Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-07-26


| thistle. When the creator made Texas
it was shame that he did not put
something else beside cactus and
| thorn bushes.
AS we approached Laredo there
were signs everywhere Of the terrible
effects of no rain. Up to this time
there has been no rain here for nine
months. Cattle have been dying by
the score for lack of food. Absolutely
no grass anywhere and even the cas-
tus are dying for lack of water. Texas
represents vast area Of rich country
going to waste because of the scarcity
of water.
At last we reached Laredo shortly
after dinner July 4th. All the men
were pleased beyond measure to get
cut of the train. Such heat, the sun
was almost unbearable. When we
came to camp grounds what place we
found. 1t seemed as if the dust was a
foot thick and by the time the men
and trucks got to kicking it around
breathing was nearly ar impossibility.
My first thought was that if our men
can stand this they can stand any
thing. Some of the fellows were ready
to start right back home at once. The
City Red Cross society served the men
ice cream cones which sure did strike
the right spot.
Company NJ was the first company
to have their tents up. Before an hour
was up you would not know the place
The only water on the grounds was a
tap opposite our company street. We
got orders Immediately that all water
must be boiled and it was a mighty
dry bunch before airy boiled water
could be had. You can imagine drink
ing warm boiled water with the sun
beating down hot enough to burn one
clear through. Oh for a big dipper ful
of good old Augusta water. 1t Will
take a long time to educate our men
to drink the stuff they call water
down here.
1t did not take the fellows long n
spot that tap of water and as soon as
darkness came there was a genera
rush for bath. For the rest Of the
evening shoes and stockings were full
dress in camp. BY now the air had
cooled until the temperature was real
~ delightful. I have often read Of the
beautiful southern nights but this was
the first time that I had ever expert
enced one. This one was perfect, clear
cool and fresh. 1t was only a short
time after taps that every man was
peacefully sleeping the sleep Of tired
weary travellers.
1T was tired and sleepy bunch tina.
aWoke next morning at reveille At 5
A. NJ. down here it is nearly dark. The
sun does not come up until nearly 6
o'clock. This makes the early morn
lngs as cool and pleasant as the eve
nlngs. But it did rot take long for
old Sol to beat things up generally
no more work than was absolutely
necessary was attempted that first day
Nater was now becoming a precious
luxury and l never realized before the
real value of pure water.
Inc Red Cross Society arrived in
camp with daintes for the men. II
was great treat and was much ap-
preclated by every man.
During the day one Of our men
Killed small RATHER at the end Of the
company street. 1t had 7 rattles and
a button. That means that there are
more in the vicinity and the men will
have to keep their eyes open.
A couple Of an" boys went down
street with their side arms on and had
them taken away from them. They
We're some scared kids when they got
back to camp. 1t is hardly necessary
to state that they had to stand quite
a bit of joshing from the rest of the
company.
Started to drill July and in spite
OF the fact that the sun was as hot az
Hades our men stood the test we'll.
Two or three delinquents had their
first taste of discipline by being put on
extra detail which kept them busy
most all day. 1t comes hard but
there are some men who cannot be
taught in any other way.
Clothes are no longer a necessity
down here and the fellows get rid Of
wearing as many as possible Many
men enjoyed this comfort the first few
Gays but had to pay with bistered
arms and shoulders.
Discussion on the length Of time we
are to be kept here started the first dav
in camp and has not let up since
me roses have all withered and cac-
tus plants and thorn bushes have TAX
en- their place. The enthusiasm to oe
IN Texas has given way to a longing
lof the beauties and comforts Of home
What brings people to Texas to live
IS more than / can figure out.
iomesickness began to show about
the third day in camp. Many of the
fellows began kicking about every
thing the food, the heat the water ana
most everything in general. Condt-
tons are anything but comfortable and
probably will be worse but we are q
long ways from home and kicking will
make things worse rather than better
We are here for purpose and will
stay here till they get ready to send
US home. No amount of kicking will
help matters in the least and the soon
er every man Of US realizes that fact
the sooner will life become liveable for
us here.
Took my first trip down town Friday
night, July 7. Cannot say that | was
strongly impressed with the place.
The postoffice is one to be proud of
and many of the mansions are snaciors
and beautiful AS is the case in most
of these southern cities the Red T,igbt
District occupies a conspicuous place
IN the town. 1t is a shame that such
places exist but the city authorities nav