The Washington times., 1902-01-21
OFF FOR THE
PHILIPPINES.
Members Of Eleventh United States
Cavalry Squadron Bidden God
speed by Friends.

1t was 4 curious and motley crowd that
gathered a the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road station last night to bid farewell to
the EleveRth Cavalry squadron which had
been ordered TO the Philippines. There
were laughter and tears and humor in
termingled with genuine pathos.
Hcsts of pretty girls were present in
the front ranks of the throng to wish the
troopers Gcdspeed and pleasant journey.
And perhaps not few OF the boys thought
it rather charming after ALL to be SOL
der.
Preparations for :he Trip.
All day yesterda: and Sunday Fort
Myer was a scene of hustle and activity.
Troopers rushed here, there, and every
where with their arms piled high with
supplies and equipments. The officers
quarters were being stripped of furnish
ings and the numerous little things that
make home attractive. Boxes, bundles,
and chests were stacked up everywhere.
The men worked with will; their arms
were nerved with the enthusiasm born
OF prospects of activity and fighting
ahead. The hour of parting, in reality
so near. was still far distant for them.
They still had a few hours to spend with
their friends and sweethearts.
At about 7:f5 o'clock last night they
assembled and scrambled aboard the
trolley cars which were in waiting to
convey them to the station. The officers
openly admitted their regret al being
compelled to leave Fort Myer, which is
considered one of the most desirable OF
all the United States military posts. The
enlisted men laughed and ioked, and de-
clared that they were glad at being called
into active service, yet there was q ring
of insincerity in their tones
Attention of the Fair Sex.
When the squadron arrived at the Bal
tirnore and Ohio station a large crowd
WAS present TO see them of. The sweet
hearts and friends of the men were there
in the front ranks of the throng. After
they had broken ranks to wait The hour
of departure they mingled to spend their
last few minutes, which for many OF them
might be their last together on earth.
Some of the couples chatted gaily amid
the crush and hid their feelings as best
they might Others, more deeply smit-
ten, strolled off hand in hand to some Sc
cluded spot ard had il out" in 4 little
cry.
Hour for Parting Arrives.
But at last the hour for the final part
ing arrived, and the order came for the
men TO form ranks. Forgetful Of every
thing, the soldiers snatched a hurried
kiss. and. struggling to beat back the
tears that persistently welled up into
their eyes. turned and ran to join the
waiting troop.
1t was about $3.50 o'clock when the
first Of the two sections Of the train which
carried the men 10 New York pulled out
of the station. The other followed i'm
mediately after. AS long as the trains
were visible the heads OF soldiers were 10
be seen hanging out of each window, while
the crowd upon the platform cheered and
waved their handEerchiefs and hats.
Sail on Transport Buford.
Major Walter J.. Finley is in command
of the squadron, who was met in New
York by Colonel Moore. who had gone
On ahead. The transport Buford will
take the detachment to the Philip
pines, going by way of the Suez Canal.
A number of the officers families will
accompany them