The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-05-31
THE DRILL WEEK.
Summary of the Events of Dedl-
cation Week.
Six Days of the Greatest Attrac-
lions Ever Witnessed in
the South.

Asthere still seems t o be great demand
for review of the events of the great drill
week, The STATESMAN republishes this
morning short summary of the events Of
each day of the week.
The week opened inauspiciously, as a
very heavy rain Monday morning made
things disagreeable and the mud on the
encampment grounds was very bad.
The city was gaily decked out
in streamers, flags and flying colors,
ready to receive her guests. From the
river up the avenue to the capitol the
scene was one of life and animation, and
the futtering of the flags was bewilder-
ing sight. All the trains, of which there
were numberless specials, were packed
and crowded with visitors. Committees
met them at the trains, and they and the
board of comfort quickly disposed of
them in private houses or boarding places.
The programme for the weeks drilling
contained SO many entries in each of the
three classes, the interstate, state and
maiden, that the judges set $3.50 a. m. as
the time when the drilling should begin
each day. The regular order was taken
up promptly at $3.50 o'clock Monday
morning, and with Captain Steever end
Lieutenants Mackay and Gregg as judges,
the following companies, all in the state
class, were drilled: The Victoria Rifles,
the Sealy Rifles, of Galveston, and the
Fort Worth Fencibles in the morning; and
the Austin Greys, the Washington Guard
and the Dallas Rifles in the afternoon
The honors in the days drilling were de-
cidedly In favor of the Washington Guard
the Austin Greys and the SeaIy Rifles.
At $50 O'Clock the most magnificent
dress parade ever seen in the south was
given. There were 1900 state militia
troops in the parade. The United State;
forces, 500 strong, owing to some miscar
riage of orders, did not turn out, but were
in the parades the remaining evenings o.
the week.
At night the most gorgeous and COM
plete display of fireworks ever exhibited
in the south took pace on the grounds
They were designed aud manufactured BY
the famous Pain, of London, and were {
perfect success.
TUESDAY.
1t was found necessary, In order that al
the competing companies might have full
time to complete their drills, to ap-
point a separate set of judge;
for the maiden contest, and the
following United States officers wer
selected; Lieutenants Rivers, George anG
Hay. Of the maiden companies ninete er
were entered, but, on inspection, sever
withdrew from the contest, and the John
sion Guards and Brennan Light Guards
were ruled out. Three companies in THU
class were drilled-Texas Rifles, Make,
Rifles and Dallas Rifles-the Texas Rifle:
securing the best of the contest.
| OF the state companies, the Brennan
Light Guards, Waco Light Infantry, Dial
las Light Guard and the Fayette Guard;
competed, and the Fayette Guards put VI
by far the best drill.
Only one interstate company drilled OF
Tuesday, the San Antonio Rifles. Tn
company showed up splendidly and drilled
well, but from the start it was seen that i
was not winning drill.
The Walsh Zouaves of st. Louis, ther
gave one of their splendid exhibitions
This is fine body of young men, nom
of them being over 81, and their worl
was excellent.
The dress parade of 1000 troops, stat,
and United States, at 6 O'Clock, was
magnificent exhibition. General Stanle!
reviewed the parade, which was formed b.
General Smith, who was in charge of tn
United States camp during the drill.
At night the world famed Gilmore CAV
one of his finished and perfect concerts
1t was grand success.
WEDNESDAY.