Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-08-30
WISCONSIN, NEWS
STATED IN BRIEF
Geographic Chronicle of State
Happenings.
GUARD OFF ABOUT SEPT. IS
Wisconsin Soldiers Expected to Go tc
Camp Macarthur, Waco, Tex, Mid
die of Next Manufacturing
Trains Ready Now.

Camp Douglas, Aug. t-Certain ac-
tivities here indicate that the Wiscon-
sin National Guard viii be on the move
to Waco, Tex, early in September. 1t
is likely that the movement of troops
to Camp Macarthur will be going on
between September 1 and 10.
Nothing can be stated with respect
to the departure of Companies Z, T
and G, the Second regiment units as
signed to the overseas division. 1t is
believed that the movement of these
companies will be marked by the same
secrecy that surrounds the shipment OF
troops to France.
Plans ar being outlined for the hOnd-
ling of the main body of the Guard for
the trip to Waco. The government, ac-
cording to news dispatches from Wash
ington. intends to move the draft army
and the Guardsmen on or about the
same dates, which will bring thousands
of railroad coaches into service
throughout the country. In the selec-
ton of coaches for the long ride to
Camp Macarthur, the military authOri-
ties aim toe get the best possible ac-
commodations for the men.
If it is necessary to use coaches
equipped with loW-backed seats, it is
likely that they will be used for the
shorter runs to be made by the draft
army. Up to this time the railroads in
Wisconsin have been able to furnish
acceptable accommodations, and they
appear eager to keep up this.record in
the transportation of thousands of men
to Waco.
The program seems to be to move
one regiment at time. Working at
top speed this would mean more than
a week Of loading soldiers at this
point The order in which the regi-
ments Will leave has been tentatively
agreed upon.
It is likely that Governor Phillip
will be in camp BEIGE any of the COM
manding officers hit the trail for the
southern cantOnment, and arrange
ments are being made to entertain him
this week. A feature of the entertain
ment Will be a dress parade of one Of
the old regiments. A parade of all the
organizations here would be nearly
three miles in length, and it would take
about one hour and half to march
by given point. Some Of the regi-
mentS are already broken up and it
seems likely that nothing more elabOr-
ate than a parade of one regiment
will be attempted.
In camp one finds two opinions on
the length of the war. One is that the
great conflict is nearing a speedy CON
cluSiOn because the allies and central
powers dread another winter of fight
tng Men who hold to this theory be-
lieve that the peace program of Pope
Benedict, While not satisfactory to the
United States, will lead to something
which may be satisfactory to both
sides.
The other belief is that the war will
go on another year, or until the Ger
man idea of an American bluff is
knocked into d cooked hat by the pres
ence in France of a great army ready
to relieve the French and prepared to
become a real factor in the war.
Most of the men feel certain that the
National Guard will be sent to France
and will see service but they seem to
doubt whether the draft army will be
sent across the seas.
One cannot help but be impressed by
the fighting spirit of the men, not az
it is shown in their daily work of prep
aration for the war, but as it finds eX-
preston when they meet in groups and
discuss the part they may play in the
fighting. Almost without exception the
soldiers are eager to go to France and
see service. Men in the three com
panies of the Second regiment selected
to Join the overseas division await i'm
patiently the time Of departure. That
they have been called upon to &c
where the bullet fly is indicated in the
equipment that is being assigned tC
these units-Winter oyercOats, mittens
and other apparel to protect them from
the severe winter weather Of France.
The general health of men in camp
continues good. a few cases Of acute
appendicitis developed during the
week, but the patients are doing nice
ly. They receive the very best care
and everything is done to make them
comfortable. Despite damp weather
there are few severe colds, and for q
city the size of Camp Douglas cOndi-
lions are satisfactory. The supply OF
pure water is a big factor in keeping
the men in fine trim. Water is drawn
from deep wells and comes out of the
faucet as cool as bubbling water from
a spring.
Monday was bright and cool, and the
men took advantage of the good
weather by going through a stiff work
out Every unit in the camp was on
the move throughout the day. An I'M
usually large number Of soldiers part
ciDated in bayOnet practice, the most
popular form Of war training Non
commissioned officers have received
private instructions in this drill, and
are directing large squads.
The classes in the French language
have increased, and perhaps one out OF
every thirty men here is now taking
French. Seven instructors are in
charge of the classes.
gone over carefully. and il was decid-