Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-11-09
Colonel Patten Reports on Clothing
and Equipment.
RAISING THE STANDARD OF SUPPLIES
Khaki Now Furnished as Nearly
Perfect as Possible.
DEMAN FOR ALA S K A

Interesting details in regard to the cloth
ing and equipment of the army are con-
tanned in the report of Col. w. S. Patten,
In charge of the supply branch of the
uuartermaster generals Office, which was
made public today. The total resources on
this account during the past year amounted
to S1O951 419 and the balance on hand at
the close of the year was $1560.pS1. Much
time and attention has been given to the
inspection of the clothing and equipage
supplies procured at the purchasing and
manufacturing depots of the quartermas-
ter's department These Inspections have
been most thorough, and Col. Patten ex-
presses the belief that the articles accept
ed have been fully up to specification re-
quirements. He gives brief description
of the new system of inspection, and says:
Higher Standard Of Supplies.
There is no question that with a full CO.
operation on the part of officers in charge
Of depots, the standard of supplies here
after to be procured will be much higher
than ever in the history of the department
Under these conditions the services of the
shoe and textile inspectors of this office are
an absolute necessity, for upon them de-
ponds the solution of the various technical
questions which arise from time to time.
This office is also now enabled to sat1Sfac-
torly settle all differences of opinion be-
tween contractors and the inspecting OFF,
GERS at depots upon technical points, by
sending the textile inspector to the facto-
rieS to examine into and adjust matters
This feature in the new inspection system
has met with much favor on the part of the
contractors, as tending to avoid any I'M
necessary controversy.
Col. Patten refers to the steps taken to
reorganize the entire system of inspection,
the necessity for which was made manifest
during the Spanish-American war, and
bat he Tins far attained
prove conclusvely that the interests of the
service will best be served by continuance
of the plan conceived, which is simply that
of exercising direct supervisory control
in Washington over the inspections at all
the depots, thereby securing absolute uni
formity.
Of the several kinds of headgear issued
to the enlisted men of the army none APP
pears to give better satisfaction than the
campaign hats. Col. Patten speaks of the
tests of nainsook, cotton and jean under
wear for army use. and says that this
question is still In an experimental stage.
The Uniform.
According to the commanding officer Of
the Department Of Northern Luzon the
uniform now furnished is as near suitable
for service in the tropics as any that can
be devised. Marching with or without
clothing with the mercury at 100 in the
shade" he says, sis uncomfortable, and no
uniform can be made that will enable troops
to march without exhaustion and fatigue
in such temperature. The less experience
officers have the more readiness they as
sumo to make suggestions. 1t Is probable
that long service of our troops in the Phil
ippines may result in experience that will
justify slight changes in the uniform now
issued for service here
Quality of Clothing Excellent.
These views were approved by the COM
handing general in the Philippines, and,
Maj. Miller, the quartermaster in the Phil
ippines, says that the quality of the cloth
ing furnished during the past year has
been excellent. Only few complaints
have been made, and those concerned the
quality of khaki from America, which, al
fades as a rule from perspiration.
considerable difficulty has been expe-
rienced," says Maj. Miller regarding the
sizes of clothing. The schedule in use in
the United States cannot be followed in the
Philippines. The average American SOL
der after having served here for any
length of time, loses considerable in waist
and chest measurement, with the result
that the small sizes are called for in much
larger proportions than in the United States.
The new wooden blanket, of about half the
weight Of the regular blanket is destined
to be very popular with the troops The
shoes are excellent and give general satis-
faction. There are always complaints re-
gardfng footwear, but these complaints are
fewer In the Philippine Islands than in the
United States.'' >,'N
Uniforms for Alaska.
Col Patten says that the military occu-
patton OF Alaska presented new problem
as to the particular clothing needed to
comfortably protect the men in garrison or
on the trail from the rigors of that irving
climate. The fur and other heavy cloth
Ing furnished troops at the most nortbarn
posts in the states being manifestly made
quate for the purpose, supply list of ex-
ira heavy clothing was made up for Alas
kan service. The cost of this extra supply
per man was about $50, and the Secretary
of War authorized that amount to be added
TO the clothing allowance Of enlisted men
serving in Alaska. Based upon experiences
II has been found advisable to eliminate
from future issues for Alaska Mackinaw
oyercoats, shoe and boot pacs felt boots
wildcat caps and sweaters Mackinaw
ciothlng not having proven entirely salts
factory. especially in severe weather, a
canvass, blanket-lined pea
jacket, blue in color, with trousers of the
same canvas, but having a lighter weight
blanket lining, has been devised as more
1uily meeting the requirements Of the
country, and will, it is believed. eventually
supersede all the Mackinaw garments. A
muskrat cap of improved pattern forms
part of the clothing shipped to Alaska this
year. The earfaps in front are extended to
cover the cheek bones. a small detachable
fur strap serves to protect the bridge and
end of the nose from freezing, while the
lower corners Of the flap lap over and
hasten by means of a snap fastener. SO as
to cover the chin.
For field or trail purposes garment call
ed parka. made of blue denim, having a
mood trimmed with wolf skin and lining
at the cuff of the same kind of fur has
been specially manufactured and furnished
to meet an existing need not filled by the
outer garments heretofore supplied ,cbo
muskrat mittens hereafter to be furnished
troops in Alaska will have the lining sewed
In only at the cuffs, so as to enable the
wearer to pull 1T out and dry it when damp
from perspiration. which frequently ham
pens.- The regulation heavy wooden under
wear worn by troops in the states being
found. from experience, to be too light for
proper protection in Alaska, heavy ;leeca
lined garments have been specially procured
to AFFORD a greater amount of warmth dur
ing the severest portion of the year. Oyfnp
to the scarcity of transportation facilities
and the difficulty of communication Wit,
the posts In Alaska, It has been deemed
advisable to keep at least one years cloth
ing supplies ahead OF requirements Tn
addition reserve depot has been sstah-
lished at Fort st. Michaels, well stocked
with all articles of clothing comma o., 80