Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-09-01
That company Fund"


Several people (perhaps those hav-
trg sons in the Miiliken regiment or
the md infantry have asked the
journal concerning the company
fund They want to know its pur-
pose, how it is expended and nc"
much has been subscribed. A we'll
known banker of Augusta called the
Journal on the day the boys OF the
Milliken regiment left Brunswick Tor
WestfeId. to inquire regarding Bat
tery Els company fund. He said i
have Just signed a check for that
fund and now I am told they are not
rnine to have a chance to spend It IN
this country-but I hope 1t VIII 90
some of them good, and that others
will remember them. too"
We have inquired concerning THIS
company fund" in the Milliken regi-
n1ent and have learned several things
that surprised. and some that palned
us. all Of which will be of interest TO
the rciG1lNeS anu lIltlido "a AehN'NAJ ~
recruited largely in Augusta. Water
Vile. Gardiner. Hallowell and Win
throp.
In the first place we learned that
company fund is NOT for pie, ice
cream, light beer and cigarets. but
buys hose to keep the dust laid in the
company street white suits for the
cooks company laundry bills, springs
for the screen doors of the mess
shacks, little delicacies now and then
especially for some boy that may be
a,ling, axes and rakes for cleaning up
about camp, saws to build tables with,
End endless things Of that sort.
Next we learned that the boys Of
every battery and company are truly
grateful for the funds that have peen
generously provided. This money has
been a Iife-saver for them in their
cuick-charge life Of recent weeks and
the increased necessities of establish
ing new camps.
But Ing pdik mat PeAiii~A 'NtS
fact that while other batteries OF the
Milliken regiment had from $1,000 TO
$4,000. Battery E of Augusta and other
Kennebcc cities had only $500. Even
Bridston turned out $1,000, and more
coming. AS we understand it. some
of the boys have learned Of the large
funds available in other batteries and
have written home: that is probably
the reason Of the sudden interest and
inquiry. In this connection we learn
that the officers, to keep abreast OF,
or ahead Of other companies, have
drawn on their private capital to
make things ship shape How well
they have succeeded is best told by
dis!nterested observer, the Springfield
Union, which says;
The Maine artillerymen have the
most elaborate camp Of any outfit
which has arrived thus far. They have
mess houses for every battery, six in
all. These are huge sheds, screened
from top to bottom on all four sides,
with patent doors TO exclude flies and
bugs, and lumber roofs. There are
tables and benches with a place tor
every man. All of this material was
brought to Camp Bartlett from Bruins
wick. Me. where the regiment was re-
cruited and organized. Comfort is the
middle name Of these soldiers and
they are leaders Of the camp so far as
conveniences are concerned"
In direct connection with that state
ment should go the report of a Boston
paper Of a criticism by Gen. Edwards
in speaking at the new camp of reg
ular cavalrymen. He is said to have
spoken bluntly Of the appearance of
their camp. finally telling them that
they had better visit the 1st Maine
and learn how
The Springfield Republican says:
Shower baths will not long be lack
ing at Camp Bartlett. The LIST Maine
heavy artillery yesterday installed "A
such baths, and other regiments are
preparing to follow suit. The Maine
organization was furnished most of
the necessary material by the state. so
that yesterday. by buying some addi-
tiona! pipe and borrowing plumbers
tools in westfeld. the men were able
to complete the construction before
night In the same way the 'heavies'
are fortunate in having plenty Of lun1-
Der and wire screens for mess shacks
also provided by the grateful state.
The men Of the divisional supply train
Rad provided themselves with excel
lent bathing facilities by damming the
stream which runs by their camp"
Again our boys are ahead in those
things that make for health, santa
ton and efficiency. Shall we not help
and encourage them in the good work
On behalf Of those who have ap-
~ Lei