Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-22
CEYLON TEA

tried the previous year by $40 The num-
Der of men tried for desertion was 39S. The
number of trials by summary courts was
1912, of which 2 .54S were convicted or
drunkenness.
1t is recommended that funds be appro-
priated for the erection of necessary ouio-
ings at Cayey, p. r., for the accommoda-
ton of two battalions of native troops the
Porto Rico Provisional Regiment or lnfan-
try) All the troops serving In the island
with the exception of the coast aruliery'
are to be concentrated at that place Gen
eral Chaffee says 1t will be necessary 10
purchase 394 acres Of land for the use OF
that garrison, and he recommends the APP
propriatio Of funds for that purpose.
On the subject of uniform General Char-
fee says:
ct is believed that the new uniform gives
general satisfaction and will give more
when its utility has been thoroughly Demon
strated by use. The thing most to be hoped
for in any uniform Is that after adoption II
shall be adhered to without constant
changes and alterations, which place every
body In a condition of uneasiness as to pro-
curing 1t.
personally can see no use for two full-
dress hats and two full-dress shoulder or
naments for general officers. 1t would seem
to me that the chapeau and epauiets might
be dispensed with. Box spurs and the straps
on the bottom Of the trousers serve no use
full or ornamental purpose. and should be
dispensed with. AS trousers are cut ana
made II this country they cannot be worn
with any comfort with straps at the DOT
toms except in a standing position.
During my inspection 1t was noted that
some companies were equipped with blue
cartridge belts. others with gray or white
belts at the same post. This condltion
quite seriously marred the military appear
ance of commands. Utility does not re-
quire or demand that attempt be made to
shade cartridge belts to conform to color
Of uniforms; better II fancy be not consfd-
TO- t,o t%Drn v,d hn ntoa
satisfy all conditions Of dress and all occa-
sions when the cartridge belt must be worn.
Pack in Lieu of Blanket Roll.
Tho time seems opportune for the adop-
ton of pack in lieu of the blanket roll for
foot troops. At present we have only the
experience of men with the latter to con-
tend with. and the substitution Of some
thing better something more convenient, Of
no greater burden may be readily accom-
plished If an earnest effort be made to do
So That the blanket roll is inconve-
nient thing in which to carry few articles
of clothing and toilet goes without the say
Ing. No device could be more so, nor is it,
In my opinion, of better form for 'toting
than would be a pack. Encouragement and
discipline have all to do with the carrying
of burden by soldiers. light or heavy. We
know that 1t Is not the soldiers wish to
throw his extras upon the ground whenever
he has need of his blanket But using the roll
he is compelled to do this. The condition is
discreditable. 1t would seem that the burden
of relief properly devOlves upon the officers
of infantry, who. more than any one else
should be interested in the welfare of their
men as regards this matter. 1t Is sug-
gested. however, that a board Of general
staff officers solve the problem. A mini
mum capacity pack Is desira BILE, and to that
end the articles to be carried should be
limited. viz: one shirt, pair stockings,
one drawers. one undershirt. toilet articles
a n lot half fe,,t et1r
or any exterior article of clothing not to be
packed. as all such articles will be good for
one months wear on day Of departure If
the soldier be properly clothed al that time.
The cartridge belt should be carried on
braces in order that the weight may be
transferred to the shoulders"