Evening star., 1898-09-08
But There Was Hitch This Morn
ing.
4 TRANSPORTATION TANGLE
The District Regiment Finally Ar,
ranged For.
SOME QUICK WOR

What looked like a serious hitch in the
arrangements for the homecoming of the
District troops has been satisfactorily ad-
justed, thanks to the prompt and energetic
efforts of A6jutant General Corhin and
Major Bird of the quarter1raster general S
Office. About 10 O'Clock this morning word
was received by Major Bird from the presi-
dent Of the Long Island Railroad Company
that he would be unable to furnish trans
ptrtation for the District troops from Mon
tauk Point to New York today according
to the original program for the reason that
the train equipment provided for the Dis
trict had been taken by the 1st Illinois
Regiment.
This was startling and unexpected intel
ligence, and for time it looked though
the District regiment would be unable to
get away from Montauk Point today.
Major Bird immediately conferred with
Adjutant General Corbin the subject
and orders were issued that the regiment
must be brought to Long Island City to-
night ii physically possible.
General Corbin sent kilograms on the sub
iect to the general commanding at Camp
Wikof and to Colonel Ikimbal, depot quar-
termaster at New York city In substance
he said that the Secretary of War directed
In the matter of the transportation of
troops from Camp Wikoff that the neces-
sary arrangements be made by Colonel
Kimbau the depot quartermaster in New
York city, and not by the local quarter
master at Montauk Point, as no end of con-
fusion has resulted from both officers try
ing to do the same thing
Gen. Shafter was informed that Col. KIM
ball had been instructed to a place himself
in communication with him 10 receive any
suggestions or direction he might make
locking to the speedy and comfortable
movement of the troops. In his telegram
to Gen. Shafter Gen. Corbin said that it
was reported that the movement of the
lst District VOLUNTEERS had been delayed
and explained that arrangements had been
made for their reception in this city to-
morrow morning, not only by the people,
but by the President himself. He added
that it would be a great disappointment if
they did not arrive here in accordance with
the program agreed upon.
Mai. Bird had an earnest conversation
with Col. Kimball and the railroad officials
over the long-distance telephone, impress
-ng them with the necessity and Importance
of moving the District troops in accordance
with the prearranged program. The con-
ference developed the Eact that the failure
to have the necessary transportation equip
ment at Montauk Point this morning was
due to the result of misunderstanding
between the authorities at Montauk Point
and Col. Kimball at New York. In accord
ance with his instructions from Washing
ton, which he received last Sunday, regard
ing the transportation of the District
troops Col. Kimball corresponded with the
major general commanding at Montauk
Point and was instructed to provide trans
portation for the District troops from Jer-
sey City to Washington Thursday night,
the understanding being that the local
quartermaster at Camp Wikoff would ar
range with the Long Island company to
take the men from MontaulS Point to Long
Island City
The train equipment provided for this
last named purpose was usurped at the last
moment by the 1st Illinois Regiment. which
refused to accept the train equipment
placed at its disposal and through some
body's error allowed to take the cars
intended for the District troops. Upon
being informed that the District troops
must be brought through today, Colonel
Kimball promised to see that 1t should be
done. To accomplish this it neces-
sary, however, for him to send to Montauk
VIII lhiS AioI ilii5 Train SuulpiuShl "Lheh
was being held at Long Island City for
the transportation of a New York regi-
ment over that line. He was given the
necessary authority to divert this equip
ment from its original purpose and to use
it for bringing the District troops to Long
Island City. The railroad company entered
a mild protest against sending so many
empty cars to Montauk Point, but finally
consented to do SO in view Of the pressing
emergency.
Later in the day message was received
frcm Col KimbalI saying that the train
had gone to MoptaUk Point, and would be
ready to leave there with the District
troops on board at o'clock this afternoon,
and would travel on schedule that would
bring them to Long Island City at about
IL O'Clock tonight. Special ferry boats pro-
vided by the Pennsylvania railroad would
| meet them there ard take them across to
JerEey City in full time to permit the boys
to embark on the tourist sleepers provided
for their comfort by midnight. allowing
them ample time to reach Washington city
by o'clock tomorrow morning. in fulfill
nent of the original plans for their move
this afternoon that there was not the
slightest doubt that the orders of the da-
partlnent would be faithfully executed and
| that the District soldiers would arrive in
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