Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-07-08
SMALL TOWN SOLDIERS
FAR OUTRANK CITY MEN,
SAY MT. GRETNA CHIEFS
Columbia, Pa, Regiment, Under
Col. E. G. Shannon, Best of
Whole Division, Declare
Camp Officers
PHILADELPHIA NOT IN IT
BY FRANKLIN R. G. FOX
Evenino LEDGER sta6 Corrsspondcrt

MOUNT GRETNA Pa July s,-Philadel-
phia boys cannot hold a candle" TO boys
from the smaller Pennsylvania towns. Such
was the opinion expressed by officers here
today when announcement was made that
Mount Gretna probably would have troops
here all summer.
The Sd Brigade Is scheduled to arrive on
July 20 and will stay one week at least,
while a recruiting camp will be opened here
before the last troops Of the 7th Division
leave for Ell Paso on Sunday. The quarter
masters camp, or at least part of II, has
made plans TO remain here for several
months. The Sd Brigade was scheduled to
encamp at Tobyhanna in the Pocono Noun
tains, but will come here instead, according
to orders issued today.
The 4th Regiment, headquarters Columbia,
Pa, was declared unofflclally by mastering
officers OF the regular army TO be the best
set Of men In the whole division The Phila-
delphia boys are mot In IT," they said. Not
only is the 4th Regiment, commanded by
Colonel e. G, Shannon, the best set OF men
we have seen here, but they have outclassed
In every way the enlisted men from Phila-
delphia.
PHILADELPHIA mot IN IT."
'It may be that II is not possible to raise
the same class of recruits in congested parts
OF large cities, but the fact remains that en-
listed men from Philadelphia are far below
the average physically and in other ways"
The Sd Brigade probably will not go to
the border, but the recruits VIII be drilled
here and sent on as needed, 1t was said
1t has not been decided who will be In
charge OF the camp this summer.
More than $500 worth of ice has been Or
dered by Richard r. Wilson, OF the South
eastern Branch. Pennsylvania Chapter,
American Red Cross. 1t will be distributed
to the boys of the Sth Infantry, at FL Paso,
and will be sent care of Lieutenant Surgeon
E. Kilbourne Tullidge
Several officers, including Lieutenant
Surgeon Tullldge said that mothers, sis
ters and sweethearts could do great deal
OF good II they sent suitable things to the
ones who are far away.
Many mothers send sweets In large
quantities." Lieutenant Surgeon Tullidge
said, whereas they would do far better to
send the boys newspapers and magazines.
Newspapers. especially with the news from
home are acceptable"
BOYS EN- ROUTE.
Ali the Philadelphia troops now are either
at El Paso or on their way there The 9Th
Regiment. the last to go, left here yesterday
under the command of Colonel Thomas
Biddle Ellis. The 4th Regiment, Infantry,
from Columbia, leaves today. Only the Sth
Regiment. the Field Hospital and Ambu-
lance Corps will remain. They are sched-
uled TO leave on Sunday.
Excitement was caused here by rumors
circulating that an attempt would be made
to break the 'liquor blockade" of the camp.
Large orders for liquor had been placed by
the 4th Regiment 1t was said. the stuff"
having been ordered in one of the hotels
near Mount Gretna and 1t was to be smug-
gled into the camp wholesale. The liquor
was not sent. it was stated. because the
authorities heard OF the order. General
O'Neill said that II liquor were sent in by
one of tho hotels. he would have the place
closed for the remaining days of the camp.
Major C. e. Roerper has been appointed
major surgeon, according 10 the announce
ment made last night. The 4th Regiment
will leave today with approximately 1888
men, one of the largest yet to go. The Sth,
II was said was "shot TO pieces" by medical
examination, more than $50 men having
been turned down,