Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-05-24
The Indianapolis Militia Tournament

AMe AhOAaAaPOAAS ml11t1a tournament
From the Chicago Times. u
At no previous time, probably, in the history
Of the republic has there been that general in
terest displayed in the volunteer military ser
vice as at present. Before the rebellion nu-
merous independent companies existed through
out the country, but there was a wide diverg-
ence as to tactics aud no uniformity among the
troops as to any of athe other conditions of drill
and dress The case Isl now entirely different.
State troops are generally massed into regi-
ments. and as far as practicable the service is
Of Massachusetts,, Rhode Island, Connecti-
cut, New York, Pennsylvania, New jersey.
Michigan and California, the troops are fur
nished with state uniform and the mill
tary establishments are fostered and super
entire body of Pennsylvania state troops IN
Washington at the Inauguration Of President
Garfield. presenting numbers equal to an ordi-
nary division in the field, having q uniform ap-
pearance throughout, called out glowing COM
pliment from General Sherman and other army
officers This opinion, as affecting bodies OF
state troops, was even more fully confirmed BY
the appearance of New Jersey, New York and
Connecticut troops at Yorktown. After witness
ing the battalion evolutions aud dress parade
of the LIST Connecticut, Mr.. Archibald Forbes, the
war correspondent declared that he had never
witnessed greater precision in any of the regular
forces of Europe. This grade Of Improvement is
being displayed in very nearly all the states OF
the Union and the public possessesat this time
great national force, Homogeneous throughout.
This is especially truefrom tactical standpoint
The regular army and the state troops follow
Upton very closely, and New Orleans and New
York companies could be thrown together with
out any difference in their method Of drill or
character OF evOlutiOns. In this view, military
tournaments are yearly growing more frequent
and of greater magnitude, and the belief is now
expressed that with national law bearing upon
the subject yearly encampments will take place,
which will be attended by all the principal bodies
of state troops in the country. During the pres
ent summer four or five important gatherings of
volunteer soldery have been announced; the
most pretentiOus one, however, Is that to be held
at indianapolis, from July to 6, inclusive. Very
liberal prizes are to be offered for skilled drilling
and the prospect now seems assured that crack
organizations from all sections of the country
Will be present and that the representation will
Oe more general than on any previous occasion
The Chickasaw Guards Of Memphis and the Por-
ter Rifles OF Nashville, two Of the finest organi-
cations In the south, have expressed an inten-
ton to be present to compete; the indication
now is that the Seventh New York regiment
acknowledged to be the leading organization OF
the country, both in drill and character of
membership rp. viii be present. Colonel EN-
specting the trip, writes as follows: 1.-THE
"Trip Will be pretty hard one II hot weather,
as in the centennial summer should set in
The project is now being voted on and 1t
looks as though there would be majority in
favor Of the trip. The expenses have been fig-
ured down to about $50 aman. Any deficiency
will be made up from the funds Of the regiment.
The program IL to leave New York on Mon
day afternoon, July8 8. The regiment win arrive
at Indianapolis on the AFTERNOON Of the 9Th. and
go into camp for two days, leaving the camp in
time to arrive home 0nths following Saturday. !"
II the regiment makes the journey the occasion
will be q memorials, one In demonstrating the
degree Of excellence which can be attained by
volunteer regiment. General Carnahan. the
Adjutant General Of Indiana, has had active CON
troll OF the Indianap0lts tournament, and has
labored assiduously TO make the affair success
N all it's features, and he seems likely to be able
to do so.