Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-02

Total. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 1912
This makes grand total of 1857 for the
bare necessities Of the journey. and 1t does
not include carriages. omnibuses, baggage
express, laundry, street car fare or anything
for incidentals or for landing expenses, no.
tel bills and transportation to his post in
the Philippines. or Is there any allowance
Tor extra baggage, which will amount to a
would add at least $212 to the items have
given. and bring the cost of Transporting
this soldiers family from his present post
to Fort Mckinley In the Philippines up to a
total of $1,000, which is nearly two-thirds
OF his annual pay.
Railway Courtesies Elsewhere.
It would, therefore, seem that this officer
and others who have families ought to be
allowed to accept such courtesies and con-
sideration as may be offered them by the
railway officials. They are not going on
pleasure trip; they are not acting volunta-
rily, but they are under orders from the
government and are compelled to move. 1t
may be said that they are the only citizens
OF the United States who are compelled to
move from one home to another every two
or three years and pay their own expenses.
me British government sends soldiers to
India, South Africa and other distant coun-
tries, and the officers are compelled to pay
the travelling expenses of their families. but
all railways and steamers give them one
half of the usual rates. and the railway
companies of the United States would be
glad to do the same IL they were permitted.
The lines west Of Chicago have been in the
habit of carrying officers wives and fam
lies free. and have considered 1t a privilege
to do SO.
In the consideration Of this question it
should also be remembered that an officer is
subjected to considerable expense in pack
Ing and removing his household effects and
IN read1ustfng them to new quarters. There.
is also a considerable loss from breakaRe
and other damages, as we'll as wear and
tear. An old proverb says that Three
moves are as bad as a fire." and a great
majority of the married officers Of the
army and navy can prove the truth Of
that saying by personal experience
There Is going to be a general movement
or troops during the coming summer and
fa!l to and from the Philippines and be-
tween military posts in the United States
and unless something is done to give the
families of officers and soldiers at least the
same rates that are given by the railway
companies to the government for the trans
portatlon or troops, many of the officers will
suffer great hardship; while the enlisted
men who are married and have families will
be unable to move them at all. Their
meager pay will not permit them to buy
railway tickets
To relieve this situation it is proposed to
insert an amendment in the transportation
section or The army appropriation bill now
pending In the Senate providing that moth
ing In the act entitled An act to amend an
act entitled an act to regulate commerce,
approved June 20, 1906, shall be construed
to prohibit common carriers engaged in the
transportation of passengers by railroad or
by water from transporting free or at less
than the regular rates of fare the wives
children, servants and other dependent
members of the families Of officers and en-
listed men in the army, navy and marine
corps"