Worldfairs Forum - Expositions Universelles et Spécialisées

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The life-like figures here shown are exhibited in the right-hand recess of the comprehensive display of uniforms made in the Government Building. The numbers resting at the feet of each of the wax figures give the key to the exhibit. No. 1 (at the left) is a private of infantry in khaki field uniform. No. 2 is a sergeant of coast artillery in khaki field uniform. No. 3 is a private of infantry in his shirt sleeves. No. 4 is a first lieutenant of infantry in his white summer uniform. No. 5 represents a sergeant of cavalry in white summer uniform. These figures are all of full size, and form a most interesting and instructive exhibit, one of especial interest when considered in connection with the tropical possessions of the United States, for every one likes to know how the soldiers dress in those distant lands. The khaki, first used by the British army in the tropics, has the virtues of being cool and easily cleansed and of making its wearer almost invisible to the enemy at a distance.

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Near the center of the northwest front of the Government Building is a collection of life-sized figures of soldiers, showing the uniforms worn under different conditions. There are three groups, each set in a recess. The group at the left is that shown in this illustration, the men (or dummies) numbered from left to right. No. 1 is a soldier in a canvas blanket-lined overcoat, cap and other accessories. No. 2 is a soldier in a buffalo overcoat, fur cap, fleece-lined buckskin mittens and accessories. No. 3 is a soldier in denim parka, Mackinaw coat, trousers, etc. No 4 is a soldier in a canvas blanket-lined pea-jacket and trousers, improved fur cap, mittens and muchucs. This exhibit attracts many visitors, and serves to give an accurate notion of the costume of the soldiers who go to the northern country, incidentally dispelling the popular illusion that soldiers of the United States wear the blue at all times and in all places.

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The large central exhibit of the uniforms used by the soldiers of the United States, shown on life-size wax figures in the Government Building, is here reproduced. No. 1 represents a major of engineers ; No. 2, a captain of ordnance, both in olive drab uniforms ; No. 10, a colonel of infantry, mounted, in full dress uniform ; No. 11, major-general, mounted, in full dress uniform ; No. 14, a captain of cavalry, dismounted, in full dress; No. 15, a brigadier-general, dismounted, in dress uniform; No. 16, a major of the medical department, dismounted, in dress uniform and cape ; No. 19, a sergeant of field artillery, in full dress; No. 22, a major of the quartermaster’s department, in dress uniform ; No. 24, a captain of coast artillery, in overcoat and dress uniform. The full group consists of 24 figures, but those not indicated are so placed as to be difficult of recognition in the engraving. The figures of the men and horses are well modeled, and the exhibit affords an opportunity to gain sufficient familiarity with the uniforms of our officers to avoid mistakes frequently made.