The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-07-02
THE FIELD OF MARS.
How Militia Companies Spend
the Time at Woodland.
CAMP GROUND AN IDEAL ONE.
Foarth Of July TO Be the Big Day
Historic csnnons That Guard
the Entrance

encampment has settled down 10 work In
real earnest The selection of camp
grounds has left little TO be desired for the
surroundings are perfect and life here IS
really enjoyao!e. 1t is not TO be inferred
from this that there is all play and no
WORK. for what with drills and other
duties devolving upon the soldiers there is
enough TO make their hours OF leisure en-
1oyeble. The table fare is plain, whole
some and plenty of it, and as q rule the
company cooks have proven satisfactory.
woodland driving park. Lacy postoffice,
Camp McGraw. Camp O'Brien, Camp
Washington. to any one of which names
We are perfectly free to heIu ourselves,
was originally prepared for q well-equipped
driving park, and Isaac Ellis. its protector,
did good job. for its equipment for the
purposes intended is complete. But one
horse meeting ever took place here, which
was in 1891. since which time IL has been
practically deserted. The idea of its pur-
chase for permanent encampment
ground has been canvassed and can be
said TO still be live question, and posi-
bly, the state could not do better were II
resolved to purchase. II the site is defect
I've in any particular IL is in lacking rum
ming stream, though Of course water, with
lake so near. IS not wanting. Among
the many embellishments which were
placed upon the grounds is q once hand
some figure of horse in gilt upon the
judges stand. The day before the en-
campment commenced detail from Com
pany A, Olympia, was sent to the grounds
to make preparations for the militia.
Upon arising next morning good marks
man of the detail remarked upon the ex-
cellence of the gold horse as target, took
shot, and since that time the horse has
been doing without q head and Ike Is
swearing about the destructive qualities
of the state militia as evidenced by the
camp.
Upon the grounds near the entrance are
placed two brass cannon, which have
grown historical. They have been the
property of the territory. and passed with
other property in the transformation.
These guns have done duty at celebra-
tions and political meetings for many
years at Olympia, serving all without re-
gard to sex, color or previous condition OF
seryitude. They loudly detained upon
the downfall of the Confederaey in 1855.
One night when glad war tidings had ar
rived Capt Clancy, father OF Capt. Charles
Clancy. and Commodore Cleale. both loyal
men, secured these cannon and placed
them at the foot of Main street in 0lym-
pia and fired the first gun of memorable
salute. The gun rebounded and the gun
ners followed il up and fired second
shot, aud so up the length of olympia's
only thoroughfare. Where there had been
glass store fronts before, the sun of the
following morning looked down and saw
not one: The conclusions from heavy
charges had shattered them. At another
time one of these brass guns was taken to
the end of the dock for political salute.
With the first fire 1t kicked itself into the
bay, which lett the disappointed Republic
ans with plenty of ammunition and good
supply of enthusiasm, but no gun. Ii vas
afterward recovered. The guns look like
warlike old relics, capable of great deal
OF noise, bat little else.
An amusing feature of militia camp life
10 TO note the restraint private must
necessarily exercise TO show proper respect
for his superior officer. who as civilian
may DC q chum or crony. Friday an ofi-
Ger OF high rank walked along the main
ayenhe of the camp. lt was his flrst ap-
pearance, and he was espied by private,
who, forgetting for a moment the respect
due his superior, rushed forward and piac-
ing his hand Familiarity upon the shoulder
of the officer, cried: "Helloi Mac, old
boy" TIE astonished look and cold stare
of the officer brought the iuckless private
TO his military senses, and he retreated to
his tent, there resolving to earn. by heroic
conduct on some field of battle, straps for
his own shoulders.
The failure of the trains TO run has neces-
sarily kept away many visitors who de-
sired to come 10 the camp. The incon-
venience has been seriously felt, particu-
larry by olympians. who had locked for
ward to Woodland excursions during the
encampment 1t is still hoped that COM
promise or settlement will sooa be reached
whereby this trouble will be overcome.
The camp is surrounded by the usual
number OF vendors of varied kinds OF re-
freshments. shooting gallery and other
catch-pennr affairs. To avoid the pay
ment of rents few, by gaining consent OF
the county commissioners, are strung
along the county road. which passes i'm
mediately IN front Of the grounds.
Company X, of Aberdeen. which carried
the famous eagle at the last encampment
at Camp Murray, two years ago, are on
the grounds accompanied this time by
large dog, which, with close cut hair, IS
grotesquely painted, and carries inscribed
on his sides. Company X. The dog is
not beauty. bat TO the boys OF Company
X ne is joy forever.
Ii has at last been officially announced
that the camp is TO be known as camp
Washington, which puts al rest ques-
ton which has been asked time and again
since the opening day.
There are three bands on duty here. The
FRS. Regiment band, OF Seattle, hiss
reputation so established on Puget sound
IS 20 render favorable comment unneces-
sary. The Eastern Washington bands are
very creditaale organizations. and the Sec
ond Regiment band is heartily appsanded
NJ quart mount
Company +. not 20 be behind its neigh
Dor, Company X, brought into camp a pig
captured en- roate 10 Woodland. This pet
has been gwen the freedom OF the grounds
and also of the refuse from the table. and
on the last day OF the eEcanpfneat wtll be
the subject Of q barbeeue.
INSPECTION has been postponed until to-
morrow az 10 O'Clock a IA. Gen, y BFien
is inspector general.
Divine services we're held this afternoon
by Rev Mex naon. chaplain Of the Second
regiment. and there vas music by the band
Of that regiment The Fourth Of Jaly viii
be governors day. lie and bis stan Sin
he p-esent 10 review the troops. This viii
be The big day OF the easampmsnt
oaintette from Company A. olympia. i
tonight ssrenAiing several companies OF
both reg menis.