Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-07-12

under the administration Of General Farm
ham and any one who knows him person-
ally knows he would use every endeavor
possible to give the Maine troops the best
that could be obtained. Also under Gen"
eral Dflps administration 1t was impos-
sible to supply. the troops with tourist
cars when they participated in the maneu-
vres at Connecticut in August, 1slz. the
troops going both ways in day coaches
with pullman cars for officers and kitchen
cars were madef rom common box freight
cars.
The Portland Luncheon
In connection with the magnificent send
off given the Second Regiment word OF
explanation should be given. The Eener-
GUS citizens Of Portland wanted to con-
tribute a luncheon for the soldiers and
realized that II this came in addition to
the usual issue Of travel ration for sup
per would not be appreciated. BY tele-
phone arrangements were made for the
first meal Of the soldiers to be served at
Portland. The committee IN cnarse'
headed by Colonel WEIGH, described what
each box was to contain and the other
things which were to 60 with eacn
lunch Agreement was given that THIS
luncheon would be the only one served at
that time This was not because OF any
motive Of saving upon the rations OF the
soldiers but simply to accede to reason
able requests upon the part OF the citi-
zens of Portland who desired to show
their goodwill in a substantial and tan
gible way. The regular ration for that
meal was bought and was on the train
but the agreement was carried out and 1t
was not issued. 1t was not needed. TO
state however that the soldier boys would
have gone hungry but for the people OF
Portland seems to those familiar with the
facts as unfair.
The baggage car used for an improvised
kitchen on each train was furnished by
the railroad with a small wooden barrel
for drinking water, also each passenger
car. Their capacity was not quite large
enough and galvanized cans with covers
were purchased to carry the water supply.
These were new cans never before used
and were admirably suited for the pur-
pose. The water was kept sweet and
clean and the supply was ample.
It has been stated that the President
could have commandered sleeping cars for
the soldiers but those who make this
statement forget that a state Of war did
not exist and that the powers which are
given to the Communicative Chief in time
Of war were not in force. An emergency
existed and the troops of Maine answered
the call in way when will rebound to
their lasting credit. That there is an at
tempt to disparage this creditable per-
Torrance is to be regretted.
For each man when the train left Au-
gusta there had been issued five full ira
vel rations and in addition there were four
full rations taken in reserve. A single ra-
ton consists Of IS ounces of soft bread or
is ounces Of hard bread. IL ounces OF
canned corned beef or the same amount
of corned beef hash. four ounces OF
baked beans, eight ounces Of tomatoes,
la ounces Of Jam. LIZ ounces OF conee,
"a ounces Of sugar and .5 ounces OF
evaporated unsweetened milk. The ABOVE
is the food issue while travelling to each
soldier each day. With the kitchen range
for making hot coffee and warming part
of the ration it Is seen that the food sup
ply was ample. It conforms exactly also
with the Army Regulations.
In other details besides the equipment
OF the men was the Second Maine sent to
the border in better condition than almost
all of the other units of the National
Guard Of the country that have been able
I'D to this time to leave their mobilization
camps. The equipment included the prop
er number of wagons, ambulances, ana
these were complete In every detail even
to the supply Of extra parts to replace
breakage. There was also a full horse
equipment. not only for the wagon train
but for the officers, mounted scouts and
all other mounts and animals which would
be- used in service by the regiment. In
addition a new 2-ton auto truck was sent
with the command. This was an espec-
tally fine bit of forethought as it would
be instantly available for duty at the
border while the securing of the required
number Of horses might cause delay.
Different than other New England
troops the Second Maine landed at the
noint of service with supply of ammuni-
ton and was ready for immediate ser
vice. The regiment took with 1t 100000
rounds Of rife cartridges and $4,000 rounds
of pistol cartridges.
At the campground when 1t was found
that many of the soldiers to whom uni
forms had been issued were disqualified
by the medical examiner and would not be
able to accompany the regiment, the Col
onel commando : ordered these uniforms
turned in. This was done to protect the
company commanders who are personally
resnonsible for the property. Ample time
was given al the men to secure their
civilian clothes and in most instances did
so seasonably. The uniforms were want
ed to assist in equipping the recruits and
there was ample time for every disquali-
fed man to send home and have other
,.rments forwarded to him at the expense
~ the state. After long delay 1t be-
came necessary to issue second order 70
call in those uniforms which nao ho'