The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-10-05
SHE WEARS AN ARMY SUIT.
GFrom the Chicago Chronicle.I

[From the Chicago Chronicle.1
Probably the most interesting parttci-
pant in the recent national encampment
of the Grand Army of the Republic at
Philadelphia was Colonel Mile Eldridge-
handsOmest member of the Grand Army
of the Republic seen in these parts since
the inception of the order. The excursion
party with which she is travelling came
from southern Missouri and Arkansas,
the land of the big red apple and, ap-
prOpriately enough, the excursion IS call
ed THE big applet excursion. 1t was the
unanimous opinion of the throngs at I'm
ion station that the big red apple eX-
cursionists had among their number a
dridge
Colonel Eldridge is not yet 20 years old.
perfect oval, regular features, a delicate
ana a luxuriant mass Of chestnut brown
hair above an intellectual brow. She Is
which her natty military uniform sets
off to excellent advantage. She is a fluent
and entertaining talker.
The colonel is. the daughter of Major
J. T. Eldridge of Springfield, Mo, an old
g. A X veteran who IS with her on the
trip. She has been hOnOred by her state
Throughout the Country. She has been
officially acknowledged as the daughter
opted as sister by the Sons Of Veterans
and elected member of the Woman's
ever elected to that Organization.
She was elected to the Missouri depart
colonel which entities her to wear the
uniform indicative to her rank. In 1897
the Sons of Veterans and this spring she
was elected a member of the Woman's
Relief Corps Auxiliary. Missouri was the
first Grand Army of the Republic depart
feII IN the union non 70 oHIelaI4y ADOPT
that state the first to adopt a sister. The
proud of this distinction, and Springfield
is especially battered at the hOnOrS show
cred upon it's fair daughter.
When Colonel E1dridge was officially
acknowledged by Missouri other states
were quick to follow the example and at
present there are daughters and "sist-
ers in nine states of the union.
the honors bestowed upon her, the colo
mel" wears them very modestIy, and in
conYers1ng upon topics connected with the
various orders of which she is a member.
never obtrudes her own individuality.
A reporter had the pleasure of a few
minutes chat with the pretty colonel just
before Tshi2 the excursion train pulled out for
Phlladelphla- she was feeling very i'll
from the combined effects of travel, but
she stood up, grasped his hand cordially
and smiled a welcome the flush on her
cious red apples of her native section.
The reporter, observed, by the way Of
ed to see her in uniform.
"Oh no." she replied, smiling still.
altogether, which is distastefuI to me.
Besides, you know, the blouse IS rather
would only add to my discomfort while
travelling. And then, again, I only wear
Wonid ike to see It7 Sbsu n1t rs you gu
to show you how I look in it?''
"Oh, please do assented the reporter,
expectant1y.
1T is the regulation military uniform
of a colonel, she observed. opening the
satcheI containing it. THAT is, of course
added archly, all except the-er-weIl,
of course wear skirt
When she had donned the military
| blouse. cap, belt and sword and gauntlefs
and stood erect she was a beWitching
figure and looked infinitely handsome ia
the natty uniform. with the cap tilted
rakishly on her curly head After the
newspaper mans eyes. became watery
from admir1ng her she dotted the uniform
and returned it to the satchel.
DO you intend to participate in the big
parade at Philadelphia she was asked
T did intend to-" she replied, but am
afraid l shall have to forego that pleas
ure now. 1t was arranged that I should
carry. the flag of the Missouri department
and ride with the officers. / find however,
that the WOman's Relief corps will have
a great deal of work on their hands and
their sessions are likely to prevent our
participating in the parade There is an
election of officers to be held and am
SO greatly interested in the success OF
several of the candidates that I shall de-
vote all Of my time to the sessions of that
organization