The San Francisco call., 1899-07-24
MAN|LA-B bound
SOLDIERS IN A
RAILROAD WRECK

The Nineteenth United States Infantry
arrived yesterday from the East. The
regiment came in in detachments and as
each marched off the ferry it was led
down to the Government dock and was
sent at once on board the transport Tar
tar, which will take the regiment to
Manila.
The regiment arrived in good condition
and, until it reached Suisun without mis-
hap. At Teal station, however, just this
side of Suisun accident which might
have been a most serious one delayed the
train with six or seven others for several
hours The troops train was ordered on
to a siding to allow one of the regular
trains to pass. All the cars were safely
run over the switch except the last one
The rear trucks of that jumped the
switch and kept on down the main line,
and the result was a smash-up that
blocked the road and shook the soldiers
from their seats.
The accident occurred at 2 o'clock yes
terday morning. 1t was found impossible
either to clear the main line or the
switch. so travel was blocked until the
tangle could be Strengthened out. The
troOpS were on two trains and both of
these were held until l o'clock yesterday
afternoon, when the line was opened. BY
that time two or three passengers and as
many more freight trains were waiting.
The regiment, which is under command
of Colonel Snder, was sent from Penn
sylvanias. 1t was intended to send the
transport away on the 22d inst, but delay
in getting the regiment on the road and
across the continent has held the vessel.
She will sail to-day or tomorrow.
Except for the Sunday crowds the Pre-
sidio was d quiet place yesterday. There
were no paradeS nor ceremonies in the
Oregon camp, and SO the men had plenty
of time to entertain the throngS of visit
orS that blocked the company streets from
early in the forenoon until retreat. This
evening at $50 dress parade and review
will be rendered to Mayor Phelan. 1t will
be one similar to that rendered General
Beebe last Friday evening, only according
to General Summers promise. 1t will be
better.
ing in of all ordnance belonging to the
regiment. This includes rifles and their
equipment and any ammunition the regi-
ment may have on hand. There may be
some arrangement made with the Govern
ment to issue the arms again on memo
randum receipts, in order to have the reg
iment go home under arms, but that is
matter for future decision.
The comrades of Sergeant Allen Lefort
Battery n, Third Artillery, becoming en-
thusiastic over the appointment of Lefort
as a second lieutenant of volunteers, pre-
sented him with beautiful sword last
Saturday just after guard mount; The
battery Is stationed at Angel Island. The
presentation address was made by Cap
tain Bartlett, commanding Battery, n. He
spoke in the highest terms of the lieuten-
ants fitness for his new position, and
expressed the esteem in which both Off
GERS and men of the battery neld him.
Lieutenant Lefort responded to the kind
wishes OF his comrades and then bade
farewell TO his old friends. He left the
same day for his new station at Vancou-
yer barracks.
Lieutenant Lefort was a~1ointed a sec
ond lieutenant of the Thirty-fifth Infantry
in July 1899 His career in the army com
menced in the Fourth Artillery, in which
he served for .-.ree years. He was dis
charged with the rank of sergeant. and
was given an excellent character. He re-
enlisted, this time in Battery N of the
Third Artillery. just after the. passage of
the army reorganization bill. He was
given his old rank of sergeant at once,
and this he held until his appointment as
a lieutenant Lefort was given his COM
mission without an examination.