the date of departure
to Col. Harries, and having indicated that
he would abide by Col Harries decision in
the matter.
Going to MOntauk.
The committee to confer with Col Harries
on the subject of suggested reconsdera-
tion of the date of the soldiers home cominy
Se n Col
urging him to reopen the subject of this
cate, and If possible to postpone 1t for a
few days beyond Septen Der 0. They also
announced that they would be at Montauk
Point tomorrow to confer with Col Har-
ries. The telegram referred to the fact
that the report Of he special committee to
visit Montauk Point showed that this COM
mittee, speaking for the reception commit
tee, representing the community, and in
the name of the soldiers of Col Harries'
regiment, had induced that officer to fix
an earlier date for the home coming than
that originally plar ned by him as best for
the soldiers.
1t informs him that this expediting of the
return Of the boys is not in fact the desfr,
or the reception committee, the special
Montauk Point &C mmittee not being author
'Zed to represent them on this subject. 1t
urges that In order that the reception may
be carried out as planned Colonel Harries
adhere to the date of departure originally
determined upon by him as best
Major Sylvester. who is chairman Of the
reception committee, will also take advan-
tage of this opportunity to confer with
Colonel Harries as to the details Of the re,
ception, and as to the form which it shouId
take to be most gratifying to the returning
regiment and most suitable to their phys
ical condition
reflection of Public Opinion.
In conversation with Star reporter this
morning prominent citizen said
Il am surprised to see an editorial in a
local paper this morning rather rejecting
upon Colonel Harries
"As a citizen and a contributor to the
reception fund, friend of the soldiers
having relative among them, l would like
10 ask II there is any possible reason why
Colonel Harries should be opposed tn anv
reception or compliment the people of
Washington can bestow upon our returning
soldiers He wants to do what is best for
his command. The men are tired out,
many of them sick; all of them anxious to
get home and see their friends at the earli-
est moment. They want rest freedom
frcm excitement and chance to clean un
General McKibben took in the situation
when in declining a public compliment he
pointediy said: II had rather see my wife
and hear her voice than to look upon all
the people you can get together and hear
a whole city cheer.
Don't gush too much. Exercise common
sense and spend most the m in
lief instead of reception"
Contribution by Railway Company.
The Columbia Railway Company, by
Theodore j. King. secretary. has addressed
Mr.. John Joy Edison, chairman of the
finance committee. as follows:
Your letter of the 31st ultimo received.
l inclose the check of this company for Soh
as contribution to the fund for the recep
ton and care of the returning volunteer
soldiers OF the District. l have also to in
form you that, by the authority of the
board OF directors, the conductors on the