Evening star., 1898-06-04
District Troops See Rough Side Of
Soldier Life.
SLIGHT ACCIDENT TO THEIR TRAIN
Fortunately No One Was Injured
by the Mishap.
OF THE TRIP
special From a STAFF Correspondent.

PLANT CITY, Fla. June 3-After many
hardships the District boys reached Plant
City shortly after o'clock this afternoon,
and since early this morning the men have
had little to eat no coffee, and very little
water to drink. At Oak the trains were
stopped two hours for breakfast and
short rest for the men.
1t was noticed at Oak that all of the
stores near the depot were closed, and but
few people had come down to see the
troops. Investigation developed the fact
that Roosevelt's rough riders had passed
through Oak yesterday and had raided
everything in sight The people of the
town had turned out in full force to give
them a nice time. Sandwiches and lemo-
made had been prepared, but this did not
seem to suit them, for after taking all
this, they raided the hucksters and stores.
This made the people a little shy of the
District boys, but they soon got over it
when they saw what an excellent body of
men they. We're, and they made things
pleasant for us.
Engine or the Track.
While the first section of the train was
rolling along smoothly about a mile south
Of Lachoochee, the engine jumped the
track. There was a severe jar and sew
eral men were knocked off their feet. It
took more than an hour to get the engine
on the track again.
In the meantime the second and third
sections had caught up, and a freight train
came up in front. The siding was too
short for the trains to pass, and this
caused a general blockade The trains had
to be backed a distance of three miles to
long siding, where the trains passed, and
all was well again.
The climate here today is delightful, the
thermometer registered 75 degrees and a
nice cool breeze is blowing. If it is no hot
ter here than this the boys will not suffer
1t is not thought that Tampa will be reach
ed until a late hour tonight, as it has taken
us from O'Clock this morning to come a
little over 100 miles.
The boys will not go into camp tonight,
but will for the last time in many days
sleep comfortably in Pullman berths. At
Dade City the train was stopped and de-
tail of men from each car was sent to get
water to fill the coolers, so that the boys
can at least have a plenty to drink.
Company secured another mascot to-
day. Private Hart captured a young alliga-
tor at Oak, and it was quite a curiosity to
many of the men who had never seen one
before.
The boys ara anxiously awaiting their ar
rival in Tampa, when they expect to be
equipped with the new canvas uniforms.
Several Cases of Sickness.
There have been several men slightly sick
since We left Oak but none of them was of
a serious nature, and tonight they all ap-
pear to be in good condition.
The officers have been putting in their
time studying tactics. They are anxious to
be as nearly perfect as possible in the skir-
mish drills and other war movements.
1t is a matter of speculation which COM
pany will get on guard duty first. The men
will be both dusty and tir=d when they ar
rive, and those who are detailed for guard
will consider it hard luck.
The men on the wagon trains are having
the hardest time. On each fiat car two
wagons are loaded, and one man has to
stay awake with each wagon, all of the
time riding outside. They are always COW
cred with sand and dirt, but they do not
appear to mind it. however. Second Lieut..
l.. T. Boissen is in charge of the wagon
trains. He reported to Col Harries that all
was we'll and nothing had been lost. Most
of the officers are entirely without money,
and those who have any have frequent calls
made on them by their brother officers
whenever an opportunity presents itself to
buy fresh meats. If they do not get paid
soon 1T will become a question of serious
moment how they will live.
Shaving Under Dfmculties.
A number Of the officers had a new expe-
rience today in the matter OF shaving A
barber from one of the companies was cali
ed into the sleeper, and they were shaved
while the train was in motion. Non. of
them received even a small cut. The chap
lain was especially pleased with the shave
He had been threatened with the field off,
GERS court on account of his bewhiskered
face, SO concluded to go through the trying
ordeal Of shaving on a train running thirty
miles an hour and rocking from side to
side. B.
BRAVE BOYS DEED.