The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-07-12
H|CHCO5T IS
FELT IN CAMP
ALLOWANCE WILL
NOT PAY UPKEEP
Special Permission Necessary
From War Department Be-
fore Could Pay Bills.

CHARLESTON, w. Va. July IL
High cost Of living is felt to such an
extent in mobilization camp here that
special permission from the war de-
partment was necessary before the
soldiers subsistence could be paid for.
The cOmmiSsary was originally per-
mitted 10 spend % cents an day for
ration, and regular garrison allowance
was stipulated. When the prices of
food stuff were obtained it was found
that instead of garrison ration being
obtainahle at that figure. it costs ex-
actly 3214 cents a day for each man
supplied.
A variety Of food has been supplied
during the last few days and the sol
diers have been living on the best in
the market, although not Of the kind
that some might select. Their meat
day, mutton for another, veal for an
other, with beef the predomlnaling fac
ton on the bill Of fare. TO say nothing
Of the other staples. has helped to put
all troops in good shape
The second and last inspection prior
TO a report being made TO the war de-
partment by Major Wallace, U. S. a.,
mastering officer, WAS completed today
and that officer telegraphed to the de-
partment of the east that the Second
West Virginia regiment presents TWO
battalions OF reasonably equipped"
infantry, one machine gun and ono
sanitary company ready for field SER
vice.
Movement Order Soon.
In view Of the fact that this advice
has been officially given the belief is
prevalent among the officers that r
mn nrAor u-i1l hn icciInH uit hNnt
much delay. although il is realized that
within another day the Third battalion
probably will he up 10 the required
strength. and that full regiment of
twelve companies. containing at least
81 ment TO the company. may be re-
ported in the same way. Almost fifty
recruits arrived tonight from Hunting
ton and Beckley and the medical Off
GERS are making as nearly possible the
full physical examination preparatory
to their being accepted into the serv-
ice. A few of the companies already
have more than 20 men and 1t is pos
required 65 will be transferred in
event some Of the recruits fail to pass
the examination.
All Bills Paid.
Paying bills is continuous perform
ance in camp. Major c. R. Morgan,
as disbursing officer, today finished
paying $41,000, which represents some
of the expenditures incident to mobil-
izng troops for service for the United
States. The troops have been paid
over 100000 since camp was opened,
and those of the Second infantry have
only been paid UP TO July !, as have
the sources ofi,supply. Lumber used
In arranging the camp. together with
haulage and incidentals have cost over
$4,000.
Surrounding the quartermastcr's de-
partment the camp has the appear
ance of an outdoor merchantile oslah-
lishment. The state was required 10
purchase $500 OF undertaking which
has been issued to the men, and other
equipment in great quantities has been
assorted and made ready for issued to
the Third battalion when ii is up 10 the
required strength. None of The equip
ment sent here by the government has
been opened and 1t will not he issued
until the state has furnished every
man in the battaions IN to e. TO the
company, all the required supplies
Company commanders today paid bills
for such cXtSas as the regulations re-
ouire but which arc not issued, includ-
ing tooth brushes. combs, towels,
,SOaD etc.