New-York tribune., 1911-03-20
TROOPS BADLY DRENCHED
Rain Falls in Torrents at Fort
Crockett, Galveston.
DOG TENTS BLOWN AWAY
Newly Arrived Soldiers Enter
with Enthusiasm Into the
Work of Camp.

Galveston. March l9.-kain fell in tor
rents at Fort Crockett last night and al
most drowned out the twentysiX hundred
soldiers who arrived yesterday from the
North on transports and spent the night
Under the inadequate shelter of their cog
tents 1t was the first time 1t had rained
here in weeks and the downpour occurred
ct the worst possible time for the newly ar
rived troops-before they could get their
big tents ur..
Several tents were blown down. and those
Of the smaller ones which stood were rem
oered practically uninhahtahle. Though
most of the soldiers were soaked to the
skin they came up smiling when reveille
sounded this morning and entered with en-
thusiasm into the work Of setting the camp
in order.
We had pretty tough night Of it, re-
marked one OF the soldiers. but il was not
nearly so bad as these eight DAYS aboard
the transport" II seemed that the discom-
forts of the voyage were due more 10 over
crowdins than rough weather. although
heavy sea was encountered the third day
cut.
Rail room was lacking more than any
thing else according 10 all reports, many
Of. the best soldiers showing themselves 10
he the poorest sailors by hanging over the
side most of the time
Those who could eat on the trip down
the coast did not appear especially fond OF
the fare which consisted principally, ac-
oording TO one Of the men. of steamed beef
and beans.
Hardships Forgotten at Dinner.
But all the hardships We're forgotten by
c4nner time. when the men had their first
meal in camp. II was a pretty good sun
DAY dinner at that IN the circumstances.
consisting Of roast beef. brown gravy. ba-
cen. boiled potatoes and coffee. The equip
ment reached camp early this afternoon.
There wss much black mud 10 contend with.
but the mel arranged the camp with light
hearts
sFort Crockett reservation is probably
half a mile square and is west Of the city,
On the Gulf front. There has been no gar
Tison there since the storm of September.
$500. but the government has been con-
structing fine concrete barracks. Several
ct the buildings are ready 10 he occupied.
The grade Of TIE reservation has been
raised 70 the level Of the concrete wall put
Up since the storm 70 defy the sea. Three
guns and mortar batteries line the water
front.
srigadier General Mills. commanding the
brigade now in camp. Brigadier General
Darlington. inspector general of the army.
and the commanding officers Of the three
regiments had an informal conference In
General Mills tent this afternoon. Men
and equipment were reported 10 have
rived in good shape and prepared for any
service.
Officers Without Uniform.
Some Of the soldiers brought cots and
trunk chests. which were not unloaded from
the transports. however. A few Of the Off
GERS came away from their posts without
THEN field uniforms.
The new arrivals will have dav or two
70 straighten UP their camp, and after that
thew viii he put 10 the daily drin grind
which the first regiment has been gong
through for week.
The lamp remains absolutely free from
sickness. but nevertheless every precaution
IS beng taken ~ ward OF disease General
Mills SET a good example 10 the officers in
the brigade by barring his arm 10 the sur
sAon needle for an initial injection of
typhoid germs The other officers quickly
followed suit.
idea about the real purpose of this troop
movement. but those few most likely 10
know are not discussing the matter All
seem 70 believe their ultimate destination
viii r. Mexico. ard that troops have been
modified here 70 meet some future con-
tingency
Great quantities of mail for the four
cruisers OF Rear Admiral Stauntons feet
are accumulating in the postofhce here. in
oicaung they are expected soon from Guam.
'snano. TIE naval collier Ajax arrived to-
dsv
Galveston has thrown oren her arms 10
the visitors. and both the soldiers and
sailors speak Of the fine treatment thev
have received The men have been con-
6ucting themselves well and have given
tho police and the provost guard little
trouble
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