The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-30

battery from the North Eighth Street
iArmory to the section Of Camp Stuart
assigned to that organisation. The
horses assigned to the Howitzers being
far short Of the necessary full COM
plement of 1T horses. II was neccs-
sary for several trips to be made be-
fore the transfer of the battery from
the armory to the concentration camp
could be completed. The horses and
the section crews worked several
hours and 1t was after mid-afternoon
before the guns we're in their places
at camp.
Much of the other equipment OF the
battery, which has been used at the
armory since mobilization was called
more than a week ago and which
gave the boys much actual camp life
training, though in the armory. was
moved out in large motor transfer
trucks
When everything had gone out to
Camp Stuart ahead Of the battery and
the armory closed, the battery, under
command of Captain Myers. moved.
Last night was their flrst In camp,
and though conditions were not all
that could be desired. the Howitzers
welcomed the change to the open air.
Taught Camp Routine.
During the last ten days, all drills
and considerable field work was put
through The recruits, Of whom there
have been a rood number. sufficient
to bring the battery to near maximum,
have been placed In the kitchen detail
along with oide.' men who are the
cooks of the organization. These and
older members have been taught
much of the routine Of camp Me In
the open-air quadrangle between the
- - ~
of the awnory. and tho men 30 into
camp far from green.
They have been seasoned by their
routine and all are in splendid shape
TO face such conditions that may con-
front them within the next few weeks
whether Il be in camp near Richmond
or on duty on the Mexican border.
Governor Assures Equipment
One of the outstanding develop
ments in the local military situation
yesterday was that brought about by
extent uncomfortable conditions at
Camp Stuart. The Governor. having
noted In his several visits of inspec-
ton to the camp site that men are
without tho proper clothing and shoes
to cope with the mud and water that
have been literally bestowed upon the
State Fair Grounds and adjoining
property bsiaS used for the camp by
the series OF heavy rainstorms, took
steps TO have the men properly pro-
vided for.
There are more than 2.soo men In
camp, Many of these are recruits,
who have come into the city from
other parts of the State without am
pie clothing equipment. The strength
~ a large number OF the companies
~ above that for which the companies
received equipment from the Federal
government, and those who came
above that number have been COM
PEELED 10 20 without.
One battery OF field artillery, the
Hampton Battery, organiye several
months ago and for which acquisitions
for clothing and equipment were
made by the adjutant generals Office
eight months ago. came to Richmond
this week In civilian garb and without
any equipment other than bare guns
Since they reached camp. equipment
has been sent them. only after nu-
merous kilograms showing imperative
need had been sent to the War De-
partmen.
Tho Need for shoes.
other Imperative need wires have
been sent out and gradually the equip
meut has been coming in from the
Philadelphia depot OF the quartermas-
ter's Office OF the War Department.
Army shoes for the men are among
the equipment coming in for some OF
the enlisted men.
The unprecedented rains since camp
opened, and tho delays that have been
met in putting the camp IN proper
condition have made the need for
army shoes a most urgent one. The
need of clothing, too. is urgent
- ma h. n.
preparedness hx the War pepH men.
20 equip the men 1t has drafted into
Federal service from the organized
militia of Virginia that the Governor
Yesterday addressed TO the camp quar-
termaster. Major Allen Potts. the fol-
lowing communication:
Purchase At State Expense.
II having been brought to my at
sention that the national govern
went Is supplying a complete OUTFIT Of
clothing emily TO men up to the peace
strength OF the companies. and that
there are In some OF the companies
an excess OF men above the oeacs
strength who are in need OF certain
articles OF clothing. ana that there liz
dithcuity OF getting these articles sun
piled by the government in time to
meet the reasonable needs OF these
men. |. as Governor OF the State. do
hereby authorize you 20 purchase at
state expense, and at the lowest price
possible. preferably from wholesale
houses. suitable shoes. underclo.hing
and socks to be issued to the foiiow-
ing classes:
Glass 'A'-Enlisted men In COM
.panies in excess OF peace strength.
who are entitled to and are now await
Ding an issue of clothing by the United
States government. who have been
regularly enlisted. who have taken the
oath. passed the physical examination,
Nand who have been accepted by the
United States government
Glass 'B'--Men who have been
regularly enlisted. who have taken
the oath. but have been rejected by
the United States government and are
now held In camp as a part OF the
military OF the State Of Virginia, and
who would be as such entitled to an
issue OF clothing from the United
States government
"Ali men to whom clothing is is
sued must have made a bonafde ten
der OF their services, and OF this the
medical examiner and mastering Of
ficer shall be sole Judges
"Afl articles purchased by you under
this authority must conform to the
standards Of the United States govern
rnent. IN 1t rs the purpose of the State
~ ~ ~ al - tvvN-