Likely, "Ritz" was the name or nick-name of a private owner, once the Krag was 'sold off' by the U.S. Government.

If "Ritz" had done that, when it was government property, his Sergeant would have kicked his 'butt-stock' and the regiment billed him $25.

p.s. - Pictures of your Krag would be fun to see. (Caution) There are not many genuine model 1898 carbines. Most Krag "carbines" are rifles cut-down by civilian hunters.