Western cyclone. [volume] (Nicodemus, Kan.) 1886-1887, 1886-10-07
THE ENCAMPMENT OVER.
Camp phil Sheridan" Deserted by the X B..
N G.

N G.
JUNCTION CITY, KAN, September 25.-TO-
day the second annual encamPment of the
Kansas National guards closed. The First,
Second and Third regiments left Friday
night after the sham battle, the Fourth re-
naming in camp until to-day, when they
broke up. The encampment has been a very
satisfactory one indeed. The provisions
furnished were much better than last year.
The commissary tent was amply large
for the stores, and 80 we'll did the officer in
charge attend to tho issuing of supplies, that
not word of dissatisfaction was heard.
The last two days of the encampment were
lively ones. On Thursday morning at sun
rise the guns Rwoke the boys to "fGll in for
roll call" and hard days work.
At o'clock all the companies had called
the roll and reported. At 7:30 one could see
the drill grounds dotted here and there with
companies under drill. At $50 the bugle
sounded for assembly, which meant an in
spection of equipment and guns by Colonel
Compton, commanding Fort Riley. The
regiments were all inspected in their order
Colonel Compton cOmplimented the re-
spective colonies of each regiment upon
their fine appearance the third regiment
especially. Colonel Compton impressed
upon the officers and men of each company
the necessity of keeping their equipment in
perfect order, especially their guns. he
stating that the guns were ofthe finest quail
ty and make, and that, for that reason, great
care should be exercised in handling them.
After each regiment was dismissed from
inspection, the companies intending to enter
the competitive prize drill, were taken to
the drill ground and were met by three
officers detailed from the fort "a judges.
The result of the drill was that the first prize
was awarded to company A of Topeka.
When the company appeared on the
ground there was general rush for q
chance to see one of the doubtful companies
drill they being Ottawa. Olathe and Tope-
ka). Upon their stopping on the grounds
there was general greeting which inspired
the boys with hope and courage. The com
pany appeared with thirty two men in line,
but before commencing their drill two fours
we're ordered TO stack arms. and the picked
tventy-four we're drawn up IN line. Pre-
saratory to entering the contest Captain
Needham spoke to the boys, impressin0
upon them the necessity Of paying strict at
tention TO commands.
At113O O'Clock the judges stepped upon
the ground. and after consulting with the
captain. ordered him 10 proceed with the
drill. If at any time during the drill Capt.
Needham showed signs OF nervousness, it
was when he ordered the boys 10 go ward
tours right" But the signs soon disap-
peared when the boys commenced their
OTlLIy LOT 50 COLLSCt dA4h CfA4A Ltl. Nlu lIc4
move that they soon impressed those watch
inc them with confidence.
Their drill can only be appreciated and
understood by those who saw their move
ments.
The executions were so perfect that even
the regular United States soldiers, that were
spectators, encored them, especially their
marching by single and double rank, wheel
ing, double quick time By fours. and the
manual. The executions were so well done,
that, upon their retiring from the field.
they received an ovation, such as is seldom
witnessed. All these demonstrations did
not set the minds of the boys at ease, for
they were aware that while they must Ger
tainly have drilled well, yet they knew they
had dangerous opponents in the Ottawa and
0lathe companies,