“pe Bellefonte, Pa., June 30, 1916. P- GRAY MEEK, - - EDITOR; TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.—Until turther notice his paper will be furnished to subscribers at the following rates: Paid strictly in advance - - $1.50 Paid before expiration of year - 1.75 Paid after expiration of year - 2.00 Interesting Lettter from Camp Brumbaugh An Interesting Letter from the “Watchman’s” Special Corres- pondent. Camp Brumbaugh, June 28.—Know- ing that you are expecting an ac- count of the doings of the boys in camp, I will endeavor to furnish you some facts, but first want to say that if anything ever got on a fel- low’s nerves, it was the parting scene at the P. R. R. station at home. The moaning and bewailing of the vast assemblage, although the result of natural emotion, put a depressed feeling on all, until we neared Miles- burg. The Lock Haven troopers, on the same train, then came in to visit us and we older fellows having met them before at previous camps, join- ed in relating experiences of former affairs and discussed what we might expect in this fracas, until instead of being soldier boys off to help their Uncle Sammy hold up his hands, as they did in bible times to conquer an enemy, you would have thought us bound on the railroad ex- cursion to Tolchester Beach. Some of the boys indulged in a card game, and it must have been Old Maid, for they would ask for two or three cards at a time. I heard one of them say that he “stood pat,” although I know he voted for Roose- velt four years ago. “Pop” Hampton, assisted by his able corps—Jeff. Tierney, Morrison, Casper and “Chee” Emenhizer, sang “There's a Land That is Fairer Than This.” Arriving at Tyrone at 8 o’clock the Sheridan Troop was picked up, and the boys were all delighted to see us. We arrived at Camp Brumbaugh, Mt. Gretna at 12.30 p. m.,, and the boys were all ready for action. How different this camp from other years, when the camp had always been put in readiness by an advance detail. But with light hearts and much cajolery the canvass and equip- ment was soon, unloaded and . what was once a field of -wheat was in a’ few hours transformed into one of the greatest military camps this glorious State has ever seen. | Our camp is located at Colebrook, three miles from the infantry at Mt. Gretna, with all tents up and equip- ped as one would hardly expect under the circumstances. Almost any hour may come the order of de- parture for southern territory, and it will find us all ready and anxious- ly waiting. The health of the troopers has been excellent. George Wise, of the Gap, was chosen official dentist, and finding a snapping turtle he decided to keep it for use in extracting teeth. His office will always be open for the accommodation of his friends. We: are now awaiting the mess call for dinner, so will have to close, assuring you that the boys all appre- ciate what the folks at home did for us on the eve of our departure, and kindly thank the W. C. T. U., the Elks and all the others. Frank Crissman wanted to know the difference between the National Guard and a National biscuit, and was referred to Capt. Curtin or First: Lieut. Taylor for the answer. i Corp. H. J. COHEN. . ——They are all good enough, but the | WATCHMAN 15 always the best. Troop L Given an Enthusiastic Send-off. Big Farewell Reception at the Elks on Saturday Evening. Thousands at the Train Sunday Morning to say the Last Good Bye. One hundred and forty years ago Centre county soldiers fought in that great struggle for our national independence. Thirty-six years lat- er the sons of Centre county assisted in driving the invading army of Great Britain from American. soil. Again in 1848 Centre countians were to be found in the line when Gen. Taylor's army invaded Mexico on a mission of subjugation, and during our own great Civil war Centre county soldiers as units were to be found in thirteen regiments, ranging from one company up to seven, and now again Centre county has been prompt to respond to the call of duty and about one hundred of her sons are practically on their way to the borderland to help in avenging the murder of American citizens and in upholding the honor of the nation. Troop L mobilized at the armory in this place last Thursday and Cap- tain H. Laird Curtin went before Squire G. Wash Rees and took the oath of allegiance to the federal army. He later swore in