The St. Louis Republic., 1902-06-08
new UNIFORMS Devised
BY WAR DEPART TMENT
United States Soldiers Are Soon to
Be Supplied With Valises
and Khaki Suits.
oILSKINS FOR cAVAL2YMEN.
Unique Pattern of Helmet for Use
in the Philippines Is of Cork
and Has a Remarkably
Long Brim.
WRIr-rrN roR rHE suNpAY EEprBLIc.

WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY EEPUBLIc.
Every one of cur fighting men in the Phil
ippines is to have a valse. The article VIII
weigh only few ounces. but will hold lot
and will be so strong that man can jump
upon it when It is empty without hurting 1t
q particle. These bags, which are rectan-
gular in shape, are now being turned out for
the War Department by thousands, being
intended to take the place of the old style
box lockers as receptacles for soldiers
necessaries.
The box lockers were heavy and inc3n-
venent, and on transports they were usually
slowed IN the hold with freight on top OF
them, so that If the troops left before the
vessel was unoaded the boys in khaki were
likely not to see their goods and chattels
for months. On the other hand, the valises
may be showed under the hunks on board
ship. They are Of uniform size. easily
packed In a wagon, and OF just the right
capacity to contain the soldiers outfit.
Large numbers Of sleeping bags are being
forwarded for our soldiers in Alaska, their
material being sheepskin- Sample bags,
mad9 OF reindeer skin, were submitted by
manufacturers, but sheepskin was preferred
because 1t was cheaper. Mittens Of musk
rat fur, lined with bucksllin, and muskrat
caps that cover the face as well as the head,
are being supplied for use in the same Ie-
gfon. The caps have flaps in front TO cover
tho ears, checks and chin. with de-acn-
able fur strap to protect the ncse from
freezing.
For men on duty in the held in that Arc
tic country woolen sweaters were at first
provided, but for these "parkas' are now
being substituted. The parka IS an Eski-
mo garment and resembles very long
shirt Of fur, with an ample hood. 1t IS sup
plemented by pea Jacket and trousers Of
canvas lined with blanket stuff, a blanket
on over the shoes like leggins.
Shoes for Wet Weather.
In addition moccasins are furnished, and
for wet weather complete oilskin suits. with
rubber boots extending to the hips. OF
course such things are expensive, and so
the war Department gives to each soldier
IN ALASKA $S.95 per annum over and ab5ye
the ordinary clothing allowance.
The War Department has devised q new
tent for use in Alaska the support Of which
stred-readily attachable to a stove For
the tropics another kind Of ,tent is being
along the ridge at the top. Orders t,-t Rave gone
forth that in future all tents used By our
army in the field shall be khaki coiored. in
having shown that Certain kind pefIlsaEi OF RSaE
colored cloth does not mildew, and when
made into tents win last three times as
Elaborate experiments have been con-
Quoted recently at Fort Myer, near WASH
ington, for the purpose of ascertainIng
whether II Is true that soldiers dressed in
khaki are less dIstinguishable by an enemy
es has been supposed, than men in blue uni
ed by military authorities on this account.
tory conclusions
llshtness. durability and dirtproof quality,
o our spCoeS h sas 5s being PRfd I'd
obtain khaki proof against sun, washing
ana perspiration appear TO have been at
least successful.
Cots and Mosquito Bars.
soldiers Of all armies hitherto when in ac-
i've service, having been obliged to sleep on
niles win follow our example in this matter.
lhe cot being great comfort and folding
into small space. Our soldiers in the Philip
both IN that archipelago and In Alaska they
are provided with head nets, mosquitoes be-
ing pest In the Arctic regions as wen as
yell Yellow oilakin clothing, is being sent out
ponchoS Were forwaTded as an iaSH experimlnt 9sEn
enough to suit the climate of our tropical
shirts ana drawers Of nankeen and main
lose flesh so fast in the Philippines. by the
demand than In the United States. Incl
dentally, IT ls worth mentioning that half
weight blankets are being sent out.
The new pattern Of helmet for the Philip
pines is Of cork and has a remarkably long
brtm behind so as to protect the back OF
the neck from the sun. During the Civil
War the so-called 'havelocl'' was supplied
with the same idea In view It was piece
OF cotton or linen, designed to be buttoned
on ever the cap, and had sort of curtain
at the back, which was supposed to protect
tne neck and the upper part Of the spine.
Havelocl1n Thrown Away.
Patriotic women made these havelocks
ey mlhonA and 'havelock societies" were
formed to turn them out by wholesale I'm
fortunately. the troops found them uncom-
Portable and threw them away as fast as
they got them.
Just at present the army chaplains are
making vigorous appeal for less severe
costumes. Their regulation dress consists
Of plain frock coat, or sack coat for un-
dress. with silk buttons, all black, and un-
relieved except by shoulder straps with a
cross These military clergymen think that
they ought to have epaulettes and other
saudy appurtenances, but the War Depart
ment 10 not disposed to grant the demand
ana there is not the least likelihood that tha
complain VIII accomplish anything.