The Washington times., 1917-03-01
Bronzed Soldiers of Third Regi.
ment Chartered in Fort
Myer Barracks.
ARE READY FOR REAL SCRAP
MiIitiamen Kept Busy Unload
ing Troop Train-To Visit
Homes Tomorrow.

Bronzed and hardened by their five
months service on the border, the
District militiamen composing the
Third Regiment and Troop A return
ed to Washington today happy and
rejoicing.
The infantrymen are now quarter
ed in barracks at Fort Myer, where
they will remain until mustered out
of the Federal service, which prob
ably will require several weeks. The
troopers will be allowed to return
to their homes and report at the L
street armory each day until mus
tered out.
From Col. Glendie B. Young, com
manding the regiment, down to the
high privates in the rear ranks, there
was joy and happiness over being
back home after an absence since
October 4.
Colonel Young spoke in terms OF
the highest praise of the service OF
the men on the border, and said the
National Capital had just cause to be
extremely proud of its citizen SOL
diery.
Ready for "a Real Scrap
The milhiamen manifested the
keenest interest in the international
crisis, and inquired eagerly for the
latest news regarding the situation.
The men declared that while they
were weary of the dull routine of
concentration camp life which has
been theirs since last June. IL there
was probability of "a real scrap
they were ready to do their bit.
Following an officers meeting held
at Fort Myer at noon, Colonel Young
announced that as soon as the big
task of unloading all the impedimenfs
and storing it, all of the men would
be given twenty-four hours liberty
Today, however, guards were placed
at the Virginia ends of Aqueduci
and Highway bridges to prevent any
Of the soldiers from unceremoniously
knocking off before all the work was
done.
The soldiers commented on the
fact that in addition to bringing back
several millions OF dollars worth OF
Government roperty, a wide variety
of border souvenirs and curiosities
AACg dloO hdO lhch "cdlHGI gllhs
with them.
Are Used To Rain.
The militiamen alluded to the fact
that it rained the day they establish
ed camp at Fort Myer. it rained the
day they reached Camp Wilson. near
San Antonio. Tex, and it was showing
furiously when they reached Rosslyn
today. The deep, black mud around
the station at Rosslyn, Va, reminded
the soldiers of the stygian gumbo of
Texas, whereat they did not smile
The men declared they were willing
to endure any kind of weather for the
privilege OF being home.
Owing to the inclement weather and
the uncertainty OF the hour at which
the soldiers would detrain, only a
few wives. mothers, sweethearts and
friends were present to greet "our
brave boys" crowned with the laurels
OF many bloodless victories of peace.
Several score feminine relatives
braved the weather, however, and
many touching and affecting scenes
OF welcome were witnessed.
Men Get Little Sleep.
The members of Companies A, B, c.
and d and the headquarters company
were sleepy and. grumpy because
they were ordered out of their sleep
ing cars at o'clock this morning and
marched to Fort Myer Immediately.
Considerable time was lost in getting
their cots and blankets to them, and
they got little or no sleep.
The second section of the troop
train, commanded by Major WaIIach
McCathran, reached Rosslyn at $50
o'clock, about an hour after the third
section. in charge of Lieut.. Col. Anton
stephan. No one seemed able to &C.
count for the fact that the third sec
tion arrived ahead Of the second.
which was many miles ahead of it
last night.