first lieu- tenant E. R. Taylor and second lieu- tenant Claude W. Smith, while regi- mental surgeon S. M. Huff was sworn in by prothonotary. D. R. Foreman. All the officers were busy recruiting Friday and Saturday in order to get the troop up to a war basis. BIG RECEPTION TO TROOP . The farewell reception to the Troop planned by the Elks was held at the Elks home on Saturday even- ing and proved a rousing send-off as well as patriotic affair. The Elks home was resplendent in its decora- tion of flags and the national colors and it is estimated that between four and five thousand people were pres- ent. hy Headed by Our Boys band of Milesburg the Troop marched from the armory and came to attention on the pavement in front of the Elks. Burgess Edmund Blanchard presid- ed and made a brief speech telling the purpose of the meeting and ex- orting the soldier boys to do their duty when at the front. He then in- troduced Col. H. S. Taylor as the speaker of the evening, and- :that gentleman, never did- better than he did on that occasion, being frequent- ly applauded to the echo by the crowd as well as the members of the Troop. In part Col. Taylor spoke follows: as Officers and Men of Troop L, First Pennsylva- nia Cavalry, and my Fellow Countrymen. What means this vast assemblage of peo- ple, this great outpouring of citizenship? It means that dark, grim, brooding war again o'erhangs this Nation. At this time such scenes as we have here are being enacted in every county and State in our great Nation. The President of the United States has made a cal for troops and you are responding, and you will go forward to perform your duty. I can see your banners flying, your flags floating, your streamers dancing in the morning breeze as you march to the wild, grand music of war, while many a tear- dimmed mother, sad sister or sweetheart gives evidence of the call for war, and the ones they love they are now giving to the defense of their country. Centre county has always been patriotic and you are but following in the footsteps of the heroes of the Revolution, the Rebellion and the Spanish-American war; who fought and fell on many battlefields in the defense of their country. You are Centre countians and you are Pennsylvanians “and we are proud of you. Look at the great record of this State, the “Keystone State” of the Union. Was it not on Pennsylvania soil that the first Con- tinental Congress met, where the Declara- tion of Independence was signed? It was on Pennsylvania soil that the old ‘Liberty Bell” rang out freedom and independence to all the people of the earth and to the Na- tions yet unborn. We have our Valley Forge and cur Brandywine. Was it not on Pennsylvania soil that the fifteenth decisive battle of the world was fought at Gettys- burg, the high water mark at the peach orchard and the wheat field? There the backbone of the rebellion was broken and shattered and our enemies driven from the field. Pennsylvania gave to great Generals Meade, Reynolds, Sheridan, Beaver, Hartranft, Curtin and Gregg. It was Centre county who gave to the State the great War Governor, Andrew G. Curtin, who stood at the.right hand cf the great Lincoln and who was his main support dur- ing that awful conflict. It was the Iennsyl- the Naticn the vania troops that were the first to respond in that great war, and as they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in review be- fcre President Linooln and his cabinet, the President turned to his aides, and with tears in his eyes, exclaimed: “God bless Pennsyl- vania,”” “Ged bless the Pennsylvanians,” “God bless her loyal Governor.” This is an historical occasicn, held on a historic spot, here at the residence of the great War Governor, now occupied by the Order of Elks, “the best people on earth,” who have this great celebration in charge. Their Order is founded upon the principles of the Flag for which you all will fight. Centre county again gave the great State of Pennsylvania that great citizen, jurist and soldier, General James A. Beaver, who as Colonel of the 148th Pennsylvania, when only twenty-one years old, reported to Gens. eral Hancock for the assignment of his regi- ent and he saluted and said, “Sir, I desire ae my regiment be placed in the front, ‘where they can see and maintain the disci- pline in the future which I have tatight them in the past.” The great Hancock turned to his