The Portland daily press., 1885-02-21
PoRTLAND MECHANIC BLUES.
The Reception aud Hall Given to the
Yarmouth Rifies.


Yesterday the Portland Mechanic Blues
gave their annual drill at City Hall, and also
received as guests the Yarmouth Rifles, who
took part in the drill and the ball which fol-
lowed.
The Rifles arrived in the city by the after
noon train, and we've received at the Grand
Trunk station by the Blues with open ranks
and the usual military courteses. The line
was then formed as follows:
Chandler's Band.
Portland Mechanic Blues Capt. Davis
Yarmouth Rifles, Capt. Merrill.
The route to the Falmouth Hotel-the head
quarters of the Rihes-was filled with specta-
tors who commented favorably on the soldierly
bearing and good marching of the two COM
mands.
The original enlistment papers OF the Var
mouth Rifles were signed by 81 men, and on
July 81, 1888. 40 men we're enrolled under the
supervision of Capt. N. D. Winslow of the
Portland Cadets, assisted by DR.. James M.
Bates, formerly of the 18th Maine Volunteers.
The Rifles participated in the reception of the
Hartford City Guards, in this city July 80,
1884. acted as escort for W. L. Haskell Post G..
A. r., on Memorial Day, and have given cred
liable exhibition drills at various places dur
ing the brief history Of the organization. They
are fine looking BODY of men, tall, we'll set
up, and admirably adapted to military exer-
else. The average height of the picked drill
squad is six feet. The company now numbers
46 men, and is well-eQuipped with breech-load-
Jog rifles of the Springfield pattern. The uni
forms are of cadet gray, trimmed with gilt
braid. The roster is as follows:
Captain-F. B. Merrill.
First Lieutenant-F A. Pendexter
Second Lieutenant III. A. Merrill.
Sergeants-W. B. Allen, F. W. Russell, F. A.
Hale, f. A. True.
Corporals-G. M. Lowering G. H. True Z. Black
ID. W. Frye, +. G. Moody, s. M. Seabury.
Privates Edward Russell and Edward L. Ba-
ker wear the "crack shot badges" of the COM
pany.
After dinner the Rifles visited the Blues ar
mory and later made a short parade OF the
streets In the evening there was large par
ty assembled in City Hall, and from to 9 p.
m. Chandler's orchestra discoursed the follow.
ing fine programme, which was warmly ap-
plauded.
Overture-The Silver Bell. Schleperrell
Seectlon-La Mascotte. .Audran.
Medley-Bric Brac. .Missud.
Selection-Iolanthe. Sullivan
rrohc-Medley.. Damn
After the concert the two comp anies march
ed into the hall amidst the warm applause of
the audience, following which came the COM
pany movements executed by the two COM
mands separately. To each company much
praise must be awarded. The Rifles showed
much precision, the result of careful drill, and
the Blues were up to the standard, and were
especially good in oblique movements. Then
came the excellent bayonet drill of the Rifles,
followed by the manual without command, by
the Blues. The drill was witnessed by Mayor
King and a number of invited guests, as vel.
as BY the military, and evoked frequent ap-
plause.
The drill over, dancing was in order, and
was continued until a late hour, the order in
clading twelve dances. Capt. G. W. Davis
was floor director, ably assisted by Lieut.. J. L.
Tryon and Sergeants J. B. Marsh and M A.
Ross, with privates J. W. Mountfort, W. G.
Hale and f. D. MCCARTHY. The dance orders
were very pretty and in excellent taste.