The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-10-09
The vermonters and Other Troops.

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1t has not been an easy matter for ma
tional guard organizations to fan in with
the Matchmaking OF the army. through
which local troops lose their identity.
Especially have the newspapers and the
people of Vermont mou1ned the change
which none could escape 1t is an open
secret that Gen Edwards encountered
one of his chief difficulties when organiz-
ing the northeastern military department
in the local appeals and protests, which
came as his work proceeded on the new
lines that have been established for partic-
ipation in the war Traditions long cher
lshed had to be interfeted with, as the
old regiments were merged into the new
The former ID Massachusetts, was more
fortunate than most OF the old national
guard organizations but in every one Of
the regiments called from this state there
was mourning. This was an inescapable
factor In the process OF organizations.
but full loyalty VIII he transferred to the
new regmental designations under which
new honoTs are TO he won
There has been favorable comment on
the fine physique of the NeImonteIs in
Camp Bartlett. both ON the part OF sur
geons and visitors and the st Adams
Messenger explains why they had a partic-
ular reason 10 roget the operation of the
new order of things Their governor had
promised the LIST Vermont that il would
be the only regiment to carry the states
battle flag to the trenches That led its
medical officers to pick the best men out
lot the large number of applicants, the re-
suit beng that those taken represented
the most perfect young men OF the state
The ~. Adams editor cannot tOrbear To
add: But what pity that a crack Iegi-
mcut nod To so by the board. "
Men OF the regular army are ready to
recognize the claims Of sentiment, 50 far
ais they properly may do so II is pleasant
to note that the officer in charge of hous-
ling the men at Camp Devens plans Ia
quarter those from one locality as near as
/ possible TO each other, saying; TIN,
/ plan we feel viii 20 "a long way toward
preventing homesickness aud dissatisfac.
/ tlon ou the part of the new soldiers
I Even t they do not know each other they
/ soon get acquainted under these cncum
stances. Their traditions and interests are
mutual and we have already heard Crate
/ ul appreciation of the adoption of TIM,
/ system voiced 10y the new arrivals" The
/ drafted men are without the traditions oi
former national guardsmen, but il is wiee
/ TO have regard for the ties of locality
/ Other action taken at the Aver canton
ment invites approval, as, for example
/ the supervision exercised by Gen Hodge,
( over drinks 10 be obtained in the post ex
changes Nearbeer and other bottled
goods calculated to deal unkindly will
/ even faa ba3Ifhiast .gt,p,..L .,- l.I,...-. !
Milk, buttermilk. grape Juice. root bee,
and orangeade may be sold. fluids less cal
culated to interfere with the wholesome
army diet. Out of war conditions vii
/ ha learned lessons that in time of pcac,
/ we are too generally disposed to overlook
/ A man is as good as his stomach. and All
army cannot afford to triHe with thi.
/ basic matter, The extent to which super
vision is exercised over the troops is
/ revelation to the new men, hut for nj
that is prohibited or insisted upon there
are reasons which soon become apparent
to them.