aides after the 148th had de- parted and said to them, “Boys, keep your eyes on that young Colonel, he is a coming man,” : Again, Centre county furnished the War Governor in 1888, great citizen, lawyer and soldier, General D. H. Hastings, who with untiring effort and with loyalty to the Na- tion and to the citizens of his State, assist- ed with all his ability and was the first Gov- ernor in the Nation to report to Secretary of War Alger that Pennsylvania’s quota was ready to respond. History is almost repeating itself again. War is o'er the land, again a call is made by the President and by Governor Brum- baugh of this great State, who was born in Huntingdon county, only a few miles from the Centre county line,and as the War Gov- ernor he will uphold and sustain the tradi- tions of the past, in caring for Pennsylva- nia troops in camp or at the front. Therefore, you have before you the rec- ord of great men and soldiers to uphold and sustain, and I know you will do it. You will follow in their footsteps and return the Flag for which ycu fight unsullied while in your hands. I know it will never be deserted ncr dishonored. You have before you here upon this rostrum the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Spanish-American war vet- erans and the Grand Army of the Re- public, a remnant of those great patriots who fought on many a battle-field, and 'when they went to the front Gov. Curtin present- ed to each and every regiment their colors and standards, and he szid to them, “Here are your colors your standards, take them, znd I know as long as there is life in a Pennsylvanian that they shall never be dishonored nor deseried.” Years afterwards when they returned they gave back to him the colors and standards, tattered and tern, and they said unto him, ‘Here Governor, we return our cclers and standards and report ed.” And I know that you will maintain the great reccrd of all the scldiers and sailors who lef: this ccunty and State. The fundamental principles of success a military organization in time of peace in or war, is absclute obedience to your superior officers, zlways obey every order without hesitation, and maintainin; your herlth by care and training; this means much. You will have many hardships to undergo, many sad hours, when far away from home but always remember that your friends and a great patriotic citizenship is behind you. The loyal citizens of the community and county will see that your wives and children, your family or any cne you leave behind will he teken care of until you return, and may God speed the day when that will (come. Centre county furnished the great Gener- dl, John I. Curtin, one of the finest military men I ever knew and one of the ablest while in the army, so that again history repeats (itself, as in every war this county has had since its foundation a “Curtin” has been in her ‘ranks. And you have as your command- ‘er today Captain H. Laird Curtin, bearing the stamp of character, loyalty, courage, ability and patriotism of his great ances- tors, and we all entrust to him, our fathers, sons or brothers, and we know full well that ‘under him you will maintain the record Centre countians and Pennsylvanians. 2" This great audience bids you God speed to your Nation's call, and in the trying days to ‘come, and at night on the picket line when ‘the ‘stars shine down thrcugh the pale of the silvery moon; when you are thinking of home and friends, remember that you are Bpholding your Nation's honor. Gaze at the star and liken it unto the blue field of tle flag of your country, the canopy of Heaven covering zll, so in the future yet to come the principles which our flag represents will cover the entire world, We will hope and pray that President #Wil- son by some diplomacy will avoid this great war. He knows that in time of war the flower of every home is plucked and sent to the front, leaving sorrow, tears and sadness in every home. Now, on behalf of zll here assembled, your as : friends’ and all citizens, I. bid you God-speed, that they were never deserted nor dishonor- and mey the day be hastened when you will return to us again, having performed your duty to your home, your country and your God. Farewell. At the close of Col. Taylor’s ad- dress ex-Judge Ellis. L. Orvis was introduced and in behalf of the Bellefonte Chapter D. A. R. present- ed to the Troop a regulation