Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-10-12
THE TARTAR'S TRIP HOME.
Left MANILA September 3, Hong Kong
September II, and Yokohama
September 25.

SAN FRANCISCO. Oct. 1.-THE Twen-
tieth Kansas. after an active campaign in
the Philippines Of over eleven months. en-
barked on the chartered transport steamer
Tartar at Manila for home September J.
On the day OF sailing the numerical
strength Of the regiment was 1Gs men and
forty-one officers. These were all that
were left OF the regiment which left san
Francisco in May. 1898.
On board the Tartar, besides the COM
mand under Colonel Metcalf. was General
Funston. formerly colonel of the regiment.
Colonel Little was in Japan, as was also
Lieutenant Whisner. who expected TO Join
the regiment upon its arrival at Yoko-
hama.
The homeward journey began on the af-
ternoon of September and the Tartar
sailed into the harbor al Hong Kong three
days later. Here the transport vas put
into dry dock where extensive repairs were
made. The regiment spent the time on
shore, where the ISausans enjoyed the hos
pitality of the British troops.
The Brltons proposed a shooting con-
test which was quickly accepted by the
Hansans. and although the men from the
trenches were beaten, the Englishmen gen
erously acknowledged that their victory
was due 10 the superiority of their guns
At Hong Kong the Kansas band made
a great hit and concerts were given each
English colony.
United States Consul General wildman
and Lieutenant Hobson entertained several
of the officers of the Twentieth. and their
courtesy was reciprocated by General
Funston. who gave an Informal luncheon
board the Tartar.
The date set for leaving Hong Kong
was September -. and on that day the
Kansans were ordered on board. Every
thing was put in order for sailing and the
TartaT's nose WAS pointed outward, when
most vexatious Incident occurred which
might have taken an internation3l turn
had not public sentiment in Hong Kong
finally overcome the exalted obstinacy Of
Ufficious harborTnaster.
The transport was not given clearance
papers. without which she could not leave
Hong Kong harbor. In vain did Colonel
Metcalf plead that the harbormastcr had
no right to delay the homeward voyage OF
the sDfdiers. The harborfnaster claime d
that the transport was overcrowded. There
was no complaint among the KanSans and
the whole trouble WAS stirred UP by the
volunteer regulars aboard who found thor
accommodations somewhat too limited for
their personal convenience and who sough;
to gain greater comfort on the voyage by
getting rid OF portion OF the Twentieth
regiment.
In hts provoking dilemma, Colonel Met,
cali wired the state department at Wash
harbormaster changed his mind and al
lowed the Tartar to leave.
II was at Hons Kong that Corporal
Robert NJ. Lee, Company +. died Of dys.
entery. The body was embIlmed and
brought home. Lee lived at Manhattan
kaS.
On the way from Hong Kong to Yolto-
hama the health Of the regiment rapidly
improved. When the beautiful japanese
seaport was reached days delay in land.
ing was caused by the exasperating delay
of the health officers in visiting the trans
port and passing on the health of the com
mand.
At last the troops were allowed TO land
and in a few hours hundreds of the Kansa:
boys were on the trains bound for Toxic
the capital OF Japan. Here they Were
elaborately entertained by the American
colony. on the morning of September %
the Tartar ran out of the harbor of No
kohaIna and started on her trip TO sar
Francisco.
Before leaving Yokohama, two death!
occurred. both privates. John NJ 1ngen
thion. of Company l.. died Of dysentery
and John s. Bowman. of the Fourteenth
infantry. succumbed to the same disease.
For several days out from Yokohama
the sea was quite rough and many suffered
keenly. but after the first squally weather
was passed the trip was made in comfort
Everyone seemed 10 improve wonderfully
stimulated by the brac!rg sea air and the
prospect OF once again seeing home and
friends.