Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-08-21

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A opieudid 0occsss.

respect "a the one which Is Ia progress
the present week. Ofiicers and men
have worked together In the creates, hsr-
mopy. and all have exerted themselves 70
the common end. that the Maine militia
he q crsdl. TO Itself and the State. TIE
men made hne appearance when
they frat came into eapp showing that
they had not forgotten the lessons OF
the previous year Since going Into
camp an evident determination To itn-
prove has been manifest On the part OF
I'll. Officers and men can work with
greater zeal under favorable than una.
yorsble conditions and certainly the
former have been afforded during the
past four days az regards weather, con
ditions OF camp. harmony All enthusiasm.
The wisdom OF the purchase OF the
present muster ground is more and
more marked with each encampment.
4 more heaithfal spot could not have
been fixed upon, or one better calculated
by reason Of It's surroundings TO stimu-
late the pride OF the soldier. Its loca-
ton Is one OF the finest In the whole
country and no midsummer day ia 40
hot that cool breeze ia not found here.
With the acquisition OF this delightful
spot for the purposes OF the Maine
militia q pride In perfecting its natural
surroundings Was Immediately awak-
sned. While opportunities for great
outlay OF money weren't afforded
there WAS much which only re-
quired the personal attention OF
Of those in charge be obtain fscili-
ties that few years ago were
not thought OF. Gen. Sprague has all
along demonstrated his fitness for the
position Of adjutant general and to the
needed additions at the State muster
field In common with his other duties he
has devoted untiring efforts. Early and
late he Is found In readiness for every
call. Excellent quarters for officers and
men, facilities for preparing and serving
rstions, better provisions for the sick.
perfected sanitary arrangements, these
and many more are the improvements
that have been obtained rather through
the energy and good will Of those inter
ested than from any great expenditure
of money.
The paat four days have been fair,
aud the opportunity for efficiently drill
Ing the troops has been employed to the
best advantage. The impartial criti.
cisms OF Lieut.. Hatch. and his willing
ness TO bestow commendation where
uFsti nav btth tNNtliNiN tuAbpis ~
encouraging the men to do better each
day. Stricter attention to details,
greater accuracy Ia all movements. and.
above all, awakened interest In the
work OF the soldier, are features daily
more and more marked. Under such
conditions It ls not surprising that the
men evince higher conception OF the
Importance Of their training and diseip'
line and OF their duty to the State.
General John Harper long since won
the reputation for being ever in at.
tendance on his mulrifarious duties as
Inspector general In these respects
the present muster affords no excep-
lions and the demands upon his atten-
ton are Increasing les needless TO say
that they are executed with such
promptness and precision ~ to admit OF
no mistake.
In each OF the two regiments the
mutual pride which the officers have in
their men aud the men in their officers
is to be commended. Colonies Brett
and Kendall are to be congratulated on
having under them men SO willing to
respond to their able efforts, which are
so well seconded by the subordinate
officers.
Another noticeable feature is the en-.
tire lack Of grumblipg on the part OF
the men with respect to the food that
n provided. To work with vim sub
stsntial and we'll cooked food is neees-
sary, and the laborious task Of caring
for these details could not have fallen
into better charge than is exercised by
Commissary General Philbrook.
Special mention should be made with
reference to most excellent results at
tanned in rifle practice under the efficient
direction Of Colonel + c. harrington.
inspector of rife practice. The Maine
militia have long attracted wide atten-
ton from the number of skilled marks
men contained therein and the fine scores
thus far made together with marked
proficiency generally displayed are sub
iects for favorable comment.
The new features that have been added
to the Ambulance Corps and the pride
which the men of this body display
In their work are most noticeable and
creditsble alike to them and their efiici
ent. popular commander, Captain Riker,
All along there have been many visi'
tors in camp, including distinguished
military men Of this and other states.
Their. criticisms whether publicly OF
privately expressed have been most fat
tering. Governor Burleigh has been ia
daily attendance. and expresses himself
a. highly gratified with the excellent
prcgrsss Of the troops In their annua
encAmpmsnt work and the grand success,
that attends the present muster.