national flag. In response Capt. Curtin thanked the D. A. R. and said that it would be the aim and endeavor to bring back the flag as unsullied as it was received. On behalf of the Elks Burgess Blanchard then presented each member of the Troop with a big yellow silk kerchief, the delight of all soldiers. The meeting closed with prayer and the benediction by Dr. Ambrose M. Schmidt. TROOP LEAVES FOR MT. GRETNA. The Troop was scheduled to leave for Mt. Gretna at seven o'clock on Sunday morning, and notwithstand- ing the early hour about two thous- and people gathered at the Pennsyl- vania station to see them off and bid them Godspeed. Prior to leaving the armory Rev. William K. MecKin- ney visited them, held a brief prayer service and gave each man a little booklet on the Gospel of St. John, It was just a quarter of sev- en when the Troop, headed by the Runville band, marched from the ar- mory to the station just as the train pulled in. It took a few minutes to shift the cars and during that time final good byes were i was the most affecting scene of all. Women sobbed and even some of the soldiers broke down and shed tears, but they were not tears of regret or cowardice, but merely the surcharge of an overwrought heart for the sor- row of others. As soon as the train was made up Capt. Curtin gave the order to en- train and every man marched with soidierly tread and got aboard. A few minutes later the bell clanged and trumpeters Donald M. Sny- der and Frank B. Crissman stood on the platform and trumpted out the final call just as Frank Taylor did eighteen years ago, and with the band playing “The Star Spangled Banner,” the train pulled out. Wet eyes and heavy hearts were left behind and the prayer of every one in the multitude gathered to see the soldier boys off was that every man of them return, war or no war, and that they then be crowned. with honors worthily won. The Troop train arrived at Mt. Gretna at 12.30 p. m. Sunday and the boys had their camp in order the same afternoon. Monday afternoon they were inspected and sworn into the federal service and every man firmly responded “yes” when asked if he was willing to go to the front. “ROOKIES” LEAVE FOR CAMP. Second Lieutenant Claude W. { Smith and W. Lester Musser re- i mained behind to finish recruiting and on Monday they received orders to leave for Mt. Gretna on the 1.08 train Tuesday with the men reecruit- ed up to that time. Lieut. Smith had done some hard work and when he left on Tuesday it was with twenty-nine new reeruits, ” expect- ing to pick up two more at Tyrone. The same honor shown the o¥igi- nal members of Troop L was shown the recruits. Headed by a band they marched to the Elks where a public farewell reception was given them. Burgess Blanchard presided and | brief speeches were made by Col. Taylor, Col. W. R. Teller and Father [Photo by Smith, State College, Pa.] Capt. Curtin just in the act of giving the command that broke the Troop from a column of fours into single file and started the boys to entrain. the right, repeated the order. Lieut. Taylor to [Photo by Smith, State College, Pa.] Sergeant Shreffler with the Troop Insignia leading the First Trooper Paul D. Sto- ver to entrain. Capt. Curtin can be seen at the end of the platform directing the movement. said and this’ 'T. E. Kelley, single, i McArdle. On behalf of the Elks Col. W. Fred Reynolds presented each one of the “rookies” with a big vellow kerchief. From the Elks they marched to the depot where the parting scene was even more heart- rending than that of Sunday morn- ing, but they finally entrained and got away amid cheers and the strains of music. TROOPLETS. The “Watchman” has secured the services of Corp. Harry J. Cohen to furnish a weekly ‘letter, especially about Troop L. Col. H. S. Taylor has started a list for the recruiting of another compa- ny, if needed, and already has quite a number of signers. Col. J. L. Spangler gave the Troop $25.00 for tobacco; the W. C. T. U. gave each member a “housewife,” A. G. Morris Jr., contributed a lead pencil and holder to each member and the Preparedness League will send each trooper a numbered bag in which to keep the curry comb and brush for his horse. Following is a complete roster of the Troop: : Captain—H. L. Curtin, married, Curtin. First Lieut.—Edward R. Taylor, married, Bellefonte. Second Lieut.—Claude W Smith, married, State College. First Sergt.