The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-23
RETURN OF AsToR BATTERY.
Rugged Philippine Veteran. Wei
coined Home in New York.

coined Home in New York.
New York, Jan. 22.-Back from half way
around the world and looking as ruddy and
rugged as a squad of football men in the
pink of training, the Astor Battery, So
strong. which has been fighting in the
Philippine Islands. returned to this city
Today. The men were received by their
friends and relatives with a ferVor that
imperiied their ribs. From Capt Peyton
e. March 10 the last private in the ranks
there was not a man in the battery who
did not find himself the centre of a little
whirlpool of enthusiasm. Even the bat
tery dog. 3oojum," was petted until on
the verge of canine Mysteries. The bat
terry is at present stationed in the Seventy
first Regiment Armory. Muster-out will
come some time this week.
Four OF the battery's dead rest under the
Stars and Stripes that wave over Manila.
One other man died on shipboard on the
home trail. They were not forgotten to-
day in the gay home coming. At the cele-
bration held Immediately after the arrival
their names were spoken and the men
arose and in silence drank TO the memory
OF their dead comrades. 4 few sick have
been left behind in San Francisco and Ma
Mia. but they will recover and the Astor
Battery viii probably pass out of Uncle
Sans service with the roster as it now
stands.
That the seven months service has been
a benefit TO the men no one can doubt who
saw them today. Each man seemed to be
al the top notch OF physical vigor To one
who remembered the wrecks of the Cuban
campaign that trailed pitifully through
our streets a few months ago, the condi-
iion OF these Philippine veterans was start
ling By contrast. 1t indicated that the
Government diet and training make
giants instead OF inyalids out of men under
certain conditions. curious thing about
these men is that they do not show in their
faces the deep and somewhat dull brown of
the Cuban and Porto Rico soldier boys.
The Oriental sun paints in different color
schemes, and most Of the men had com
pleXions that a debutante might delight in.
She would not however. delight in the
hirsute adornments Of several of the young
men A beard grown on army ratiOns and
under the fostering OF an army barber is
not Thing OF beauty.
II Nas 80 a. m. when the train carry
ing the Astor Battery arrived at the Grand
Central station. After greeting the wait
ing friends. the battery marched TO the
Grand Union Hotel. where the reception
committee had breakfast ready. The SOL
diers were divided into squads and seated
al small tables, presided over by ladies
who assisted the committee. There were
a few speeches and then the battery
marched to the Seventy-first Regiment
ArInory.
Captain March, of the battery was ask
al Il he thought there would be trouble
with the insurgent army. Not around
Manila, he said. In Mindanao II is very
likely Spain never conquered that island
II We propose to take possession OF II we
shall have TO fight for it. But at Manila
the insurgents are getting too much cash
from US 10 want TO fight, and then Admiral
Dewey is there. Dewey is the finest thing
that ever lived. He is the idol of everyone
there / am proud TO have met him
The men will stay in the armory, Captain
March said. until they are mustered out by
Capt. +. X. Hills, OF the Fifth Artillery
VINO was there today. Captain March I.
first lieutenant Of the Fifth Artillery. Th'
men who live in this city or who have re
latiyes We're allowed to go home tonight