The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-18
E,llTlHT FESTIVITIES,
Exhibition Drill and Promenade. concert or
COMPANY T., Twelfth Regiment.
When N was appaupced that (au1nanv q,,.at,,I


COMPANY T., Twelfth Regiment.
When Il was announced that Company T., Twelfth
regiment, intended to give an exhibition drill AZ
Irving Han there was a good deal or speculation in
military circles concerning the progress made by
the Webster Guard since the competitive drill
between it and the Boston company and
much criticism, both fair ana unfair was Iu-
dulged in by those who happened to escape
without a clubbing the occasion referred TO. IL
was generally expected that Company would not be
very perfect in the manual of arms although pro-
hciency in company movements was conceded. The
splendid performance OF che Montgomery Guard in
the manual left an impression the minds OF those
VINO were fortunate enough TO see their dril in the
Acaaemy OF Music that other company Of militia
coua equal them. The invitations to the promenade
concert and exhibition drill OF the Webster Guard
when took place last night ut Irving
Hall, We're eagerly accepted by Officers and
members OF the National Guard The galleries
ana seats OF the hall began to I'LL soon aier
eight O'Clock, and ten there was large conoourse
of people present There were none too many how
ever and there was abundant room on the foor for
the manGuvres o. ene company, AZ well rs for the
prOmenaders and dancers. Very many officers Of
National Guard regiments and members OF the sew
eral brigade stalls rs, occupied seats in the gal
ster Guard with Keen interest. There were
as many critics as soldiers in the house
The hall was decorated with much taste and the
band of the Tegment-whch II IL was not quite so
brassy would be northumberland choice pieces
~. ~
opened the programme, and two other pieces Of
equally appropriate music prepared the way Tor the
first part OF the most interesting performance. The
company, under the command OF Captain McAtee.
ITS commandment, marched INTO the room about nine
O'Clock, and, forming by fours, paraded round Inc
room several times with steadness and precision
OF movement that angured well for what was
TO follow. The company having formed in front
OF the audience, the band ceased to play the ranks
were opened and the manual OF arms was ordered
it y due TO the company to say that nothing could
be nner tnan It's ''orGer' IRON carry" The men
wonderful precision and unity OF movement. If the
right, had not been little nervous in executing
the movement - from the secure 70 tho
ney fansess rae s ap DC r" wnsn a wss
conducted without orders in most admira-
bic time, with precision and exactness, elected
the most hearty applause from the very critical audi
ence. The silent drill, the manual without orders,
was also deserving OF se recognition which it re
ceived. After some selections Il music per-
| formed by the band the Webster Guards were put
| through company movements. In these they were
as nearly perfect "a any company of men who do
give their lives TO the profession of arms could pos
sibly be. In single and double rank formations.
time and in the dcnt on mov Sem aoao Of
"fours right about In line the company
maintained q wonderful mobility. The company
rested after this severe exercise and the band again
filled up the ntermisslOn. The 'manual OF the
| bayonet,n combination" and "bayonet exercise"
followed. The quckness with which the several
movements in this drill were executed elected gene
| r3l surprise and qualification.
The next company that gives an exhibition drill in
Irving Hall, however, should 1t that the floor
IS not slippery, as It was last night. It Is incon
| venient for men who required TO bayo one
another lin make believe) to have to do Involuntary
| skating.
shortly before twelve O'Clock the company adj
| J0urned to supper, after which dancing was COM
| menced. Irving Hall could not have pre-
| scented finer appearance. The appropriate dec0ra-
| tons, the various bright and glittering uniforms
| added to the excellent music, combined to render
the occasion one OF pleasure and enjoyment. First
| came the steady promenade, in which all the ladies'
stepped forward with military tread then the quiet
quadre, ancers, whirling waltz and r0llicking nine
pin, which of course created the heartiest merr-
| nent all round. The programme Of dancing was
| just OF appropriate length, and consequently was
thoroughly enjoyed. The company did not break
| Homer saluted the ears OF the dancers and sug-
| gested the approach OF morning.