TOO FAT FOR THE SADDLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2051, 30 November 1907, Page 4 (Supplement)

TOO FAT FOR THE SADDLE.

Air Roosevelt, wlio returned to Washington on September 25 from Oyster Bay, has, says tlio New York correspondent of the “Daily Mail,”, created intense consternation among army officers’ - who have • contracted sedentary liab its "by a remarkable order enforcing them to practise the strenuous life. Scores of middle-aged:, officers, tied for years to" desks at tlioWar Office and other snug departments, wlio have assumed the burden: of rotundity, have been informed that, they must pass a strict test of theirhorsemanship, or be struck from theactive list. According to the commauds of the equestrian President, some 60 corpulent captains, majors, lieutenant-colonels, and colonels will ride forth on October S, and, under pain of retirement, display tlieir ability to walk five miles, trot five miles, and gallop fivo miles through. Rock Creek Park. The sight is expected to be ono of Homeric laughter, and the sedentary officers are already petitioning Generar Grant to keep all sketch artists and pluitograuhers at a respectable distance from tlio scene of their “circus ride.” Mr Roosevelt states that he is convinced by personal observation that many field officers are physically unable to ride even, a few miles at a fast gait.