Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-07-16
H0WITzERS IN CAMP.
ouR RED cANNoNeERs BEGIN THEIR
OUTING At OCEAN VIEW.
Roor Ffshsrmsn bat Expers swiuhmers-
Freaks at the Awkward squsd-Fan
AID Disclpiiae Combined.


V&E&N EN 0Nt Ats-sat -
rooster which attempted to arouse the
Howitzers at daybreak this morning soon
found that he had more than he bareained
for. and although he crowcd long and
Justify his efforts were OF no avail. for
every artiIloryman was firmly locked in the
embrace of Morpheus. In fact, nothing
short OF the booming of a cannon which
thundercd forth at $50 o'clock could
arouse the soldier lads, and when the rife
pcalcd out It's loud notes the camp sprung
into instant life. Almost in q moment
half.dressed hgnres began to show them
selves. while several hardy individuals,
wrapped in red blankets a Ia Comanche
Indian, sauntered around amidst the dcwy
grass. and. absolutely imperyious 10 the
effects Of the weather, placldly surveyed
their surroundings. The wash basins were
Ill placed on wooden stands In front OF
the tents. and when the sleepers were
aroused a tremendous splashing OF water
and shifting Of soap ensued.
NOT A MAN SICK.
Faces were hastily and vigorously
scrubbed in the aqueous substance and
blue coats and trousers were donned ia the
twinkling of an oye. Then Bugler Lynch
footed his sonorous horn and rou-can toi-
lowed. Every man responded and when
the sick call came DR.. Hoge realized mat
no had naught TO do.
In the small hours OF the morning the
stiffness was unbroken y for our and
nsught married the bliss of the siumberers,
except the pranks Of one belligerent gang,
who saw ct TO arise from their beds anu
give vent 20 tho Howitzer yell, which runs
after this fashions;
"Boom, boom. boom,
Give Us room.
Richmond Howitzcrs: boom, boom, boom
First Battalion. Battery A., Richmond Howitzers,
Hay, hay, hay.
The enthusiasm Of the enterprising mu-
sicians was not appreciated as ~ should
have been, and, as q reward for their en-
ergy, the mutilators Of the atmosphere
were given doubie-guard duty.
A CELESTIAL SIGBr-RoBE.
The night was delightfully."- cool. and the
quarters. despite q heavy rain which bad
fallen on the previous day, were decidedly
comfortable.
Dr.. Hoge. who IL known In military par
lance as MAJOR" was the cynosure Of all
eyes when he donned his robe de nuf, which
he obtained while on his trip to the Celes-
tial Kingdom. The garment Is decidedly
Chinese in its appearance and strongly
suggestive OF Monaghan laundiies. The
Doctor is certainly a jovial companion. and
his presence sheds u lustre on any assem-
blage which he adorns.
The breakfast served the Howitzers was
"a thing of beauty and q Joy forever" or
rather q 10Y that lasted until dinner. when
additional happiness was added to the lot
of the cannoneers.
A POOL CATCH.
Before moor the ocean was dotted with
boats. and for out on the shimmering
waters the fery-red and navy-blue OF the
artillery uniform could be seen twinkling
over the waves. The whole battery went
fishing. and as q result of this unprece-
dented onslaught on the fnny tribe a total
number of three piscatorial uDfortunates
were landed. More wonld have been cap
tured. but the Howitzers were too kind
hearted to subject the fish toundue suffer
ing. The colored boatmen who rowed the
~cannoneers were less sympathetic than
their patrons, and they hauled out the ma
rine monsters in q manner and with a
speed that caused the eyes of the soldier
lads 10 bulge with surprise and admira-
ton.
RARE BATHING SUITS.
Some OF the members of the battery
would not think of wearing q coat which
did not TT them like Q glove. and yet these
same fellows cast aside all regard for sar-
torial art when they doIned their bathing
suits, and their costumes were like unto
the earb of "a Manchester ragamuftp.
But personal appearance is q matter OF but
little regard when one Is on such an out
ing as this. and the swimmers enjoyed
themselves immensely and in the exuber-
snce of their spirits swallowed any amount
OF brine.
THE K-K-KLAN.
There is q rumor afloat that the "awk-
ward suuadn will shortly be recognized
aud after their formation the usual
number Of Klu-Klux freaks may DO ex-
pected and apprehended.
Accident policies on big-toes will be sold
In anticipation of their appearance, u
the strictest lookout will be kept for the
marauders.
Private w. NJ. Myers is the "chirpiest."
l~iveliest fellow at Ocean View, and he has
already had ten days fun. and in order to
insure his future happiness during the rest
of the trip he ~contenpiates giving O mort
gage on his prospects for Heaven.
First-Sergeant w. MEG. Fisher is with
ont doubt the hustler" Of the party, and
he has a most wonderful knack at looking
after other peoples welfare and making
himself agreeable at the same time. He is
a frst-elass soldier, who knows his duty
and attends to it. yet manages TO enjoy
himself and see the brightest side OF life.
A DIscIPLISARIAN.
Major Simons appears TO have gotten
ten years younger since his arrival here.
He feels that he should make some apology
for his merriment aud SO he sternly an
nounces that the boys needn't think they
will have nothing TO do during their en-
campment as the military routine viii be
strictly carried out. And 30 1t will, and
the merry artillerymen know it, too. but
what is better still. they know the art OF
Living while they live" and this happy
faculty will alleviate their :nardships.
They are not afraid Of work and each man
will do his duty when occasion requires
By tonight everything connected with
the camp will be IN perfect order and the
drills and target-practice will soon CON-
mence. T.. II. G.