The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-08-02
LOCAL BOYS CONDUCT
TOUR At CAMP kEyES
Members of Company Z Hale and
Hearty Are Anxious for Service

Augusta sunday 10 observe the detlF-
tiles at Camp Reyes and came home
with the impression that the United
States Is really at War and that the
many preparations being made are by
no means horse-play.
Camp Reyes is a veritable city of
tents for it takes some canvas 10
house 2200 soldiers AS one APP
proaches the brow of the hill he can
see stretched before him a panorama
which Is indeed impressive conveying
the thought that Uncle Sam was not
Joking when he informed the Huns
that they had carried things far
enough Like all cities this munich
pality of tents is laid out with streets
between, each company having
street and being Obliged to care for
it. OF course local people are most
Interested in the doings Of Company
and let it be said here that this
company Is the source OF more favor
able comment than any other delega-
ton quartered at the camp It Is the
unbiased impression gathered BY the
Reporter from a careful observation
OF what visitors were saying
Upon approaching the grounds COM
pany Z men were engaged in park
ing the various automobiles. Among
these were Corporal Pooler Corporal
Emery and Privates Jewett and Con-
They were equipped with rifles and
were ordered to keep visiting ma
chimes in their proper places Com
pany was detailed for guard duty
Sunday so little was seen OF them I'M
I'll afternoon Private St. Ledger and
Corporal Bison were on hand to well
come the visitors from Skowhegan
and these two conducted a tour about
the camps, pointing out the things of
cipal street he could see two soldiers
CARRIED in bright blue overalls sweep
ing the street The Reporter was
informed that these men had disobey-
ed the rules and as a punishment they
were compelled to polish the street
Strict military discipline is observed
and the least breach Is punishable as
1t would be If the soldiers we're en-
gagged in warfare
1t is an impressive sight to see the
soldier boys welcoming their friends
and relatives from home. There is a
tinge OF sadness in each meeting but
no tears, all trying to cover up their
real feelings for the sake OF the boys.
Second Lieutenant Chase was
among those who welcomed many Wis
itors from Skowhegan He was can
tering about the grounds on a magni-
ficent charger, and was free with in
formation regarding life at the camp,
all OF which was very interesting.
Practically every man in Company E
from Lieutenants to Privates were
asked how they enjoyed the life and
to man they responded that II was
great. They liked the dicipline af-
forded and they like the fellowship
which prevailed among these 2200
boys
1t Is not all rigid dicipline however
for much of the time is given over to
sports, baseball football and track
events. Many of the men are promi-
nent athletes and fine exhibitions are
given by them, Baseball plays an
important part in life at the camp,
each company having a team. Much
friendly rivalry results but it is said
that Company E has a shade the bet
ter of all adversaries.
Pages could be written on the life
at Camp Reyes but suffice it to say
that this crowd of boys who have
answered the call to the colors are
indeed a wholesome looking bunch
Drowned by the hot sun which beats
down on the camp field, hardened by
the work which comes daily and at
regular hours, many OF them have
changed wonderfully and one can only
think what an impression they will
make on the Kaiser when he looks
them over
After pleasant day our party con-
sisting OF Edwin L. Sampson, James
Stanhouse, Joel Taylor, Fulton NOEL
hiney, babe goodbye to the boys and
II wasn't pleasant task either. Many
of these fellows have for years been
a part of our lives and the thought
was not harbored that we would not
see them again, altho we realized that
before many days they would be in
active service. Some of them will be
home again before the departure while
others will not When they come
give them a glad hand for who can
tell what the next year will bring to
them.
Private st. Ledger stated that in all
probability the Camp would move
next Sunday or the day following 1t
is not known exactly where they will
go but the impression prevails at
Camp Reyes that the boys will go di-