Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-05-21
THE |
A Description of the Drill by an
Eye Witness.
HOW THE CHICKS WON.


delegation that went to Nashville with
the Chickasaw Guards returned this
morning at s o'clock. From one of
the members we cleaned the following
information concerning the late drill:
The "Chicks" we're the third com-
pany that entered the arena, having
been preceded by the Rock City
Guards and Porter Rifles
of Nashville. AS the Chickasaws
came marching down with that peculiar
swing for which they are so noted, a
deafening applause went up from the
immense throng, which was continued
for several moments. For the first
forty minutes of the hour in which
they drilled, not a single error was
marked against them. Their score
was perfection in the manual and SOL
dierly appearance. Towards the close
OF the drill, owing to the severe physi-
cal tests to which the company was
subjected (most of the movements
being in double quick time), sew
eral individual errors were com
mitted. Private Sam. Hayes
was overcome by the heat, and
was compelled to drop out of
line. His place, however, was
promptly filled by Charley Morrow.
The ground was unfavorable for drill
ing, being entirely too small, and on
three different occasions, while IKE
cutting movements, Captain Carnes
was compelled to halt his company
against the fence. These and other
incidents somewhat disheartened the
Memphians who witnessed the drill,
and caused doubts to arise as to the
prospects of the Chicks" winning
the first prize
Company *" of st. Louis, fol-
lowed the Chicks" and went
through the programme with fine eff
feet. AT the finish, many thought the
St. Louis company had proven the
v%ictors others, and among them mil
itary officials, were certain the
Chickasaws had given the best
drill. They said, the brilliancy in
which the Chickasaws had executed
all their movements so far excelled all
the ether companies that their indi-
vidual errors would be more than
counterbalanced. Yet there was Just
sufficient doubt about the result as to
increase the excitement that had been
awakened by the fame of the compa-
MES competing for the blue
ribbon. The night after the
drill many bets we're offered that the
Chicks" had lost, Thursday morn
ing, however, the feeling changed, and
after reviewing the contest, several
who had weakened on the Chicks
had their courage revived, and the
Chicks" we're again the favorites in
bets. At four o'clock the award
was made, Governor Marks an
nounced the result, and named
the Ghickasaw Guards as the victors,
Company X, of st. Louis, taking Sec
ond, and the Porter Rifles, of Nash
vile, third prizes. When the gov
ernor tied the blue ribbon on Captain
Carnes' arm, a deafening shout went
up from the grand stand, and the
agony was ended.
The victorious Chicks" will arrive
this afternoon at 5 o'clock. They will
be met at the depot by our home
companies, the Bluff City Grays and
Light Guards, and escorted to their
armory, where refreshments will be
served.
Nashville never was 80 crowded as
on yesterday. Fully 10000 people were
on the capitol grounds to witness the
unwilling of the Jackson equestrian
statue. The scene was most brilliant
Seven military companies took part
in the proceedings and their gay uni
forms added to the grandeur of the
occasion. The Grafton of Hon. Johr
+. House was noted for it,
patriotic sentiments and was
loudly applauded. On the granC
stand were some of the most noteC
men of the age, including Genera
Joseph 4. Johnston, Thomas A
Hendricks, Don Carlos Buell., Govern
or Luke p. Blackburn, ex-Governo
Joseph E. Brown, of Georgia, Gov
ernor Marks, Clark Mills, the sculp
tor, ext Governor D. w. Q. Senter ,anc
many others known to fame. The ex
%ercises yesterday we're the elimination
of Nashville's glorious centennial ex
hibitiOn, and we congratulate thos
having the matter in charge on tn.
grand successes that have attende,
their efforts. AS Tennesseans, W
feel proud of their labors, and rejoic
with them on their well meriteI
achievements.
NOTICE.