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Show GENERAL ADNA. R. CHAFFEE. The Lieutenant Gave Him a Lesson in Army Regulations. (Philadelphia Ledger.) General Adna R. Chaffee, who has just been appointed commander of the department of the east, is one of the most popular general officers in the army with the rank and file. This is because the general is a soldier clear through, and does not rely on his uniform or gold lace for his reputation. reputa-tion. In fact, uniforms are to him something some-thing to be worn at receptions and other functions when they are absolutely abso-lutely necessary: At other times comfort com-fort comes first with him. A little incident that occurred at Siboney during the Spanish-American war serves to illustrate the general's dislike of frills, and at the same time his recognition of the respect due a uniform, according to army regulations. regula-tions. While most of the troops were in the trenches there was a detachment lift at Siboney to guard the baggage and commissary stores. In this detachment de-tachment was a battalion of a Michigan volunteer regiment which was encamped en-camped on the beach. A young lieutenant of this regiment was officer of the guard one day, and was strutting about in his new khaki uniform, filled with a sense of his own importance. He had been down to the end of the wharf to watch the unloading un-loading of some supplies, and was walking back, when he noticed a man dressed in what looked like the cast- orr ciotnes of a private soldier coming toward him. The man was apparently 55 to 60 years old, of dark complexion, with hair, and mustache streaked with gray, and was clad in a faded blue army shirt, open at the neck, khahi trousers trous-ers covered with mud tucked into boots in the same condition, and a gray campaign cam-paign hat, much the worse for wear, and. having several holes cut in it for ventilating purposes. He was strolling along with his hands in his pockets and the stub of a cigar between his teeth, and he passed the j young lieutenant without a salute or j a sign of recognition of his' rank. This was more than the young officer's dignity dig-nity and new uniform could stand, so he stopped the man with a sharp "Halt there!" ' The man halted and faced about, and the lieutenant asked: "Are you in the army?" "Yes, sir," was the reply. "Regulars or volunteers?" "Regulars, sir." "Haven't you been in the service long enough to know that it is customary cus-tomary to salute when you meet an officer in uniform?" "I know that, sir; but down here we've sort of overlooked salutes and ceremony." "Well, I haven't, and I want you to understand it. Now attention!" The man stood at attention. "Salute!" The salute was given. "How long have you been in the service?" "About thirty-five years, sir." "Well, you have learned something about army regulations and customs this morning. Remember, who gave you the lesson, and when you meet me in uniform, salute. I am Lieutenant' Lieuten-ant' of the th Michigan. Now, what's your name and regiment?" The man who had been given the lesson les-son had been smiling slightly under his gray mustache, and when the last question was shot at him with all the severity which a militia training gives, he straightened up, saluted again and replied: "General Chaffee, sir, commanding the th division." The lieutenant . was , thunderstruck, and for a minute was too dazed to answer or say a word of apology. WThen he found the use of his tongue again and began to excuse himself, the old general said kindly: "That's all right, my boy. You were right. Of course, you didn't know. I suppose I do look pretty rough, and an enlisted man should salute an officer, of-ficer, even if we do overlook it sometimes. some-times. You always stick as closely to regulations as that and you'll make a good officer." And shifting his stub to the other corner of his mouth, he nodded pleasantly pleas-antly to the still bewildered young mau and walked away. |