Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1912-10-14
SOLDIERS Want A
White DRESS
UNIFORM

The enlisted men of the Depart
ment of Hawaii are up in arms over
the uniform which they are contin-
ually forced to wear. Nothing but
the khaki service uniform is author
lied for Hawaii, which means that
the men here must be in breeches
and tight, hot leggins during all their
waking hours. They want the privi-
lege of buying a white uniform to
wear off duty, out of their own peck
cts, and many officers of the depart
ment back them up in their request.
A correspondent who signs himself
"Blanco" puts the case fairly and
squarely in the Army and Navy Jour
nal. The tip is out that "Blanco" is
wellknown non-commissioned Off
Ger at Schofield Barracks, who is
known to be working for better uni
form conditions for the soldiers.
This matter has been in the air for
several months, and some time ago
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, adju-
tant general of the department, told
Star-Bulletin reporter that he believ-
ed a white uniform, authorized to be
worn by enlisted men when OF duty,
would prove popular with them, and
that many would be willing to stand
the expense of purchase and laundry
work for the privilege of appearing
neat and clean when they were on.
pass. Most of the officers here agree
with the adjutant general. G@
Here is Blanco's side of the story:
Of ha Hory
Journal: -.
War Department orders prescribe
that the uniform cotton olive drab
or khaki) shall be worn at all times
by all troops stationed in the Hawai-
ian or Philippine Islands, except on
such occasions as the white uniform
is authorized for officers. Prior to
issue of orders on this subject en-
listed men of duty were permitted to
wear white cotton suit, which gave
the legs much needed rest from the
pressure of the heat producing and
uncomfortable leggings. This is no
longer permissible, and the enlisted
force in the tropics swelter in canvas
leggings from reveille until taps. In
view of the fact that white uniform
with long trousers is authorized for
officers not on duty under arms, in
the afternoon, etc., there seems to be
no sound reason why similar con-
cession might not be made to the
health, comfort and appearance of en-
listed men, and without any expense
to the government. The War Depart
ment could very well issue an order
permitting, but not necessarily re-
curing, enlisted men when not on
duty under arms, to wear a white
cotton uniform and helmet or cap, of
prescribed design, to be purchased by
the individual soldier as hts own
property. %s @..ss .--s... .'
Those of us, and they are in the
majority, who take a pride in our
uniforms desire to present at all
times a neat appearance. The khaki
or olive drab cotton uniform, no mat
ter how we'll made, never gives the
'";dress" appearance and feeling; it is
essentially working or field uni
form. The War Department might
well consider the practicability of
adopting a white uniform for dress
wear in the tropics, and until they
do adopt such uniform could very
well permit the wearing of one by
troops off duty, in, the afternoon, etc.
A white uniform in the tropics is
quite as necessary for enlisted men
as for officers. -.....-..@z
...... e.. -.s." BLANCO.