Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-12
THE MAIN ARMORY.

8tence, most OF the time working
under great disadvantages, the troop has a
fine foundation and Is assured of permanent
life. The meeting on the 18th was enthu-
siastic one and on the Goth of the same month
80 men signed their names and we're sworn in
by Gen. Ordway In person. The organization
was Incorporated as The Presidents Troop
and was mustered into the National Guard on
December Is as the first separate company
At the time of mastering In Mr. Harrison s.
Barbour elected second lieutenant and
commanded the troop from that position until
after the return from camp last August, when
he was elected captain and the other officers
we're elected
BOTH MILITARY AND CIVIC.
The troop necessarily has had from the start
. military and a civic organization. The orig
inal civic officers were: A. W. Ferguson. presi-
dent; John p. Shepherd, vice president; War
der Worries. secretary; W. A. Percy, treas
urer. and William G. 0berteuffer, financial
secretary.
just at present II. E. Mitchell has the honor
OF being president of the organization, while
the other officers are: Vice president, Louis
L. Henry; recording secretary. John j. Linney,
and treasurer, j. Frank Minor.
After the organization in December, sS,
plenty of good hard work was the order Of the
day for the newly hedged company Only
about SIX weeks remained before the 4th of
March, when 1t was the intention to dazzle the
multitude by the appearance of thoroughly
the short time given IL was of course lmpo,-
sible to accomplish everything. but Just at this
time the troop fell heir to a huge piece of luck
and for the short time in which they had
drilled together their appearance on the 4th
was satisfactory every way
COOP FORTUNE.
The piece Of luck referred to was the acoui-
sitiou of Sergeant Major Rennie of the regular
cavalry service to act as drill inspector. At
this time very few of the company knew even
the first principles of military tactics, bu.
through the untiring efforts of Sergeant Rem
nIe, aided by the hearty cooperation of officers
and men. the troop rapidly advanced in knowl-
edge. Drills were held three times week,
the nrst mounted drill being held on Feb
ruary ~, this being the only appear
snce OF the troop in parade
prior TO the Attn of March. The men we're put
through thorough course OF exercises at the
riding school. besides having a saber and car
bine drill. Since the 4th Of March the troop
has appeared at all the parades in which the
National Guard has turned out, besides accom-
panyIng that body TO the first camp last summer.
Inc record made at camp last year was
an excellent one. only one drill being missed
IN spite OF the bad weather. The troop besides
rode from Washington TO Fort Washington and
on returning used the same method of locomo-
ton in spite of Gen. Ordway's offer to send them
aud their horses back on the boat The troop
mustered thirty-two men in camp, and the vim
and energy displayed In the attention to drill
helped the company greatly in the perfection
Ok their maneuvers The question Of a good
time, however, was not neglected by the cav
airy troop at Camp Ordway and many a frolic
aud many wild ride caused the troopers to
forget the weather and the hard drills.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
1t is really rather remarkable that the pres
snt troop was able TO withstand the discourage
ments which it met with in the first year of
their existene-. Their armory up to the first Of
On the secopd floor Of the Light Infantry
Armory. which necessitated carving heavy
saddles and other more warlike implements IN
several flights of st~irs. This naturally had a
depressing effect on the men, but in spite of
al they hung together and steadily improved
in their drill and discipline. At the last an
nuai inspection the company took seventh
sosation with an average Of 81 per cent