The Washington herald., 1909-08-10
DISTRICT SOLDIERS
MAY LOSE WEIGHT
Orders Believed to Have that
Result in View.
BIG LOADS WILL BE CARRIED
Heavy Men Already beginning to
GrOan Under Thoughts OF All the
Things They Are Required TO Take
with Them IN Long Marcb-Expec-
tatiOns of Announcements Shattered.

1t has been decided TO run the field
maneuvers in Massachusetts, in which
the District guardsmen will play a prom
inent party, on a regular schedule
Instructions have been received at head
quarters from the Department of the
East to the effect that all hostilities
shall cease each day at l o'clock, and no
movement Of any kind. by the Red or
Blue armies, viii be allowed until .
o'clock the next morning. This regu-
lation will ensure the men ample oppor-
tunity for rest and recreation after the
heated and strenuous hours in the morn
ing.
Notwithstanding this rule. all those
stout men. who belong TO the District
guard, may despair OF retaining their
ample proportions, because Brig. Gen.
Harries' order, prescribing the equipment
field kit. and ammunition TO be carried
on the hike" over the New England
coast, is calculated TO remove any super
fuous flesh
The Late Orders.
Field exercises and death to obesi-
ty" ore synonymous terms. according to
ElIlLen
soldiers like a deliberate plan TO train
them for a weight-carrying contest. Col.
Smiley. hearing the disconsolate muir
inurs. only smiles gently, and says each
squad IS TO carry one piek-mattox and
three spades. the front and rear rank
Of each squad TO alternate in carrying
the tools. Among the prominent Items In
each mans outfit Gre a rife and sling.
bayonet and scabbard, cartridge belt.
suspenders. first aid packet and pouch
to be fastened on the small OF the back;
blanket, Eaversack. meat can. cup. knife.
fork. and spoon
In addition, and here Col. Smiley smiles
still more benignly. the KIT VIII include
poncho, two pairs OF socks, towel, under
wear. comb and brush, tooth brush, soap.
haf-shelter tent shelter tent pole, and
1--WE tent pins All this is known as
Tight marching order" and some OF the
guardsmen are wondering II they Will
have 20 carry convertible forts and
knock-down commons when the order
comes for heavy marching order"
Also, they are endeavoring 10 find
hooks and corners for such essentials as
poker decks, hymn books. novels, 'spir-
itual waters" cigars. and looking glasses.
However, there is one consoling fact:
These same conditions VIII prevail among
the New York, Connecticut. and New
Jersey militia who, with the District
guardsmen. are known as the Red or at
lacking army. Another redeeming fea-
ture OF the programme IN the eyes Of the
citizen soldiers. especially those having
much Rdipose tissue. is that the limit for
each days march will be fifteen miles.
All watches used by the men will be
regulated by that OF the chief umpire
who will give out no information after
l O'Clock Every precaution 10 protect
property has been taken No guns viii
be fred IN the vicinity OF any houses,
and separate squads will be on the look
out for fires. No pond. lake or stream
will be used for bathing or washing pur-
poses. except by order OF the command
ing officer.
Commissions Received.
Only twenty-one OF the twenty-five or
more officers. who recently Iook an ex-
animation for promotion, have received
their commissions. The others who ex-
pected 10 receive their advancement in
rank In time for the maneuvers. will.
IN ell probability. be disappointed, since
the transports viii leave on Thursday.
and the commissions. Il they followed the
regular route. would have to be sent
from the militia headquarters to Presi-
dent Taft. at Beverly, Mass. for his Sig
and then back 10 the War De-
partment for the signature OF Secretary
Dickinson or Acting Secretary Oliver, and
finally back to the militia headquarters.