Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-05

to center and a general feeling that service in
the National Guard of the District of Columbia
was not always what it was cracked up to be,
pervaded the entire battalion.
THE CAMP CHRISTENING.
An interesting ceremony was performed at
noon yesterday in the observance of all the
| ceremonies incident to the naming and proper
designation of the camp. The rain having
stopped and every appearance Of clear weather
being indicated, the major issued orders for
the battalion to assemble at IL o'clock noon to
witness the raising of the flag and to hear the
formal announcement of the name Of the camp.
The battalion was drawn up in line and with
present guns and the officers saluting.
the camp was formally named by Maj George
A. Bartlett camp Cecil Clay" in honor Of the
commander of the second regiment Of the Dis
trlct of Columbia National Guard. The boys
cheered again and again as the post flag
futtered out to the breeze. and it was plainly
evident that Col. Cecil Clay, whatever may be
rank and file of the sixth battalion. The cere-
nony was very impressive one, and those
who witnessed it could not fail to realize its
importance.
The action Of the management at Bay Ridge
has been particularly gratifying to the men,
bers of the sixth battalion. Everything that
could be offered within the range of reason has
been rendered in the way of assistance and ad-
vice by the Bay Ridge Hotel Company.
ARRANGING FOR RIFLE PRACTICE.
Capt Horton and Lieut.. Vale have been very
busy in arranging for rifle practice, but there
have been many difficulties so far encoun-
tered. The chances are that the battalion will
have to do little marching to and fro from
the range, an eligible site is difficult to Sc
cure within easy distance Of the camp. There
are any number of fine locations around the
Bay Ridge grounds. but their proximity to the
hotel and the possibility of danger arising
from stray shots has induced Lieut.. Vale to
look outside the grounds for a site which will
eliminate all Objectionable features
The discipline Of the camp is well nigh per-
feet The redoubtable adjutant has put West
Point dress on everything. Maj. Bartlett, who
is one of the most unassuming officers in the
National Guard and almost entirely devoid of
any Inclination for putting on frills," feels
somewhat embarrassed at the display made in
his honor whenever he takes turn around the
camp. The guard is turned out, arms pre-
sented, salutes, &c, whenever the major puts
IN an appearance.
The medical department is in fine shape, and
Surgeon Woodman feels glorious over the al
most entire absence of any one on the sick list
There have been a few cases of slight indispo-
sition arising from change of diet and water,
hut beyond this the health of the camp is ex-
cellent- HE doctor is pleased beyond measure
at the condition of affairs in his department.
COL CLAWS TELEGRAM.
At supper on Tuesday evening Adjutaut Nc.
Dowell read the following telegrsm from the
colonel commanding:
Washington, D. c..
August 4, 1891
Maj. Geo. A. Rartlett, Commanding sixth bat
TALON, Camp Cecil Clay. Ray Ridge. Md:
J am touched by yDnr giving camp my
name. The latter. like all else entrusted 70 it,
is safe in .ha hands of the ever-raliab'e sixth
Cecil CLAY,
Colonel Second Regiment
The en{hnsiaspn created hy the readipp NJ
this telegram was unbounded. If Col Clay
had been present he would never have had the
slightest doubt rs to the loyalty of the sixth
battalion and its devotion to the interests of
the second regiment.
The camp is full Of newspaper correspond
ents from Baltimore and other cities, who are
interchangeable in their search after news apper-
tanning to the camp.
The boys beginning to get acquainted
with the beauties and attractions Of the place,
grounds without finding them represented.
Bathing was largely INDUCED in yesterday after
noon by number of them.
The officer of the day Yesterday was Capt.
Riley of company b. fourth battalion, attached,
and the senior and junior officers of the guard
were. respectively. Lieuts. j. 5. TominsOn of
the Treasury Guards and Lieut.. McCauley Of
company 4.
Extended order drill was The feature of yes
terday afternoon. Capt. Wilson Of company c
being in command of the detachment.
Dress parade was executed in fine style and
received favorable comment from several
prominent military men who were present. An
instructor of tactics connected with South
Carolina military institution. located at
Charleston. sc, expressed himself in hearty
terms OF commentator and admiration at the
close OF the ceremony.
DIR. Berryhill of Washington arrived last
evening and spent few hours very pleasantly
at headquarters