Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 158, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 July 1916 — LIEUTENANT WATSON AND OTHERS FAIL [ARTICLE]

LIEUTENANT WATSON AND OTHERS FAIL

Physical Test Shows That Several of Co. M Do Not Measure Up to Physical Requirements. Word came today from Major Geo. H. Healey at Fort Benjamin Harrison, that several members of M Company failed to pass the physical test, which is required of them, in order that they may go to the border. Major Healey’s short note follows: “You will see by the paper that today's program for visitors was rendered impossible by the rain storm. As I write this at 8:30, it is still raining. Many tents are flooded, and soldiers were sleeping under practical \yar conditions and water run over the ground the tents covered. Several members of Co. M are reported to have failed to pass the physical examination. Second Lieutenant Edward L. Watson, a fine officer and regarded as one of the most efficient drill masters in the guard, lost out on the physical test and an appeal to the highest medical authority failed to secure a reconsideration of his case. Others who are reported to have failed to pass are Herbert Hammond, Dick DeYoung and Glenn Gray, and rumors affecting several others, possibly ten or twelve in all. Among the visitors from Rensselaer tod?.y wore Ben McColly, B. J. Moore, Walter V. Porter, Rice Porter, Devere Yeoman, Ord Yeoman, M. E. Griffin, Joe Myers, Wm. Eldridge, Russell Willitts, Tom Hoyes and wife, Miss Gladys Grant, Mose Tuteur, Leo Tuteur, A. Halleck and family, and John O’Connor. I can’t write more now, owing to lack of time. Major Healey.” A severe wind and electrical storm that broke over Fort Harrison shortly after 1 o’clock Sunday afternoon, sent 3,000 men, women and children at the camp scurrying to shelter tents of the Indiana national guardsmen and caused painful injuries to a dozen soldiers and visitors. Audrey Horeir, of Elkhart, was stunned by a shock of lightning and had to be cared for at the field hospital. The guardsmen responded to every call for their aid to help the men and women to places of safety, and although many of the tents were flooded, personal belongings were sacrificed to the heavy rain and some of the men were drenched with the downpour. Last Saturday Capt. J. J. Toffey, chief blustering officer, sent word to the central department of the army, at Chicago advising that he would send a report the following evening, which was last night,. stating that at least eight companies of the third infantry, of which Rensselaer’s company is a member, would be ready to entrain. Sunday night, however, Capt. Toffey sent an additional report, saying that his report of the third regiment would be delayed until today, Monday. It is certain that eight companies and possibly twelve of the third regiment would be ready by tonight. There are many rumors floating around as to when the companies would entrain for the border but there is nothing authentic about any of them and even the men at Fort Harrison are uncertain as to when their departure Will take place.