Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-17
GOVERNORS DAY.
Growing Event Of the Muster
at Camp CIeaves.
Large Attendance Of Military Men
and Distinguished Guests.
Governor cIeaves Passes q Delightful Day with
the Soldier Boys.
CAMP CLEAvEs, Aug. l6.

CAMP CLEAvEs, Aug. l6.
Glory
Glory galore, on every side, shared in by
private and commander-in. chief and all the
grades of intervening rank, reflected on the
happy faces of the multitude who came to
see, to admire, to praise, to congratulate.
But first of all congratulations were due
Old Probabilities. He predicted fair and
that his predictions were fulfilled to the
letter. The admirable system to which
camp has been reduced was not better than
that by which the weather was changed,
and the wind, which had blown in steadily
from the southeast during the week, veered
into the west and came across Camp
Cleaves in the early morning to invigorate
and cheer. The sky was of that clearest
blue that betokened settled weather.
The Governor had passed a pleasant
night in camp. What dreams came to him
the public is not permitted to know. To
be sure he slept amid more luxurious sur
roundings than those in the COS when be
tented here as soldier boy. It's safe to
assume, however, that the memory of those
earlier days will keep fresher in his mind
than the memory of the encampment of
1894 splendid as it has been. Yet he must
have shared in the pride which all felt be-
fore Governors day with all its brilliant
features drew to close; in the excellent
appearance of the Maine troops and in all
the achievements which have been won by
dint of laborious exertion.
At least Governors day this year was ex-
ceptional in two respects. The day WAS
fair, the rule has been rain. Perhaps a
lapse of year broke the spell. Again
there are more men in camp than ever be-
fore. Many of these men have never be-
fore attended muster. They were, of course.
crude material but the character and intel.
ligence of the men were such that this crude
material was plastic in the hands
of those who have been responsible
for shaping it. And it is not say
ing too much if mention is made of
the apparent fact that from Adjutant Gen.
eral Connor down the efforts of those in re-
sponsible positions have been incessant,
systematic and have resulted most favor
ably. The regular army inspectors, Capt.
C. B. Hall and Lieut.. Hersey had from
their association with service in this
State come to take especial interest in the
Maine troops. Daily and it may literally
be said, day and night since the encamp-
ment opened these officers have worked to
get the National Guard into the condition
which was so noticeable today. Their in
spections have been rigid. Firmly
though kindly they have exscted COM
pliance, strict compliance and have
have been met with spirit of obedience so
that after the troops had pas sed in review
and congratulations came from every side
for the splendid appearance, all felt the
compliments to be genuine. Every officer
from the commander r-in-chief down knew
that it all had been earned. 1t is not meant
by this that criticisms were not possible.
They are always possible and the men
themselves are oftenest their own critics,
but all in all the results surpassed fondest
anticipations.
There was great deal of hard work
during the forenoon. Many details had to
be looked after. The day was suited to
drilling. Maj. f. F. Smith, of the lst
was fl ID officer of the day and officer of
the day was Capt. T. J. Hogan. From the
I'd Regiment Capt. Mitchell of Co. G, was
officer of the day.
There was battalion drill in both regi-
ments.
Early in the morning invited guests ap.
pesred on the field. They came so thick
and fast that it was impossible to note but
few of them. The members Of the staff
we're present most Of them accompanied by
ladies'. Several of the members of
the Executive Council we're ac-
companied by ladies. Among the
distinguished guests were several members
of previous Executive Councils, among
them being Hon. Parker Spofford and wife OF