Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1898 — DRILL LIKE REGULARS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DRILL LIKE REGULARS.

Volunteers'at Camp Thomas Make an Excellent Showing. The event of Monday at Chickamauga Park was the review of the First division of the First army corps by Maj. Gen. Breckinridge, inspector general of the United States army. It was a splendid spectacle, grand in proportions and sublime in suggestion. The long line of men in double rank extended from the north end of Kelly field straight as a die across the field, through the grove, out qgo the Brotherton field, across that field, over into the hills and valleys and well into the grove beyond. And this was only two cf the three brigades. The third brigade ■was formed back of the first in Kelly field. These long lines, aggregating more than a mile in double-rank formation with distances reduced, was nothing short of an effective army. The men had the bearing and set-up of professional soldiers. They were fully armed and equipped. Their alignment was perfect and every movement like clockwork. This division consists of the first regiments sent out by the various States represented in it and these regiments are consequently will equipped. Their showing on the review

surprised the veteran army officers on the field. From the moment the regiments began to assemble, pouring out of the groves and camps from every direction and in every formation, until they broke from the column after passing the reviewing stand every movement was made with a dash and snap truly inspiring. After the review Gen. Breckinridge said: “I was surprised at the showing made by the troops. The review was superb. Some of the regiments made an appearance that would have done credit to any soldiers in any army in the world.” Maj. Gen. Wilson was equally enthusiastic. “It is a splendid division,” said he, “and the men moved off like soldiers. I was impressed with the size and quality of the men. They are better men and in much, better condition as regards drill, equipment and discipline than the soldiers of 1861.” “The men did splendid work,” declared Brig. Gen. Burt. “I have been in the army for thirty-seven years and was all through the'eivil war, and I want to say I never saw better soldiers.” The regiments participating in the review were the First Ohio, Fifth Illinois,

Third Wisconsin, Third Illinois, Fourth Ohio, Fourth Pennsylvania, Sixteenth Pennsylvania, 157th Indiana and Second Wisconsin. * REFUSE TO TRANSPORT TROOPS. Steamship Companies Attempt t* Fleece Uncle Sam. The delay in sending troops to the Philippines was explained by an official of the War Department. The Government has been unable to secure the necessary transports at what was considered a reasonable figure and will therefore proceed to impress the vessels necessary to carry the troops which have been ordered to Manila. The Government had offered a sum which was considered satisfactory for the transportation of the men, and since this has been refused, it will proceed to put the soldiers on board the ships and compel the owners to carry them. The official said that this was the only cause of the embarrassment. The Government did its best to reach an amicable agreement with the steamship companies, but failed. It then decided to settle the matter by appointing a commission to determine a reasonable compensation and the steamers will be compelled to transport men at 'that figure. Pays It’s False. Gen. Wesley Merritt, who is to command the expedition to the Philippines and become miltary governor of the islands as sobn as occupied, has made a prompt and emphatic denial of the alleged interview published, in which he is quoted ns saying he would “refuse” to go to Manila unless given 5,000 troops from the rcghlar army. The alleged interview caused something like consternation in Washington, for it was feared the incident might develop into an ugly one. Roca-velt’b Rough Rider*. “Rooae.velt’s Rough Riders” include in its muster rolls the most intrepid fighters aifd 'the most experienced plainsmen of the West, and though home of these, are daring men, who would fight with lAtcr desperation, they have the true Western spirit of self-respect. Most of them have left valuable luterests to getlitlie front, and there are almost as quay professional men.in the ranks as there are plainsmen and business men. They are for th* most part brainy at well as brawny.

COMMODORE W. S. SCHLEY. In Command of the Flying Squadron.