Los Angeles herald., 1891-08-30
HAPPY GUARDSMEN.
"reminiscences of Life at
Camp johnson.
The Boys Lived and Worked
Like Real Soldiers.
Glowing Praises of Officers, Men and
the Camp.
An Opinion From a Regular Army On
cer-GOod Discipline Showa-Col.
Schreiber's Statement and
His Story.

Schreiber's Statement and
His Story.
The most successful encampment ever
held since the organization of the
National guard in this part Of the state
was brought to close at o'clock Mon
day morning last, and the Broadway
armory has again assumed its wonted
lively appearance in the evenings when
the boys assemble for drill, and Incl
dentally swap "reminiscences of their ex-
ploits during the nine days sojourn by
the sea.
When Lieutenant Steere's detach-
ment fred the gun which was the signal
to "strike camp" not an officer or en-
listed man in the entire brigade
did not sincerely regret the breaking up
of their temporary homes, and many
then and there expressed desire that
they might remain on even a month
longer.
In the opinion of all the officers who
visited the encampment, from the COM
mander-in-chief down, Camp johnson
was model worthy in all respects the
emulation of all the other regiments in
the state.
The primary idea in the minds of the
officers into whose hands fell the duty
of laying out the camp and arranging
for the work to be done, was to have
everything in conformity with military
regulations, and how admirably they
succeeded in carrying out their plans
is evidenced by the opinions given by
Captain O'Connell, first infantry, U. s.
A., who, when asked what he thought
of the encampment, replied: 1T is the
most military have seen this year in
California" This much, coming as it
did from an officer of the regular army,
is highly complimentary to the militia
of Southern California, especially as the
guard of the northern part of this COM
monwealth laid itself out to carry off the
palm this year. 9S.s ss
From the time the bugle sounded the
call for guard mount Saturday the regu-
lar routine was observed, and the men
buckled to the work of cleaning up
camp and getting everything in good
shape, with zeal that showed a desire
to excel in every respect, and it is graft
flying to know that the department of
both officers and men was such as to
call forth the highest encomiums OF
of praise from the regular army officer
detailed to inspect their work.
One of the staff officers, who has had
a wide experience in national guard
matters in other states, said he was
surprised at the work done by both
regiments, and also by the signal corps.
'In my opinion" said he, ''the camp
was of greater benefit to the Ninth regi-
ment than to the Seventh, for this rea-
son: The various companies of the
Ninth are scattered, it being
impossible to get them together for
drill, while three and sometimes
four companies of the Seventh have
come together for battalion drill, and
under the instruction of Colonel Schrei-
ber have gained great proficiency in
battalion movements. The officers of
the Seventh are far ahead of the Ninth
in their knowledge of tactics used in
battalion and division movements, but
as far as the enlisted men are concerned
there is no choice between the two regi-
ments. One thing l observed that is
especially worthy of mention. The men
invariably recognized the presence of a
commissioned officer by the proper salute
and there was a general desire mani
tested to observe all military regula-
tions. The camp was a model from
every standpoint. DR.. Lane, of the
governors staff, pronounced the sanitary
arrangements better than any he had
seen at state camp and at the inspec-
tions the personal appearance of the
men, and their tents and equipments,
were OF the highest order"
Colonel William G. Schneider said of
his command: ''As far as the Seventh
is concerned, we learned at least one
thing thoroughly, and that was guard
duty. The boys were up to the mark
every time, and am proud of the work
done by them. Although every man
went in for good time, their be-
havior was admirable, and no trouble
was experienced in any regiment at any
time during the encampment. With
but two or three exceptions, the men
returned to camp at the required hour
every night.
''I have good story to tell you on
the Ninth regiment. The day Governor
Markham was to arrive both regiments
we're ordered out to meet him at the
depot. Colonel Spileman, being my
senior, had the right of the line, and Of
course was to act with his regiment as
immediate escort to the governor and
party.
"When the assembly sounded the
Seventh was Immediately formed out
side the company streets, but the
Ninth did not make its appear
ance on time, and as the
hour for the arrival of the train was
close at hand / was ordered BY Colonel
Butler to proceed Immediately to the
depot. Away we started, and had just
reached the station when the train
pulled in. had orders then to escort
the governor, and we started back for
camp. When about half way on the re-
turn march along came the Ninth, un-
der command of Lieut.. Col. Bryant.
He tried hard to swing in ahead and take
the right of the line from me, but great
ly TO his chagrin was ordered to
fall in behind my regiment. Mad :?
You never saw madder man in your
life. The entire Ninth regiment was
sore over their mishap, and the boys of
the Seventh kept up their discontinue
BY an incessant guying."
One of the hardest working ornanixa-
tionn ~ ~ INN vwaa kho 03os,oI~ <,&rv,o