The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1916-06-22
MARION COUNTY SOLDIERS
OFF FOR MEXICO
GREAT 0UTP0UR|NG OF PUBLIC SENTIMENT DURING
THEIR LAST DAY IN THE CITY

Early this morning the Ocala Rifles
left for Jacksonville, the first stage of
their probable journey to the border,
and perhaps far down into Mexico.
In their last day in the city, the
men received abundant testimony to
the fact that they were very close to
the heart of the community, and that
all the people had suddenly awakened
to their worth. There was nothing
too good for them; their money was
refused at the cigar and refreshment
stands, their uniforms were their
tickets at the theater, and in all ways
possible the citizens strove to show
that they appreciated their bravery
and patriotism.
They were cheerful and we'll
behaved set of young men, doing their
work with efficiency, staying in or
around the armory most of the time.
and going down town only on duty or
leave. There were enough duties and
enough leaves, however, to cause them
to keep the streets lively, and almost
everywhere one looked there was a
bunch of their brown suits and rakish
hats.
There was not an intoxicated man
in the entire hundred, from the time
they answered the first call until they
left, and that is a record seldom at
tanned by any company.
Nearly all slept in the armory
Tuesday night. The hard cots were
great contrast to the. comfortable
bed they had been used to, but most
of them made out very well, and
looked fresh and clipper when they
lined up Wednesday for "grub call"
Drills and getting their equipment
ready took up most of the day.
In the meantime, preparations had
been made to give them an ovation
when they came out for their evening
parade, and tho the time was short
and everything was informal there
was an expression of sentiment that
made the boys feel mighty good.
Shortly after eight O'Clock, the east
and south sides of the square were
lined with the waiting people. A ma
Jority of the autos in town were
standing by the curbs, both sides of
the street south of the courthouse.
and the west side of Main being fair
ly packed with cars, beside many
down IN the side streets. The side
walks were crowded, and the Ocala
House veranda, lighted up for the oc-
casion, was well filed The band. led |
by its veteran director, Albert Gerig, |
was IN the band stand, and all waited |
anxiously for the soldiers to appear.
Meantime around at the armory the |
company was lining up for the last
parade it should give in its home city |
for some time. All the boys were in
line, rockies as well as veterans, and
when they moved forward in a col
lmn of squads they made quite an i'm
posing array.
A Compliment to the Star
When the company reached the
Star office, that grim and grimy brick
block, chum and side partner to the
armory for twenty years, and its
lextdoor neighbor until the Temple
heater was built, the column halted,
he men faced to the right and gave
he Star three cheers. 1t was a tri-
oute seldom given newspaper by a
organization, it was one of
he finest compliments the Star ever
'eceived, and all the force sincerely
appreciates it.
Then the company resumed its
march and the alert pace of the men
;oon carried them to the square. Used
o the leisurely pace of civilians, the
1eople were rather astonished at the i
.apid gait of the young soldiers;
hardly had the drumbeats been heard
md the head of the column come into
'Ight at the Fort King crossing of
Main when the company was on the
square. The band struck up and the
people cheered at the front ranks
.ame cut of the narrow pass of Main