The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-07-20
Squad Leader With Seven Men
Was Called to the Army.
Train, AnnuIIed by McAdOO,
Stranded Men in Kan. Town.
ONLY A FEW HOURS Time
So Leader Ordered Village Mer-
chant To Use Motor Car.
He'll Undoubtedly Come Back
From France a Major.

It isn't always an easy matter to ger
into Uncle Sans army after you are
accepted. But one central Kansas
man overcame conflicting orders from
the war department and Director Cen
eral McAdoo and herded seven rock
les safely to the State Agricultural
college. His display of ingenuity and
tact, if continued thruoutthe war, may
bring the man home major general
Eight men assembled at a certain
town to start for special training
course at Manhattan. One of the men
was elected leader and given the Of
fetal Instructions to report at the
college at a certain hour. They start
ed on a Rock Island train and every
thing went lovely until the train
reached the little village on a branch
line. There the train stopped. The
raw recruits-waited and the new cap
tain of the squad became impatient.
He went forward to gather informa-
~tion.
The engineer was sitting in the
shade of a tree picking his teeth with
a Barlow knife Between picks he
discussed the war with his fireman.
whats the NATTER" asked the
newly elected squad leader. why
don't we start?"
McAdoo Stopped Train.
Cant do 'er. Trains annulled."
And the engineer resumed his search
for a chunk of lost roast beef.
What you mean-annuned ?"
queried the squad captain.
Orders from Mister McAdoo says
trains annuIled. And by ding blat,
Mister McAdoo's orders CO."
The squad captain tried to explain
that the recruits were under army in
structions to reach Manhattan. The
new squad leader made an impress
sive speech about army orders being
absolute.
Cant help 'er fellers," said the en-
gineer. Were working for Mister
McAdoo and when he says a trains
annulled it's annulled. That's all
there are to it,
So the squad leader marched his
men up the main street of the town
right up in front of the postoffice and
general merchandise store. There
was an automobile. The captain led
his men inside.
Took His Motor Car.
Have to haul US to the next town."
he informed the merchant-postmaste
and farmer who were counting eggs.
And I reckon we'n have to move
right lively, too
who you talkin' about, bub?"
asked the farmer.
Isn't that your car out here?" he
was asked.
"WeH, reckon as how it might be-
he was continuing the molten of
counting eggs without putting any in
the merchants box. But where do
you get this idea about me hauling
you?"
Were soldiers and I'm the officer
of this squad" said the leader. We're
under army instructions to go to Man
hattan-forthwith. This trains an
nulled. So I'll command you to take
US"
The neutrality-suspicious. shook is
head.
Guess. Bill, if them's regular SOL
diers, maybe you better take EN-" h :
said. Government order ought'er he
obeyed."
IF what you say is all right" ven
tured tho farmer, climb in. Only :t's
. Soin' to be pretty crowded and some
you will have to sit on top each
other
That afternoon a lieutenant met the
squad at Manhattan
Who are your" asked the Heuten-
Mt
Tie husky squad leader introduced
himself.
Holy smoke" exclaimed the Off
Ger. II thought you vas Jess Will