The Portland daily press., 1869-05-06
MUSTER DAr.-rhe tirst annual May train.

MUSTER DAY.--The first annual Nav train
ing of the Mechanic Blues in accordance with
the new law-whlch requires four inspections
year, besides parade and drill-took place
yesterday. At P. NJ the Blues, as battal-
ion of three companies, accompanied by the
Portland Band. proceeded to the CITY Hall
where they were received by the Mavor and
City Government. After the CUSTOMARY sa-
lutte Captain Parker introduced Mayor Put
nam to his command. The Mayor made a
short speech, in which he spoke of the old
fashioned trainings and contrasted them with
the present one; spoke of the prejudices called
forth by the former musters against the militia
system; complimented the Blues upon their
fine drill and soldierly bearing, and referred to
the great service done by the militia in putting
down the rebellion. The efficiency shown by,
and the order with which our militia trainings
are now conducted, he thought would cause
our citizens to take pride in them, and to ad-
init their usefulness in preserving law and
order, if for no other reason. He concluded
with returning thanks ON his own behalf and
that of the City Government for the compli-
1nent rendered them.
At the close of the Mayors speech the bat
talon took up the line of march for Bramhall's
Hill, changing their route somewhat from the
one formerly published in the Press, owing to
the condition of the streets after the late wet
weather. Upon arriving at the grounds usual
ly occupied by the base ball clubs they broke
ranks and took a short rest of fifteen minutes,
during which time jealous photographer
succeeded in taking a very good picture of the
commissioned officers. Finding the presence
of the crowd ihferfered seriously with the
drill the battalion, by the politeness of the
keeper of the Arsenal, marched to the Arsenal
grounds, which are admirably suited for the
purpose and enclosed by high fence. Here
the battalion divided into companies, and each
company was thoroughly drilled in Upton s
tactics, and, besides the ordinary company and
battalion drill, in inspection drill. After some
three hours spent in instruction the battalion
marched to State street square where, at 6
o'clock precisely, then went through Dress
Parade and Review. The review was very
fine, and we must compliment the Blues not
only on the excellence of their drill in the
manual and the precision of their marching
and execution of field movements, but also on
their orderly conduct throughout the day.
After Dress Parade a splendid collation. was
served in the large drill hall of the Armory,
which had been prepared by the ladies. The
long tables looked beautifully, adorned with
bouquets of choice flowers and loaded with
everything to tempt the appetite. 1t was a
delicious repast and duly appreciated by the
over three-score hungry men. The ladies also
graced the banquet with their presence, and
after justice had been done to the viands the
officers were called upon to say a few words,
which each of them responded to briefly and
in good taste. Captain Parker, on behalf of
the company, thanked the ladies for the boun-
teous and excellent supper they had provided
in well chosen and pertinent words.
At little after OK clock Promenade Con-
cert took place, and the dance was INDUCED in
to late hour, and was highly enjoyed by the
participants to the fine music of Chandler's
Band