Albuquerque Morning Journal

NONCOMS WEARING NECKTIES NABBED BY PROVO GUARD

Recruiting Officers From El Paso Taken to Camp Funston When They Appear Here in Regulation Outfit.

Sergeant William S. Johnson, who arrived from El Paso Thursday night to take charge of the army recruiting station, and Corporal Otis Sanford who has been in charge until yesterday, were taken before officers at Camp Funston yesterday morning by a provost guard, who did not believe non-commissioned officers should wear a black tie or leather leggings.

Officers at the camp finally decided that the regulars had permission from El Paso authorities to wear the neckties but they are still in doubt as to the leggings.

When the provost stopped Corporal Sanford on the street and told him he was under arrest for wearing a necktie, Sergeant Johnson, also wearing a necktie, emerged from the station to find out the cause of the trouble. The provost then told him that he was under arrest also, and took both men to Camp Funston.

Private Arthur Arnold, the only man left at the recruiting station, began sending telegrams to Capt. F. W. Fonda, head of the El Paso recruiting district, at El Paso. Before Private Arnold received any satisfactory answers the two returned, saying they had been temporarily dismissed by Col. E. C. Abbott, in command at Camp Funston. The latter gave them permission to wear the ties, but said he would take the matter of wearing leather leggings up with Captain Fonda at El Paso.

Provost guardsmen say that they have orders to let no man in uniform other than commissioned officers wear a black necktie or leggings. Sergeant Johnson and Corporal Sanford, who received their instructions from El Paso, say that all regular officers there are required to wear leather leggings and black neckties when on leave.

The men at the recruiting station say they are going to wear neckties and leggings until they receive word from El Paso to the contrary.