The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-06-15
A FEW SUGGESTIONS.
The Use of Canes in Place of Guns at Future
Encampm

Encampments.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: With your
permission ] would like to make some sug-
gestions to the GAR. boys concerning the
Encampments that may be held in the future
In the matter Of using canes for equipments in
drills and parades instead of trying to carry
and handle guns and accouterments. From
what have seen in the business during the
last few years the old soldiers cannot any
longer carry loads parade and do them
selves any credit, and must give up that work
to the Sons Of Veterans and the States militia,
if show of arms and accouterments are neces-
sary for grand parade. During the last three
or four years / have seen q few Posts at En-
campments with guns. but they looked to me
to be out of place. heavy and bothersome.
Now. when Encampment time comes around,
would suggest that all members supply them
selves with GAR. canes. as they are very
cheap-only % cents apiece. with oxidzed silver
(crooked) handles and lettered GAR" A new
pair of white cotton gloves, with such uniform
as the member can afford, give them nice,
clean and equal appearance. The cane assists
greatly in marching. and is excellent support
in standing around or at halt
When the boys are supplied with canes. then
our National Department Headquarters should
get Us up book of tactics for cane drill
and dress parade" so that there could be abso-
lutte uniformity in drill and execution. This
should have cuts showing the position of the
arms tcanes), with full explanations of the
movements to begin and execute an order, such
as we had in the Manual of Arms in the serv-
ice. 1t should also copy from the Army Regu-
lations the full directions for dress parade
with few such changes as may be necessary;
and one of these is that the Posts should " form
on the right Cor head) company" instead of on
the center Tor color company. After Com
mander of Encampment had designated them
as First Second. Third, ETC.. Companies, they
an m fha raHa in, rda nd
on cleft guide" only, and come to parade rest,
as shown and described in the (cane) tactics
If the Sons of Veterans do not arm them
selves with guns, all of this book of tactics,
with dress parade. will be of great use to them
in having standard authority instead of taking
the word of some old soldier (Drillmaster?)
whose memory has failed him somewhat
Country or village Posts are usually so small
in comparison with militia or Regular CON-
panies, that / will mako one more suggestion
on the order for marching and preparing to
march. j would right-face in ones or twO's in
stead of tours right, as is the late practice for
from 10 to 20 men do not make much showing
in four ranks. With one more suggestion or
inquiry as to honors or rank for the old boys,
will leave the matter for others to advise, sug-
gest. or act. and that is, when Sons of Veterans
or other societies are escorting or leading the |
old boys, and finally open ranks for them to |
pass through and doff their hats / hold that |
the veterans should not take off their hats, but |
return the compliment by the regular hand or |
cane salute.-D. l.. WELLMAN. Commander, |
" Hold the Fort" Post, 104, Perham, MINI.