Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-04-14

The Prize DrIlI-A splendid Contest
Followed by a Pleasant Hep.

Last evening the Armory Of the Irish
Jasper Greens presented a brilliant and at
tractive scene, the occasion being the sn-
nual prize drill of the company. which was
to be followed by a hop. The hall was
tastefuily decorated with flags and bunting.
Seats were provided for the spectators, and
all were occupied some time before the
commencement of the contest. The at
tendance of the fair sex was very large, and
exceedingly fsttering to the gallant corps.
We noticed among those present represen-
tattves from all the commands in the city,
who seemed to take lively interest in the
contest On stand erected In a convenient
portion Of the ball were stationed the Savan-
nah Volunteer Guards Band, who discoursed
numerous popular airs in their accustomed
fine style during the evening.
At eight o'clock the company, number
ing forty rank and file, were formed
in line, and went through a preliminary
drill for the entertainment of the audience,
and which was very highly enjoyed. The
company evidenced in this exercise in the
msrual 'of arms the thoroughness Of their
instruction, and we are glad to announce
as the verdict of the military men present
that it was exceptionally fine.
The contest was opened few minutes be-
fore nine o'clock with twenty-fOur members
in the ranks. The judges were Colonel Cliff
ford W. Anderson, Captain Robert Fslli-
giant, Captain H. NJ. Branch, Captain P. n.
Ravnal and Captain John Derst.
The company were drilled alternately by
Captain Flannery, Lieutenant Peter REILLY,
Lieutenant James McGrsth and Lieutenant
E. j. Kennedy, and the fact that the contest
lasted over an hour is indicative of the ex-
cellence Of the competitors. The drill was
exceedingly rigid and for the slightest mis-
take a contestant was thrown out. The
following shows the order in which the
members dropped out under the close scru-
tiny of the judges:
Private j. j. Connolly.
2-Corporal McNoonan.
3-Sergeant O'Connor.
4-Private LamOtte.
5-PriVate T. A. Mcmahon.
6-Sergeant Hart.
Private J. T. Mcmahon.
S-Private NJ. Hennessy.
9-Private Houlihan.
10-Private Herman.
11-Private O'Neil.
12-Private Dougherty.
13-Private Laffiteau.
14-PFiVate Vaughn.
15-Private Murphy.
16-Private Mccarthy Dennis.
17-Corporal NJ. McMahon.
1S-Corporal Walsh.
19-PrlVate P. j O'COnnor.
2O-Private P. +. Gleason.
21-Private L. ]. Kelly.
22-Sergeart Daley.
23-Private NJ. A O'Byrne.
24-Sergeant Reynolds.
When the last named five were left on the
floor the interest among the spectators in
creased, and so well matched were they that
one was reluctant to predict who would be
victorious. Finally two dropped out, and
Sergeant Reynolds, Sergeant DAILY and Pri-
vate NJ. A. O'Byrne were alone left 70 battle
for the victory. They were exercised 10 the
manual most Tigidly for several minutes,
when Sergeant Daily made slight mistake,
stepped out, leaving Private O'BYrne and
Sergeant Reynolds to contend for the first
honor. They stood she ordeal manfully,
and it appeared that neither would yield
After going through the manual rapidly and
rigidly for some minutes, Private O'Byrne
made a slight mistake and was ordered out,
leaving Sergeant Reynolds the victor. The
result was greeted with the applause of the
sudieece.
After a shcrt rest the company was re-
formed, when Colonel Anderson addressed
them briefly, complimenting the corps
highly for the splendid exhibition of their
efficiency and skill, and then introduced
Csp;ain Robert Falligant, who, in most elo-
quent and felicltOus style, presented the
prizes TO the three fortunate ones, who had
been summoned to the front and
ceutre. His remarks were peculiarly
appropriate aud beautiful, anu elected
the most enthusiastic applause, and were
exceedingly gratifying to the company.
Private VI. A O'Byrne, in behalf Of the gal
lsDt three, responded ia an exceedingly fe-
licitous style. The awards were as follows:
FIRST prize, as best drilled member Of the
corps, to Sergeant Reynolds gold medal
and an aesthetic clock.
Second priza, to Private NJ. 4 O'BYrne,
as next best drilled soldieT-a r 4 tea set.
Third prize, to Sergeant D as third
best drilled soldier handsC 10 card re-
ceiver.
After the presentation of the prizes the
corps were dismissed, and the floor was
cleared for the hop. For this social pleas
ure the ommittee-LieutenantP Peter Reilly,
Sergeant J. NJ. Reynolds, Corporal NJ. Nc
Mshon, Private 2. j. O'Connor, Private NJ.
A. O'Byrne-had made all necessary ar
rsngements, and being experienced in this
line, the results we're extremely satisfactory
aud ENJOYABLE.
The Terpsichoreau pleasures were con-
tinued until q late hour, and the occasion
will long be remembered by all who had the
good fortune to be present. The Greens
have done themselves infinite credit both
in the drill and in the hop, and we predict
for them future that will surpass the fame
they achieved in the past.