The Oskaloosa herald., 1917-10-25
SOLDIERS LETTERS.
ALLEN RODGERS TELLS ABOUT
VS. CAMP MACARTHUR.

1t seems to be the plan OF army Of
ficials to make Camp Mac Arthur
Waco, Texas, one of the large cam
tonments of the country. Already be-
tween 10000 and 10000 of the Nation.
al Guard are there, and press reports
say from 10000 to $4,000 Of the Ma
tional army will soon be sent there.
The camp includes large aviation
field, base hospital and an artillery
site of ten square miles. A press / O.
port of October 10, announces a great
reserve officers training camp to be
opened at Camp Mac Arthur on Janu-
airy 1. Over $4,000 in Liberty Bonds
was taken by the men gathered there,
Concerning this camp, Captain Al.
len j. Rodgers, Company c 12Sth In
fantry writes: "The camp is in the
shape OF square u, and covers an
immense amount of ground. 1t takes
the General most of the morning to
ride over it, overseeing things. Waco
is the center of the best country for
cotton in Texas, and in a good season
they raise a larger cotton crop than
any other section of the world. The
country is rolling and in many ways
reminds mo of Iowa or Illinois. The
soil is black and is deep with dust
most of the time. But when it rains,
10 my, the mud gets deeper than the
dust, cakes on our shoes and il allow.
ed to dry, requires a pick-ax to re-
move 1t. My work gets heavier each
day. Here is yesterdays schedule.
Arise at $50 and took the report of
the Company at reyeille; returned to
/ tent at 5:45, washed. made my bed
and went to breakfast at 600. After
breakfast Strengthened my tent and
read the morning paper for 10 min
| utes. At $50 the company was
formed again and at 700 we moved
out to the drill ground. From 700
10 1880 We had rifle exercise; 1880 to
7:45 setting up exercises; 7:45 to 500
running. At 500 the squads were
turned over to the corporals who
drilled them for an hour but the of.
ficers have to be everywhere at once
correcting mistakes and overseeing
the work From 900 to 10000 the
sergeants took charge of sighting
drill but We also oversee it. From
10000 TO 11:00 We three officers, gave
them bayonet work and there is no
part of the work more strenuous than
this. From HOO to 1880 ! drilled tho
whole company in close order, and at
1850 brought them in. had time
to wash and rest few moments be-
fore dinner at 1900 At 1890 of.
GERS call was sounded and all officers
OF the regimnt went, to the Colonel's
tent where he talked to us until time
to fall in with the company at 100.
From 100 till 400 were on the
drill ground repeating much of the
mornings work, From 400 till 500
l spent in studying my work for the
next day. Supper at 500, at 5:45 re-
treat. At 700 Is officers school
which "s"allv lasts till sis or $50.
Last night it was over at 1885 so I
/ DDe- my grip, put some clean
lclothes in, caught car to town, went
! to the Y. NJ. &. A. where l shaved,
bathed, (no hot water at our camp
took a swim and was at the Majestic
, Theatre at $50. Was back in camp
and in bed when taps blew at 1890.
Don't YOU think that fairly, busy
day? Most Of the reserve officers
sent here have transferrd to their
own state guard. But am satisfied
here and saw no advantage in max
ing the change. / like the people of
Waco very much and am getting
lot of valuable experience"