—Wilbur E. Saxion, married, Bellefonte. Quartermaster-Sergt.—Paul L. Wetzel, gle, Bellefonte. Sergeants—Lee R. Smith, burg. W. C. From, married, State College. Harry W. Schreffler, married, Bellefonte. sin- married, Miles- J Jlomer Decker, single, Pine Grove ills. Corporals—Uriah N. Stover, married, Belle- fonte. Harry J. Cohen, single, Bellefonte. Roy H. Grove, married, Bellefonte. Frank E. Taylor, single, Bellefonte. Willis W. Eminhizer, married, Belle- fonte. Wilbur R. Decker, single, Pine Grove Mills. Cooks—Harry E. Whiteman, married, Miles- urge. Wilbur G. Rhoads, married, Bellefonte. Farrier—John Morrison, married, Belle- fonte. Horse-shoer—Stewart Hampton, married Bellefonte. Saddler—William Shutt, married, Bellefonte. Trumpeters—Donald M. Snyder, single, Bellefonte. Frank B. Crissman, single, Bellefonte. PRIVATES. Carey C. Alexander, single, Unionville. Earle Baird, married, Lemont. Raymond J. Bryan, single, Curtin. Charles Brown, single, Bellefonte. Howard L. Casper, married, Bellefonte. D. C. Cochran, single, State College. Harry G. Cox, married, Coleville. Luther H. Crissman, single, Bellefonte. Arthur Deering, single, State College. William R. Devine, single, Pine Grove Mills. Peter Delal, single, Bellefonte. Robert T. Garman, single, Bellefonte. Alonzo M. Gummo, single, Bellefonte. Lingle H. Gummo, single, Bellefonte. Thomas H. Hanley, married, Bellefonte. Joseph L. Howard, single, Bellefonte. Joseph S. Hull, single, Bellefonte. Chester A. Johnson, single, Pine Mills. Claude M. Johnson, single, Bellefonte. Howard J. Lannen, single, State College. Sherman Lowry, single, Bellefonte. Fearon Lyons, single, Bellefonte. Clair F. McKinley, single, Milesburg. Boyd A. McMurtrie, single, Coleville. James G. Marshall, single, Bellefonte, Harry C. Martin, single, Bellefonte. Herbert S. Miller, single, Bellefonte. Newton A. Miller, married, Bellefonte. Wray A. Reed, single, Pine Grove Mills. William Rote, single, Bellefonte. Fred A. Roush, single, Pine Grove Mills. John G. Sanford, single, Jamestown, N. Y. Calvin R. Rice, sihgle, Bellefonte, = = William H. . Royer, single, - State ‘Collegé. Clair Smith, married, Milesburg. Alfred Frank Smith, married State College. J. T. Storch, single, State College. Paul D. Stover, married, Bellefonte. Edward Sunday, single, Bellefonte. Walter Switzer, single, Bellefonte. Charles Tierney, married, Lyontown. B. Wise, married, Pleasant Gap. Fred C. Yeager, single, Bellefonte. J. Calvin Young, married, Bellefonte. John G. Young, married, Bellefonte. Walter Weaver, married, State College. RECRUITS. Walter M. Smith, single, Howard. L. T. Shawley, single, Bellefonte. Harry Rice, married, Bellefonte. Glenn Weaver, married, Bellefonte. George J. Keeler, single, Bellefonte. John Gillen, single, State College. Hugh Hanley, single, Bellefonte. Howard. J. G. Poorman, single, Coleville. H. H. Ryan, single, Bellefonte. D. M. Hendershot, single, Bellefonte. James Dickerhoff, single, Paw Paw W. Va. Geo. R. Norris, single, Bellefonte, R. D. 4 J. I. Logue, single, Unionville, J. Z. Watson, married, Bellefonte. C. E. Rothrock,single, West Decatur. Carlisle Devine, single, Philipsburg. William A. Lucas, single Axe Mann. George A. Young, single, Philadelphia. Jerome A. binson, single, Milesburg. J. F. Jodon, single, Milesburg. W. Lester Musser, single, Bellefonte. James Reed, single, Bellefonte. J. M. Shank, single, Milesburg. Harold W. Thomas, single, Milesburg. James H. Fox, single, Milesburg. Charles S. Saxion, married, Bellefonte. Grove TWELVE “ROOKIES” RETURN HOME, Twelve of the recruits taken by Lieut. Claude Smith returned home on the 4.20 train last evening. The list includes Pat. Ryan, George Keel- er, J. F. Jodon, L. T. Shawley, Chas. Saxion, John Gillen, James H. Fox, Harry Rice, J. I. Logue, John T. Watson, and three others whose names could not be learned. [Photo by Smith, State College, Pa.] Troop L just as it appeared in front of the “Watchman” office on the way to entrain for Mt. Gretna. and Surgeon Huff are leading the Troop. Lieut. Taylor can be seen at the first file and 2nd Lieut. Smith at 1Photo by Smith, State College, Pa.] Capt. H. L. Curtin the last. = , can see how the Troopers employed them. The Last Handshake. After the Troop had boarded the cars there were a few moments before the train departed and you
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