Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-07-12
Pistols Issued to District
MI|Itiamen on Board Train;
Instructions for Use Given

MIIItIamen on Board Train;
Instructions for Use Given
ABOARD THE DISTRICT NATIONAL,
GUARD SPECIAL, Between Shawnee
and Oklahoma City. Okla, July T.
Members of the two commands riding
on this train are beginning to realize
that they are journeying to the Mexi-
can border with real business in
prospect and not mere pleasure. Today
the big 45-caliber automatic Colt pis-
tols are being issued to the men and
they are receiving instructions as to
their operation. AS soon as Bisbee is
reached ammunition will be distributed
and thereafter every man will go armed
at all times.
AT Camp Ordway, at Fort Myer, Va,
few of the pistols were seen, the side
arms having been issued to the men on
the guard details. Some of the militia
men wore them when they went to
town to see their relatives and friends
Tor show purposes, but at Bisbee they
will be carried under orders.
Lieuts. Lands and MacLennan have
been busy most of the day explaining
the operation of the pistols to the Sig
nal Corps men. Instructions are given
10 one section at time. The men are
being cautioned not to let their guns
get out of their sight when Bisbee is
are assigned to they will be expected to
have their pistols at their side.
This order has been issued with a
view of protecting the guns against
Inert rather than protecting the men
against any enemy. The men are en-
tering 'gun-totin' country, and the
big black automatics will look mighty
good to camp visitors.
When big Bill Bright the cook for
the Signal Corps, is engaged in peel
pans he will be expected to have his
gun strapped to his side, or rather to
his leg. for the modern pistol holster
hangs from belt and is strapped
to the right leg of the wearer in order
to keep it from tapping around.
Even the members of the Field Hos
pital Company will carry pistols a. their
sides on this expedition. If the border
is crossed the troops will enter a coun-
try which is not a member of the Ge-
neva convention. The Medical Corps
men will not receive the consideration
that is afforded them by countries
which have subscribed to this treaty.
Although serving in a non-combatant
enemy force and in event of emergen-
cies will have to protect themselves.
Entire Train Is Policed.
The entire train was policed from end
to end this morning. Additional racks
have been provided close up to the
ceilings of the coaches. and now all
the personal equipment has been hung
up. Everything has been removed
from the floor In walking along the
guard against hitting his head.
Capt C. NJ. Dollman of the Field
Hospital unit still is sick abed as the
result of the after effects of a second
injection of the typhoid prophylactic,
but he expects to be able to get up this
evening. Capt. Terry of the Signal
Corps was sick last night as the re-
suit of his second shot.
Not to be outdone by the Signal
Corps, the Field Hospital cooks have
obtained a cat for a mascot. 1t was
picked up at Knoxville, Tenn, and has
been named Bread Crumbs"
"Crume' has been assigned to one of
the pigeon holes in the mail distribut-
ing box where Toby, the cat mascot of
the Signal Corps makes his home
Toby and Bisbee. the dog mascot of
the corps have become good friends.
Bisbee sleeps with Toby in his arms.
Will Celebrate Birthday.
A. L. Dyer of the Signal Corps is to
celebrate his thirty-third birthday an
niversary tomorrow and a big time Is
expected. 1t will be the first time he
ever has been outside of Washington
on the anniversary of the day of his
birth.
]. l. Boone of the Signal Corps comes
from Mangum. a town about 135 miles
west of Oaklahoma City The District
guard special will pass about thirty
miles from the town. Had Boone
known that this route was to be fol-
lowed he would have telegraphed his
home folks and had them meet him at
some station where the train will stop
Boone has not seen his parents since
1914, when he left for Washington to
accept a position in the Interior De-
partment.
Movements of troop trains are sup
posed to be kept somewhat secret, but
such is not the case in this country
Last night the special passed through
d number of small communities and in
almost every instance there was a
large crowd on the station platform to
cheer them as they passed. Many of
the persons had flags in their hands
which indicated to the militiamen that
they knew a troop train was expected
and made preparations to salute them
Men Looking for Cowboys.
Now that the train is nearing the cat
tie country, many of the men are at
the windows eagerly looking for a real
cowboy" They want to see broad
brimmed somberos, "chapps" and spurs
They want the real wild west show
type of cowboy and nothing less.
Fields of alfalfa are proving attrac-
lions for some of the militiamen who
never have been in the west before
and never have seen this kind of stock
feed growing.
Yellow Mascot Looks Wise.
Members of the Field Hospital unit
have fitted up pair of yellow glasses
for their Airedale mascot. They make
him look mighty wise The dog APP
pears to be very proud of them.
Members of the Field Hospital unit
on the train had their guidon fastened to
the outside of the baggage car, which is
being used for kitchen purposes. The gui-
don is small flag bearing the familiar
red cross, the symbol of the medical
branch.
A box of candy was placed aboard
one of the cars at Wheatley. Ark, by
a Miss Bessie Hennessy. Already a
MI m her of pOstaIS have been addra cod