The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-08-29
ARMYUNIFORMC CHANGES
English Tailor's Suggestions For
Smarter" Dress Adopted.
BETTER COATS AND TROUSERS
Hip Pockets Eliminated and Over.
coats Can BE Turned Into Comfort
able Sleeping Blankets-Trousers to
Have a Very Swagger Appearance.
No Change In Uniforms cf Omcers.

NO Change In Un1fOrmg OF Officers.
Changes in the uniforms of enlisted
men of the United States army have
been ordered by the war department
as the direct result of suggestions
made by G. B. Winter, a military
tailor Of London, who came to the
United States several weeks ago at
the request of Quartermaster General
Humphrey, says a Washington CORE
SpOndent of the New York Herald.
These changes will not affect the ma
terial or general character of uniforms,
but will make those now worn better
fitting and smarter in appearance
General Humphrey appointed these
officers of the Quartermaster's depart
ment a board to consider the subject:
Colonel George E. Pond, Majors J. B.
Bellinger, ]. B. Aleshire, John T.
Knight and L. II. Slavins and Captain
L. Hardman. Mr.. Winter made pat
terms embodying his suggestions which
were submitted to the board
One of Mr.. Winters patterns for an
overcoat has been adopted. 1t is mod
eled on the olive drab overcoat now
used, but made much more full in the
back by means Of plat. The ad-
ditional fullness is an advantage over
the present overcoat in that when the
wearer Is mounted If the back Of the
coat catches on the saddle there is suf-
f1cient material in the skirt to prevent
ho
knees. The increased fullness also
has an advantage In affording more
cover when the Overcoat is used for a
sleeping blanket.
The board recommended and the
Quartermaster general has approved
improvements in the present olive
drab service coat to the extent Of put
ting two Sits in the back skirt, two
VS. at the collar and two darts in front
and adding plated patch pockets.
This garment will also have wider
shoulders and a closer waist. The
collar will be standing turnover, just
wide enough for the largest insignia.
The khaki service coat is to be cut on
the same pattern as the olive drab
service coat
The American soldier has had diff
Guilty for years in obtaining we'll fit
ting trousers. especially for wear when
mounted. The quartermaster general
has approved Mr.. Winters suggestion
that the olive drab service breeches
should be cut with more length in the
back breadth. They will have a very
swagger appearance, comparing favor
ably with officers trousers, and will be
tight from the knee down, laced
through eyelets which are faced with
leather near the knee. Mr.. Winter
recommended removing hip pockets.
At present the breeches are so tight
as to be uncomfortable in mounting.
The khaki breeches for mounted wear
will be practically the same as the
olive drab service breeches.
The olive drab and khaki foot trOu-
sers will be cut full on the thigh to
below the knee, with a seam just be-
low the knee, and tight from there
down and laced the same as cavalry
breeches. The hip pocket will be elm
mated.
Mr.. Winter Informed the board that
in workmanship and material the
American uniforms could not be i'm
proved upon, but that they could be
distinctly improved as to style.
Although they have no wish to make
him a military dude. it is the belief Of
the prominent officers that the Amer
lean soldier feels a great deal more
respect for himself and is much more
comfortable if he knows that his
clothes fit we'll and are handsome in
appearance.
General Humphrey received scores
Of letters criticising his action in get
ting an English tailor to make these
suggestions, but he has also received
letters from many persons congratu-
lating him upon the step.
There has been no effort to do any
thing with the uniforms Of officers.
which were improved three years ago.
The various government clothing fac