The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-11-03
The National DrIll-Its Origin, Pur
poses and Progress.
Washington Post.

| " ton 0eA-
Stray notes from time to time have been
| Published about the National drill to be
held IN this city, commencing on the 3}d
OF next May and continuing eight Days,
closing with general parade OF ,,,ational
guardsmen and special features on Deco
ration Day, May 80 The success OF the
grand military fete is now assured. Moth
ing remains to be done By the promoters
| and organizers Of the drill bus 20 arrange
the details and prepare for a monster
gathering 81 mllitiamen, and SD q b-iel
resume OF the origin, purposes and progress
| OF the proposed military carnival wit he
IN order. The origin of the drill was
chance conversation last july between
District Commissioner Wheatlev and a few
other citizens with Mr.. +. 9. DeLeon who
was managing Secretary OF the big inter
national drill at Mobile, Ala, IN May,
1882. Casual discussion Of an historical
pageant, and Of other magnets TO draw
curious crowds to the National Capital
resulted IN the selection Of a national drill.
with larger prizes than ever before. and
other attractive novelties open to ali regt-
lar volunteer corps in good standing.
Later on 2 committee of citizens was
formed, with C0mmigsioner Wheatlev az
Chairman. Business views Of the matter
were exchanged, and three weeks since Sir
DeLeon was summoned 10 Washiugfor1 E~
his election ~ managing secretary of tie
drill. Recent conferences have develoue5
the plan OF this drill thus: II will b.
open, under proper restrictions, 10 contest
ing infantry, artillery, cavalry and Zonave
corps, regiments, battaiioDs and companie4-
also to cadet corps from military institute
ahq universities, and win prizes Tor indi-
yidual drill Tor volunteers and soldiers of
the regular army. More than $4,000
will be distributed in prizes, ranging from
$500 TO $4,000 each, besides stands Of color
gold, silver and bronze medals and five
individual prizes, ranging from sou 10
500, the prizes to he distributed ov Presf-
dent Cleveland. All soldiers taking psrt
in these contests will be camped about the
Washington manument, unuer the com
mand OF some noted national guar5suan
and the drills VIII take place IN what j.
known as the White lot" lust south oil
the Presidents mansion. Officers OF the
regular army, especially detailed for thai
duty, Will Judge tile drills and make the
programmes OF the several arms d service.
Strict discipline will be preserved in camp.
0eoFge W ashiDgton," the name that has
been chosen for the camp. to emphasize
the national character of The drill and
because this occasion viii be the first since
the war where soldiers from the North and
South unite in honoring the name Of the
hrst President. Special DAYS will be as
slgned, such a. Presidents dav. regiment
day, battalion day, the former for final
adludgment Of prizes. Music will be an
important attraction. Il is expected thar
the most famous bands and drIm corps OF
the country will assemble here, and in adj
aition TO daily drills, nightly promenade,
Dand concerts are proposed, with such
music az Cappa's, Gilmore's, and like
bands. Letters concerning entries Of BAT
taIlons and companies are coming IN fast.
90 lar these represent forty-one companies
from fifteen States North, Soath and West.
ihe names were published yesterday.