The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-12-02

Of the regiment, IL Is the persistent
failure of the new canvas to arrive
here. This is unntellible-it Is becom-
ing wearisome. The latter part of last
June just five months ago. Regimental
ouartermaster Cox, in his official ca
pacity, made the rounds of the differ
ent companies for the purpose of in
spccting the canvas and condemning
what was unfit for use. on several
tents he placed the stamp 81. CHI
spected, condemned" and 1t was then
promised that better tents would he
furnished forthwith; still, after nearly
half a year of waiting, suffering and
hoping, the men in many cases have
had to live and make themselves as
comfortable as possible when 1t rained,
under canvas which offers little. II
any. resistance to the generous influx
of chilling water. There is as much
explanation for this state of affairs as
the Egyptian Sphinx would give to n
question, and the natural result is that
many uncompllmentary, IL not burn
irg, criticisms, are offered.
THE FOOD QUESTION.
The food question Is also becoming a
source of irritation, and this is the
more to be regretted, because 1t is the
most grievous drawback of all, and
the officers, though desirous of doing
whatever is possible for the men, are
simply powerless to remedy the evil.
The trouble reached a head yesterday
when many OF the companies refused
to accept the ridiculously meagre ra-
tions which were issued to them and
went to Colonel Coursen for redress.
This action will doubtless clear the at
mosphere somewhat, and the officers
from Colonel Coursen down, will en-
dcavor to ascertain how long the men
OF the regiment will have to live on n
morsel of bread, hard tack and salt
pork.
When this camp was first opened the
appearance of the boys in blue almost
within the very belt which marked the
devastation of Sherman's victorious
legions on their march to the sea. did
not create very much enthusiasm. Now,
however, ii is different. The people in
and around Augusta have become ac-
customed to the soldiers and all dis
| tinctions of north and south are either
set aside or entirely obliterated, and
the pleasantest relations now exist.
| The latest example of this kindly feel
| ing is the following circular letter,
which has been received and read to
| the boys of the Thirteenth:
| To the Soldiers in Camp Mckenzie.
The Brotherhood of st. Andrew has
| opened some rooms in the city on the
| southeast corner of Broad and Mcintosh
streets, which YOU are cordially invited
| to use. You will be heartily welcome to
| come there ana make yourselves at home.
You will find the daily papers magazines,
| and other literature: also writing mater
| ials. You will he welcome at all times TO
read, write or pass away a pleasant hour
while in town.
FrRLOUGH EXTENDED.
Corporal Charles Ross. of d. son of
j. Elliot Ross, who was TAX
| en- sick soon after the regiment had
reached Camp Meade, and shortly af-
| terwards removed to his home in
Scranton. had made application for ex-
| tension of his furlough for thirty days.
| The application has been approved.
Private Bert Miles, of c, better
| known as General Miles" has appoint
| ed John Freeman and William Llew-
| ellyn, Of the same company, as men,
Der of his staff"
Sergeant George Culver. of A, who
| had such a severe attack of sickness
and who. though not in the best of
| health. rejoined the regiment before
| it started for the south, has been en-
| joying splendid health since he came
| here, and now feels as we'll as ever.
There are many complaints prevail
| ent as to the slowness with which mail
| is handled at the Augusta post office
! The postal authorities there have a
| job on their hands, attending to the
| soldiers mail.
Sergeant Lattimer Reese, of f. still
| continues to discharge the duties of ad-
| +utant of the First battalion, in place
| of Lieutenant Harry NJ. Coursen, who
| is l:ome on a sick leave of absence.
Richard j, BOurke