The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-08-17


camp of this nature that they are put
to the severest test to prevent their
regiments from being overshadowed
by less pretentious organizations.
Then, too, they do not like the re.
straint of severe military discipline.
Careful inquiry, however, reveals the
fact that very large majority of the
officers who care for their permanent
success and an efficient National
Guard pronounce this system decided
success. They argue that it cements
into distinct service soldier element
of State, and creates a State "a well
as local pride In the militia. OF course
| there is more or less criticism at this
| first attempt at division organization
and discipline, but the causes for it will
doubtless not exist at the next encamp-
ment. The division dress parade of
yesterday aud the review of the troops
| by the Governor to-day have clearly
demonstrated the superiority of the
division system, crude though it may
be as yet. The few defects of yester-
day both officers and men were quick
to take advantage of to-day, and the
sixteen regiments, composing the
National Guard, passed in review
before the Executive of the State this
evening in Us perfect condition As that
number of soldiers in any military
service in this country, regular or vol
unteer, ever presented upon like oc-
casion' 1t would have been iinpossi-
BILE to have brought this force together
in any such creditable condition had 1t
not been for the discipline of this
camp, and the spirit of rivalry created
by bringing the different commands
in competition. While the white
tents dot the hills, and the soldiers are
still in camp, everything is in busy
prepara ton for the march homeward.
THE GOVERNOR ARRIVES.
The last day of the encampment has
been in every respect all that could he
wished for. The weather was delight
full, and everything passed off harmon
iously and to the entire satisfaction Of
the soldiers, as we'll rs of those who
collected to witness the first review of
the National Guard in division forma-
ton. Doubtless more than 200 citi-
zens from different parts of the State
were present at the review this evening.
Thousands came by the many special
trains run to the camp, and other
drove in in their own conveyances
from the surrounding country. AS
many as 1000 vehicles We're upon the
ground when the review took place
The lowlands along the river were
lined with people Oh foot, and the sur
rounding hills were one bank of cur.
riagrs. The Governor left Harrisburg
this morning at o'clock in special
train, accompanied by large number
of friends, including n number of ladies'
He arrived before 10 o'clock and was
met at the depot by Adjutant-General
Latta; Colonel Reed, Surgeon General;
Colonel A. Wilson Norris, Judge Ad-
vocate; Colonel Emick, aid; Colonel
Thomas j. Smith, commissary; Lieu
tenant-Colonel Hassinger, Assistant
Adjutant-tieueral, and other members
of his staff, and company of cavalry.
He mounted an elegant gray horse and
rode direct to the camp. Here he was
received by Major-General Hartranft
and was honored with salute of seven
teen guns. Almost Immediately after
his arrival he and General Hartranft,
with their respective staffs, in
spected the entire camp. After din
ner, several hours was spent in receiv-
ing friends who called to pay their re-
spects to the Executive, and several
times during the afternoon there was
a congregation of distinguished indi-
viduals at headquarters. EX-Gover-
nor Curtin was conspicuous figure in
the throng. So was Senator George |
Handy Smith and James McManes,
Of Philadelphia, who has had his first |
soldier experience by spending two
doSS III Saulps =. w. bOSler anu
Lemuel Todd, of Carlisle, were fire.
luently in the gathering about the
Governor. Ex-Congressman B. F.
Meyers was present and many other
citizens well known in politics and
The military history of the State. All
grades of politics were represented in
he throng that gathered to witness
he closing scenes of the encampment,
md all expressed themselves as de-
lighted with them.
THE GRAND REVIEW.
Before four o'clock the different regi-
nents began to form at regimental
headquarters, and the beating of
irums and the strains of music from
vi parts of the camp drew attention to
he busy and novel scene that these
peaceful hills presented. Before five
'clock all three brigades, as well as
he artillery and two companies of
avalry, were in position on the parade
round ready for review. General
1artranft rode out when the troops
'egan to form and witnessed the pre-
'arations for the Governors review.
shortly after five O'Clock the Cover
lor with his staff rode to the troops