The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-11
SOLDIERS SURPRISED.
Secretary Of State DIN Says
First Heavies Were Not
in the War.

Secretary of State w. M. Olin has de-
cided that the First Heavy artillery
was not in active service during the
war with Spain, by refusing to grant an
order from the state for the regimental
history, just published. This decision
has caused considerable CONSERVATION
among the men of the First Heavies,
and the secretary of state will probably
hear from it, This regiment was the
first organization in the United States
to be mustered into the United States
volunteer service for service in the Gu
ban war. 1t so happened that the regi-
ment did not leave the state, but the
tour of duty covered d space of time
almost as long as that of any of the
regiments which left the state.
Col. H. E. Converse, assistant quar-
termaster general of the state militia,
has made his annual report to Adj.
Gen. Samuel Dalton, which in part is
as follows:
The militia returned from the Span
ish war comprising six regiments, have
been fully equipped in campaign uni
form, including canteens and haver-
sacks. Mess kits have been requisi-
toned from the allotment at Washing
ton, and will probably be ready for is
sue early in the coming year.
The re-equipment was made under
difficulties, as the property forwarded
from the government, to take the place
Of that issued to United States volun-
teers, was not acceptable, it not being
new. 1t was returned to the govern
ment New kits had to be ordered
manufactured. and issues were accord
ingly delayed.
A few supplies will be required for
the coming year, but generally there is
sufficient equipment, with the excep-
ton of blouses and trousers, for the
year of 1900. The camp equipage is
new and in good condition.
All property in the state arsenal is in
good condition and well cared for under
the efficient supervision of the super
intendent Of the arsenal Luke r.
Landy.
The camp ground will require an ap-
preparation to put it in good, condition
Constant use of it during the war with
Spain, and occupancy this year by the
46th United States volunteers will make
considerable grading and seeding pec-
essary The United States quarter
master stationed at the camp has been
called upon to put the field in the con-
dition it was before it's occupancy by
troops and to repair all damage done to
buildings.
Everything was done to aid in every
way the 46th United States volunteer
regiment. Loans Of tents and cooking
utensils were made before supply was
received by the regiment from the gov
eminent.
Repairs necessary were made on the
buildings prior to encampments of the
militia, but some time will be required
to reclaim the sod Repairs to fences
and gates and painting of the same and
buildings will be necessary
The total appropriation of this de-
partment for the year was: quarter
masters supplies, $22,000 expended,
S21 1905. For quartermaster's incident
ais, which includes freights, cleaning
of camp ground and other expenses in
cldental to the department, $4,000; ex-
pended, $496S.3 SO. For care of camp
ground, $1,000; expended $1,000
At present there is considerable talk
among the militia officers as to the lack
of uniformity in the campaign hats
which are being worn by the state mil
itiamen, and 1t is proposed that a
stringent rule be enforced to the ef-
feet that the hat shall be worn only
with a crease.
In a recent case Maj. Gen. Nelson A.
Miles, COMMUNICATIVE chief of the Unit
ed States army, stated that the only
way the hats should be worn is with
the crease from front to back. At the
present time, when the militia turns
out with campaign uniform the hats
are worn by the men in q dozen diff
ferent shapes, and it is probable this
will be remedied.