Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 184, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1916 — TROOPS EAGER FOR WORD TO CROSS LINE [ARTICLE]

TROOPS EAGER FOR WORD TO CROSS LINE

Indiana Soldiers Displaying More Patience With Instructors Fitting Them for Actual Service.

Since the Indiana troops have received assurance that it is only a question of time until they cross the Rio Grande, the spirit of restlessness and discontent that rapidly was taking possession of them decidedly is on the decrease and in proportion as they realize that they are jgoing, so they are,realizing that they are not fit to go and aie displaying more patience With those who are trying to get them in condition for service in a tropical climate, says W. H. Blodgett in the Indianapolis News. Some, of course, are insisting that the Indiana brigade go into Mexico now. “How many of your men can shoot?” Col. Leslie R. Naftzger, cf the First Indiana asked of a subordinate who was chafing at the delay. The answer was 60 per cent. “What do you propose to do with the 40 per cent who can't shoot,” inquired the colonel again, at which the subordinate shrugged his shoulders. The colonel inquired of officers as to the percentage of the men who wiere ready for field service in equipment, to say nothing of being prepared to take care of themselves in such a climate i s chat of Mexico, and the answer showed the percentage very small. “If the men cannot take care of themselves, how would you expect them to be able to take care of an enemy?” and Colonel Naftzger’s question was unanswered. The fact remains that although the Indiana troops, both infantry and artillery, are in better condition for field service than any of the troops in Mercedes and Llano Grande, they are in no condition for Mexican service and will not be for two of three months yet. So there is no use kicking about it if the condition exists and nothing can change the condition but time. Brig. Gen. E. M. Lewis is whipping the men in shape as rapidly as possible and when they are in shape they will be in good shape. The general is laying out rifle ranges for target practice and hopes to have them ready early this week.