The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1908-12-23
WASHINGTON LETTER
Especial Correspondenca.1

experiment the war department has
ordered to be thoroughly tested proves
to be a. success. Orange colored IN
derwear and hat Innings are to be
worn by 5000 soldiers in the islands
during the next year and observations
made with a view Of ascertaining II
the theories evolved from experiments
in laboratories in Washington are ap-
plicable with corresponding results in
the field.
Color Scheme In the Army.
Experiments carried on under the
direction Of Surgeon General Reilly
and Inspector General Darlington re-
vealed the fact that plants under an
orange colored glass grew less rapidly
than those under any other shade and
less than half IS fast as plants ex-
posed to the direct rays Of the sun.
Other tests showed that black and
red absorbed the rays Of the sun and
thus increased the warmth Of persons
wearing clothing thus dyed. White,
blue and green disintegrated the rays,
while dispensing them most effective
ly. Oddly enough, further experiments
thowed that orange, although contain
ing some red, practically prevented
the passage of the rays of heat.
With the reports favoring the use
Of orange colored clothing Quarter
master General Aleshire has ordered
5000 suits of underwear and hat lin
1ngs dyed in orange color and shipped
to the Philippines for distribution.
Only orange colored underwear will be
issued to soldiers for one year, during
which time close medical observa-
ton will be made of these men and a
comparison of their health made with
soldiers wearing white underwear.
Huge Bronze Casting.
The largest piece of bronze ever cast
in a single piece in this country, If not
In the world, was successfully execut-
ed at Elmwood. near Providence.
1t was the immense horse for the
equestrian statue Of General Phil Sher-
idan recently unveiled in this city.
The flask in which the mold was
contained was about twelve feet in
length, six and one-half feet high and
eight feet in width and weighed be-
tween seventy and seventy-fve tons
before the metal was poured into it.
1t was strapped and supported on the
outside by iron and held in position
by immense rods and screws. The
work of making the mold was ON
menced early in August and was con-
tiuued day and night.
Sheridan on Horseback.
The statue is of heroic proportions
and depicts Gallant Phil" Sheridan
on the back Of his famous dark bay
Kentucky steed Rienzi in the very
act Of turning to his fleeing soldiers at
Cedar creek after his historic twenty
mile ride from Winchester. With one
hand he is holding back his powerful
horse, while with the other, in which
his hat is clutched, he is waving to his
men and encouraging them to turn the
tide of retreat.
The figure Of Sheridan Is a portrait
likeness. His clothing and accouter-
ments are modelled after garments
worn by him. He is shown wearing a
service uniform, with sword and spurs.
AAAo hAt 40 AolASO up AL Tic uIIlu Will
which he is reckoning to his men. The
face is one of the strongest parts Of
the whole figure, being clean cut and
full Of energy. The generals body is
turned halfway around in the saddle.
In his left hand are the reins, while
the right is stretched out to his sol
diers.
A Famous Steed.
The horse is also modelled as far as
possible after the horse which Sheridan
rode. The animal, which was some
times known as Rienzi and sometimes
as Winchester, was skinned after its
death, and the hide was presented to
the Governors island museum, where
1t has since been preserved. The size
and general contour of the horse were
gained from this relic.
The statue is fourteen feet high and
stands on Il plinth of granite. The
groundwork represents the rough cart
of the field across which sheridan
rode.
The Incoming White House Host.
When Mr.. Taft takes possession Of
the executive mansion and office there
will be IL change which the employ
ees will do we'll to mark. Mr.. Taft
eats no luncheon. About half past s
In the morning he takes Il hearty
breakfast, and this lasts him until din
ner time. when he can do justice to as
good Il meal us any one, No matter
how active he has been, the luncheon
is scratched from Mr.. Taft's pro-
gramme. This means an additional
hour of work, and unless Mr.. Taft
should establish luncheon us q mean
Of entertaining the more distinguished
Of his visitors, as does Mr.. Roosevelt,
the hour Of quiet which now marks
the White House day between 2 and
3 O'Clock will be eliminated after
March 3.
Tafts Fond Of Entertaining.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Taft are fond of
entertaining. and with Il daughter who
Will be Il White House debutante and