The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-14
KANSAS NEWS.
Leavenworth Soldiers Object to
Bill of Fare.
Six Desert Because Of Alleged
Poor Food Given.
MORE LIKELY TO LEAVE
Men at the Post Make Strong
Protest ON Coffee.
Declare the Meat is Absolutely
Unfit to Eat.
Captain in Charge Says Charges
Are Groundless.
MORE LIKELY TO LEAVE

Leavenworth Nov. 1A@There have
been six assertions, three from company
and three from company x, First in
fantr'y, at Fort Leavenworth, since the
last pay day, and in each instance the
deserter has not been a recruit but one
who has seen service with the regiment
in Cuba.
The six men reported as deserters
are: Privates Morgan, Bachman and
jackson of company K, and Privates
Bartz, Trullinger and Taft of COM
pany I. Some of these men have COM
paratively good records, while others
have, from time to time, served short
sentences in the guard house. Private
jackson of K company has been in the
service about two years, during which
time there has not been g mark against
his record He is said to be a college
graduate and to be well connected and
well off in his own right
Inquiry among the men of the two
companies as to the cause of these de-
sertions brought forth the fact that
there is a wholesale dissatisfaction
with the general mess and it was said
that there would be further assertions
unless the conditions were remedied.
The men complain of the bill of fare
which, they say. is the same thing over
and over and complain of the cook
ing and general service. Several of the
mess hall for breakfast stating that
the coffee was nothing but slop and
that the meat was not fit to eat. They
admitted that the other meals were a
little better, but said that they were
far from being what they should be.
The reporter called upon Captain Car
ringtOn, who has charge of the mess
hall, and asked if there was any foun-
dalton for the complaints of the men.
The captain had just returned from the
target range, but took the reporter to
the mess hail. where the kitchen, din
ing room and storehouse were inspected
and as far as could be seen, everything
appeared to be neat and clean.
Captain Darlington said: There is
no foundation for these reports, what
ever When in Cuba my company had
the reputation of having the best mems
mess in the regiment and everybody
wanted to join my mess. I have the
same sergeant in charge of the mess
now, and can see no reason for such
mess a large quantity OF vegetables and
fruit outside of that furnished by the
regular contractors, and during one
month I paid out 5000 extra for provi-
sions- Since target practice began
have not been able to devote as much
time to the mess as formerly, but I be-
lieve everything is going on all right.
A short time ago found that the coffee
that this be remedied-''
There is a general objection in the
army TO the general mess nall and It's
adjustment has been recommended by
officers high in the army. The COM
mander OF this department in his an
nual report recently submitted to the
commanding general OF the army, urged
the aboliShment of the general mess
and the substitution of the company
mess in its stead. Advocates of the
company mess claim that the men can
be more cheaply provided for in that
way and In addition can be given bet
ter service and better food.
Several Of the men when asked why
they did not complain to the command
ing officer regarding their food, said
they were afraid to do so. They said
that such q complaint had been made
in Cuba and that the soldier making it