The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-01-26

The exhibition drill and hop given by the Otta-
wa Guards at Willis's Academy on Thursday eve
ming was great success. The guests began
entering the hall quite carly in the evening, and
continued to come until the drill commonwealth
about O'Clock. When the Guards entered the
hall, probably 800 spectators from all sides of the
house had their eyes upon them. The room was
neatly decorated with the national coors; large
flag, upon which was the II. y. e." monogram,
filled the front, and over each Of The windows
were flags of different sizes.
The Guards, Capt. +. II. Smith commanding,
entered at O'Clock, and having gone through
! with few minor cyolutons, and having formed
in two lines, Odcrly Petit, with splendid new
sword in his hand, stepped forward to Capt.
Smith and in few appropriate words presented
the sword to him gift of friendship from his
company and of their esteem for him as a com
lmanding officer.
Capt. Smith, in accepting the beautiful gift,
said he was both pleased and surprised-pleased
to be the recipient Of so beautiful gift, surpris-
ed that he had been thought worthy oft. What
he had already done was only what he had
thought to DC his duty. Military laws are arbi-
trary, and at times irksomc; but discipline is on
lily obtainablc through force. The hardest task
of the commander is to enforce discipline and
yet retain the good will of the command. This
Gift satisfied him he had succeeded in one re-
spect at least-whcther he haG in the other, time
alone will tell.
| "Attentionw was then called and for the next
10 or 20 minutes the company gave such move
ments as they had become familiar with during
the short period they have been drilling, all of
which were performed in good style and received
much applause at frequent intervals. Capt
Smith certainly has reason to be proud as well
us has the city, Of this company; and after a
reasonable time Ottawa can pit them against any
company, feeling assured they will hold their
own. Aside from their marching and skill in
the manual of arms, the boys made fine appear
iancc in their new uniforms These latter arc
modest but very becoming; light blue pantaloons,
navy blue blouse, relieved by white breast straps
and belt. Their arms, too, though old and we'll
worn, were in good shape, and as bright as much
securing and scraping could make them.
Having finished the drill, the company was
Iagain formed in two ranks, when Miss Emma
I Allen, bearing Il beautiful new 1ag, and Miss Ju
lila Mattocks as orator, took their places on the
floor Miss Mattocks then in few words made
the presentation to the Guards Of the cOlors, in
behalf of the ladies of Ottawa, as a slight tcst
.monial Of their esteem for this company, both as
Iciti2cns and soldiers. MAY your ranks be rs un-
broken and your union as strong rs that repre-
scented by the Red, White and Blue" applause.
Capt smith, in accepting the gift, said the com
pany would ever be greatful for the gift, especial
Ily since it came at time when their ability tc
protect it was untried and unknown. 1t would
be guarded, he promised, for its intrinsic value
but more especially as it is symbol of that coun
TRY they had all sworn to protect; and should i
be necessary TO resort to arms in the defense o
that flag and country, these young men will bt
proud to sustain as glorious Il. reputation as any
zone before, and never permit it to trail in the
dust. CApplousc.)
The color guard having received the colors, anC
tile drill being finished the Guards retired.
The dancing was then begun and continued
tin a late hour. Tho whole affair passed off in
the most satisfactory manner, and the boys
may congratulate themselves. Should they have
another party, they will be even more successful
lTh. mot nrncrcds were gbout $50