The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1906-09-12
RMYUNIF0RMCHANCES
English Tailor's Suggestions For
Smarter Dress Adopted.
BETTER COATS and TROUSERS

Hip Pockets Eliminated N Over
coats Can Re Turned Into COmfOrt-
able Sleeping Blankets-Tr0users to
Have a Very swagser Appearance.
No Change In Uniforms 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. h. 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 f. Pond, Majors J. b.
Bellinger. j. B. Aleshire, John T.
Knight and I. 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 e Of a plat. The adj
ditiOnal fullness is an advantage over
the present overcoat In that when the
wearer Is mounted II the back Of the
coat catches on the saddle there is suf-
fcient material in the skirt to prevent
it from being pulled away from the
knees. The increased fullness also
has an advantage In affording more
v 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. ut the collar and two darts in front
and adding plated patch pockets.
This garment will also have wider
shoulders and Il closer waist. The
collar will be Il 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
coat.
The American soldier has had diff
Guilty for years in obtaining we'll fit
ting trousers. especially for wear when
The quartermaster general
has approved Mr.. Winters suggestion
that tho olive drab service breeches
should be cut with more length in the
back breadth. They will have a very
swagSer appearance. comparing favor
ably with officers trousers. and will be
tight from the knee down. laced
through eyelets which are faced with
leather neal the knee. Mr.. Winter
recommended removing hip pockets.
At present the breeches are 50 tight
as to be uncomfortable In mounting.
The khaki breeches for mounted wear
will be practically the same us the
olive drab service breeches.
OuNC utAD NLIO Mimi tOOI NIOu-
sers will be cut full on the thigh to
below the knee. with Il 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 aud material the
American uniforms could not he i'm
proved upon, but that they could be
distinctly Improved as tn style,
Although they have no wish to make
him Il military 'ude, it is the belief Of
the prominent officers that the Amer
lean soldier feels Il great deal more
respect for himself and Is much more
comfortable if he knows that his
clothes ut 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 We're improved three years ago
The various government clothing fac.
tories are being provided with patterns
for the improved garments. and in Il
few weeks all the new clothing will be
manufactured after these patterns.
Students On Long Tramp.
Albert KamboltZ and Louis Il. COhn
students ut New York university AM