The evening times., 1900-03-16

Several communications have reached the
War Department containing statements
that representations are being made
throughout the country TO the effect that
the Quartermaster's Department and the
Commissary Department OF the Army are
purchasing supplies Tor The equipment and
sustenance Of Inc Army in Australia
China, and Japan, and that millions of
dollars OF American money are going 70
China and Japan for the purchase Of cloth
ing and supplies which should properly
he spent in this country.
The War Department has issued a state
ment In refutation OF these representa-
lions. In part, IL says: From a report OF
the Quartermaster General is appears hat
IN the matter OF clothing the Army it was
found. during the spanish American war.
that the cloth uniform usually worn By
American troops was unsuitable for ,rCpi-
cal service in Cuba. Porto Rico. ard the
Philippines. The blue cloth hloul IS and
trousers were iusufferably hot. while the
white duck summer garments. aside from
the fact Of rendering their wearerS eN-
tremely conspicuous. were difficult TO keep
IN q cleanly aud presentable condition.
The conditions Of tropical-service. there
fore. required clothing for the soldiers
that would be durable. clean, washable
and not conspicuous. The cotton goods
commonly known as Khaki fulfilled these
requirements. but in the beginning of the
war this material was entirely unknown 10
American manufacturers.
No good reason was known. however.
why this class Of goods could not be pro-
duced in this country. and. as a conse-
quence Of steps taken in that direction
the manufacture Cf khaki cloth has grown
70 large proportions. As demonstrating
this fact. contracts Of the Quartermaster's
Department are now outstanding for nearly
l,500 600 yards Of khaki from which will
be manufactured 125.O 900 khaki coats and
175 pairs OF Khaki trousers. nearly all Of
which are destined for the Philippines at
an early date.
Practically, the only purchases made In
Manila by the QuartermaEter's Department
have been Of khaki uniforms absolutely
essential for the comfort and welfare OF
the troops In the field. aud which. in the
beginning OF the campaign. IL was not pos
sible 10 furnish. Instead Of these pur-
ehases amounting in value to millions Of
dollars. as represented the total value
does not exceed SS25, 900. covering a period
OF nearly two years.
The reports upon the use OF khaki cloth
ing show that the additional comfort ard
benefit Of these light garments over the
regulation blue uniforms have been ines
timable and thoroughly appreciated.
1t further appears from the report of
the Quartermaster General that domestic
khaki material is now being manufactured
in this country equal in every respect. if
not superior. TO that produced In foreign
countries aud therefore no further pur-
chases Of this material are contemplated
At Manila. All troops. regulars and vol
rarrF h. N.
were Outftted with one or more suits OF
khaki clothiag made in this country In
addition, besides meeting the demands OF
troops stationed In Cuba and Porto Rico
for this clothing. quantities have been
shipped tO Manila as follows: % 600 Khaki
coats. $500 pairs khaki trousers
With the exception above stated all