The Indianapolis journal., 1903-08-04
The Militiamen Were Not Averse
when the Order Came from Head
quarters to Start on March.
FAIR GROUNDS NOW DESERTED
BIG CROWDS SEE THE PARADE IN
DOWNTOWN STREETS.
Governor Durbin, General Mckee and
Other Officers Are Well Satisfied
-Incidents OF the Day.

Get away day. was observed yesterday
at the camp of instruction of the Indiana
National Guard at the fair grounds. The
breaking of camp after eight days OF hard
work for the soldiers found many of the
latter working hard in their efforts TO pre-
pare for home. From the time the soldiers
We're called from their large ticks of straw
yesterday morning lively scene was en-
acted by the men in tearing loose their
beds and burning the old straw. Blankets
were piled in large heaps. Ticks were
taken to the rear of the grounds. where
the straw was piled in one great mass. The
whole was then burned. From the south
to the north OF the big grounds clouds of
heavy smoke made their way through the
company streets While at mess the smoke
curled it's way through the tents but the
soldiers paid no attention to 1t. Good
natured badinage was indulged in by the
boys.
The bed clothing was turned over to the
quartermaster. With it all the tools that
would not likely be needed were stored
away. wherever practical the different COM
panies arranged their tents In such a way
that when the call would come from head
quarters for the immediate razing of the
tents IL could be done in short time.
Stakes were pulled at $50 o'clock. This
made the matter Of taking down the tents
much easier.
Aside from the work of storing away all
the equipment the soldiers were given their
guard mount and battalion drills the same
as last week While all the men seemed
Ayelier yesterday morning many expressed
annoyance at having To walk To Indianapo-
caused this anxiety. The morning broke
clear and warm. The weather continued
the same until after the noon mess. Clouds
then filled the sky and stin, cool breeze
was blowing
WAITING FOR THE CALL.
When the call from headquarters sounded
after mess IL found the young militiamen
waiting for it, No company proved lag
gard. Seemingly in almost the twinkling
of an eye the city of tents became almost
a desert. Huge wagons commanded by off,
GERS on horseback were driven hurriedly
through the company streets gathering up
the former homes of the soldiers.
The parade was then formed for the march
homeward. IL was close to f:S0 o'clock be-
fore the strains OF the regimental bands
told that the march to the city had begun.
Slowly the troops filed down the main street
sSd 50 sbe cty 70 The ea9ae
was made up of three regiments of in
fantrymen. the artillery battalion and the
hospital corps. The infantry took up the
lead. followed by the artillery.
1t was shortly after 3 o'clock before the
troops were sighted coming around Monu-
ment place. Already thousands of admiring
friends OF the soldiers were in waiting on
the sides of the streets. The troops filed
slowly across Washington street sovth to
the Union Station. All were covered with
dust and looked as though they had Just
returned from long season or active cam
paigning. The admiring crowds which lined
the streets cheered the laughing soldiers.
who were glad they were soon TO get some
rest.
Many of the troops left the city for their
homes on the early afternoon trains. Others
were forced TO remain until the late trains
last night For the first time in week
the soldiers ran about the streets with
freedom and were not keeping their eyes
closely peeled for the provost guard. Gov
ernor Durbin, General Mckee and all the
officers of the guard expressed deep salts
faction with the week of soldering.