The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1916-07-01

Camp Harrington, Laurel, Nd, June
3O.-Not a cheer, not a hand clasp was
given this afternoon when the First In
fantry, National Guard, of the United
States and Maryland, marched thru
the streets of Laurel, with its band
playing patriotic airs, and entrained
for Eagle Pass in the service of the
United States armed forces, possibly
for use against Mexico.
No finer looking specimens of man
hood ever marched in the uniforms OF
the United States soldiers than those
boys who went away today with
smile on their faces, waving their hats
and shouting farewells as the trains
pulled out.
Yet from the crowds which thronged
the little rural railroad station at Lau-
rel not a voice was raised to cheer.
1t seemed strange. 1t was strange.
Some few looked for demonstrations.
Some few women wept; one tainted as
her sweetheart waved his hat to her
But most of the throng merely gazed
on silently.
There was some delay in the men
getting away from Laurel, due to the
lack of mules to be used in transport
ing the tentage and camp equipment
from the camp site to the railroad sta
ton.
Colonel Charles A. Little, the regi-
mental commander, was ordered to be
prepared to move his command so that
the first train could leave Laurel by
noon. He and his men We're ready at
IL o'clock, but the trains We're not
loaded until long after that hour
1t was o'clock when the first train
pulled away from Laurel and the 9TH
er two sections followed closely after.
At three o'clock the men We're all en-
| trained and the later delay was caused
| by the movements of regular trains
along the main line of the Baltimore
and Ohio which pass through here and
the making up of the troop trains.
Some delays were also caused by the
loss of Major Hugh r. Riley's horse.
He purchased the animal yesterday and
when he was ready to move today it
| was missing. 1t was recovered, how
ever.
The men are travelling South in prin-
cely style. Instead of riding in tour
list sleepers, all of the militiamen are
in pullman cars. 1t was found impos-
sible to obtain sufficient tourist Sleep
ers at this time for the three trains,
because SO many troops are being rush
ed to the border and the railroad COM
pany furnished pullmans for all of the
men.
quantity of food was taken on the
| train, so that there will be no disap-
pointments because of delay. In fact.
there are sufficient Iations to cover
narind of Siy a1fhnI1orb
pected that the men will reach Eagle
Pass in time to celebrate the Fourth of
July along the Rio Grande.
The parade of the men through Lau-
rel was a spectacular event. They
formed in their camp on Vinegar HILL
after the last vestige of camp equip
ment had been removed, and at the
command of Colonel Little formed in
columns under heavy marching order
and the march was begun.
1t was sort of a regimental parade
The band played throughout the march
from the camp and through the city.
The column of khaki-clad men were
reviewed by Gen. Charles D. Gather
and the adjutant general Of the State,
Gen. Henry NJ. Warfield. General War
field was very much pleased with the
showing of the men.
In fact, he was more than pleased
with the. entire proceedings since the
call of President Wilson was issued for
the mobilization of the Maryland
troops. This morning he sent to each
of the regimental commanders the fol-
lowing communications:
1T is with the utmost pride that !
take this opportunity to congratulate
hA oFE -
upon the magnificent manner in which
they have responded to the call of the
President of the United States of June
Is, 1916, and the efficient, earnest and
faithful performance of every duty you
and they have been called upon to per-
form.
You leave your State with the
knowledge that your fellow citiZens
look upon your response to the call of
duty with the fullest pride and are
ready to show their appreciation in any
way that you may wish, that may
Tighten the burden upon those you
leave behind
Il want you to advise me of any
cases that come to your knowledge re-
quiring assistance of any description,
financial or otherwise, and it is with
the greatest pleasure that I tender my
services to all the officers and men for
any assistance you think may be able
to render while you are in the service
of the United States
Your action has demonstrated the
confidence I have had in you was not
misplaced and that confidence follows
you to your new field and I know that |
you will acquit yourselves in a man
ner that will insure the everlasting
gratitude of your State
May God grant you every blessing"