The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-10-04

competitive drills, but this kind of military
exercise had evidently been pursued more
than others. The police of the camp at first,
according to the Inspecting officer, was
simply Wretched and in striking contrast
With that Of the United States troops" and
kept. But the militia formed "a splendid
body Of young and intelligent men" and
their company drill, very good throughout,
vas in some instances excellent.
la lieutenant of the Twenty
third Infantry accompanied each Colo
ael of Texas regiment in battalion
drills, correcting errors and instructing in
our troups of cavalry, and light battery
we're present to show how professional
soldiers caro- for themselves while in the
Held. Lectures were given daily to the
militia officers on practical subjects and
here was no question in the inspecting of
been derived by the militia from the pres
ence and instructions of the regulars, nor
II the much greater benefit that might
some from . repetition Of the experiment.,
In Pennsylvania, where also the regulars
we're represented BY all three arms, the
National Guard was far In advance OF Texas
n acquaintance with guard duty, battalion
Rand brigade movements. and so on. Yet at
Mount Gretna also the benefit OF the joint
WAS apparent. The great
interest taken in the camp BY the
var department was shown by order
1nR thither the two troops of cavalry from
Fort Myer, Turnbull's light battery from
rem Fort Hamilton, and two omPanies of
he Eleventh Infantry, under Lieut.. Col.
3ush, from Madison barracks. Col III. G.
Gibson, Third Artillery, was assigned to
he command of the regulars, and no fewer
han three inspecting officers were ordered
70 inspect the camp. Their reports give a
cry favorable account of the Pennsylvania
National Guard, while the impression is
left that the presence of the regulars was
beneficial, one Of the inspecting officers,
apt. G. B. Sears of the Engineer Corps,
[tuRResting, that it would be better, instead
battalion of infantry, to send whole
|e0iment to Mount Gretna with its band.
In Iowa, the Second Infantry, under Col.
Wheaton,, proceeding from Fort Omaha,
ncamped with the state national guard
throughout the entire month of August.
our companies were at the Cedar Rapids
amp from Aug. 2 to Aug. l6, and then al
.es Moines from Aug. % to Aug: 20; while,
AXE camp from Aug. 16 TO Aug. % and
hen with the first four companies at Des
toines. A more thorough discharge Of it's
uties to the national guard of Iowa could
lot b asked. and hearty praise is accorded
10 1t BY the state forces. In Michigan four
EomPsnies Of the Nineteenth Infantry,
FOL. 9. 81. Smith commanding, with the
land and part Of. the hospital corps, not
My attended the militia camp, but, g Col.
NTH reported. Participated in all mill
ary duties except brigade drill. having
he right Of the line" IN iuspections and
= mounting guard the regular officers gave
aRgeations to the Iowa troops and the
|ensf!ts Of the joint sncampment were un-
fashionable: In Vermont accompany Of
lao Eleventh Infantry from Plattsburo
arracke encamped with the state militia III
redford and gave exhibitions Of drilling,
lille the state troops watched them. In
'ftsconain the Third Infantry and the
ational Guard engaged in rifle practice at |
amp Douglas.
Judging from al the reports, the system
~ joint encampments, as practioed during
~ year, has amply justified its sstablieh. |
ient. While citizen soldiers cannot Be put |
pom the plane Of regulars in all respects. |
'asy can learn much from assooiatine With |
lem "a camp, and by having Z common |
.odel the forces Of the different states Win |
.s9 be brought into greater harmony With
Psch other. The system 10 therefore likelv |
Y oe continued, and perhaps il may lead 70 |
t,mbined annual manoeuvres on 8 ecale
hich will afford useful practice to Amy
0cefs ~ well a. to the National Guard.