A TRYING MARCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 977, 25 August 1903, Page 3

A TRYING MARCH.

ALLEGED BAD HANDLING OF TBOOPS.

By Telegraph,

(Per B.M.S. Ventura at Auckland.) San Francisco, Aug. 6. _ A dospatch from Vienna, dated July 25, states that details roceived from BudaPesth regarding the suffering of an infantry regiment from the extraordinary heat during the manoeuvre march from Trabanzr to Bilck last Monday, on which 450 men wore prostrated, indicate that bad handling of tho regiment was largely responsible for tho men being overcome, The troops are alleged to have been burdened with extra equipments in addition to tho usual heavy marching order, arid woro engaged for two hours in a shamfight. This necessitated a forced march in the hottest hours of the day. The colonel commanding tho regiment refused to l a I l „ r „ n C V, In r»ffi/*nra

grant the request of some of his othcers that the soldiers bo allowed to rest, though ho himself was incapacitated, being obliged to finish tho march in a carriage. Before reaching Bilek men fell out of the ranks by scores. Nino died immediately, and 22 were carried off insensible. Six diud after reaching tho hospital, and 70 others are in a serious condition. During the march tho thermometer registered 105 in the sun. Tho captain ot another company operating in the vicinity ordered a halt, and brought his command through without a single prostration. Considerable excitement exists in civil and military circles over what is torrned tho unjustifiable handling of the troop 3in time of peace. The War Offico has issued an official statement in which it is declared that every caution was observed, and tho deaths of the men woro unavoidable. ,