Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-23
S OLDlERS IN CAMP
The Departmental Guard is Adding to the
Efficiency Record.
Pleasure AID Duty Are Pleasantly
Mingled mt Sea Isle City-On
the Shooting Range.
Correspondence of The Evening Star.

WAR DEPARTMENT GUARDS CAMP,
SEA ISLE CITY. NJ, August y. 1894.
When the time shall have arrived for the
homevard journey of the gallant soldier
laddies now under the canvas OF War De-
partE ent Guards Camp there will no doubt
be much waving Of handkerchief. inter-
mingled with words Of regret at the forced
departure. For two days after the advent
in Sea Isle City of the Washington boys
there was a woeful depression of spirits and
much conjecture INDUCED in as to where the
girls had betaken themselves. The good
people here seemed to prefer gazing at o
distance to closer acquaintance. but the old.
old saying about the darkest hour Of night
Immediately preceding the break Of day
seems in this particular case to have been
fully exemplified. For just as the guards
men were on the eve Of being enveloped in
the blackness Of disappointment and despair
the cloud burst. and the lovely maidens
seemed to vie with each other for the at
tentions of the campers. The men have al
ready made q most enviable reputation for
their refinement and gentiemaniy manners.
So 1T is no wonder that weeping and wall
ing are expected when the last horn shall
have awakened the echoes The boys will
also regret the loss Of the practical lessons
they take 80 much interest in, and which Is
serving TO double the proficiency record OF
each individual. The men are having q
royal time. from q social standpoint. and
old soldiers who visit the camp every day
declare 1t a forceful reminder of the dark
days from 80 to IS. Capt. Wilson. although
beloved by his men, Is a most efficient drill
master and strict discIplnarian. with an
abundant store Of experience, that Is telling
most favorabiy in the appearance and ma
Heuvering Of his command. and he expects
to return to the capital with one Of the best
military organizations In the District
The time from o'clock in the morning to
room Is taken up every day by rife practice.
and 1t IL expected that the men viii i'm
rrove immensely before breaking camp.
The wonder of the matter lies In the fact
that the meu do not seem to have the least
desire to shirk the slightest duty. and on
the contrary do everything with alertness
and apparent pleasure.
An Amusing Incident.
The company drilled near the Colonnade
last evening. and Yves warmly applauded
for the graceful execution OF the various
movements gone through.
At shutdown the signal for lowering the
flag is a salute with blank cartridges by the
guard. and the same holds good for the
raising of the starry banner in the morn
ing. Reveille is sounded most too early for
the easy-going people OF this typical sea-
side resort.
Private Spann happened to be on the de-
tail for guard duty yesterday and last night.
He was. so luck would have II. enjoying life
when his turn came after supper. having
totdiIy IorSotten ABOUT the matter. Cor
poral Gott was sent, in charge Of q picked
squad. to properly direct the popular young
man to Wilson avenue-the company street,
but they came back empty handed. The
funny part came in when Mr.. Spann. by
that time on duty. halted the searching
party and In a stern voice demanded, who
goes therer' The turn of the tables was so
amusing that even the disappointed ones
were compelled to laugh.
During the night a strong wind spranR
up. and toward morning the air became un-
plea sanity cool. but the usual genius Of a
soldier displayed itself. SO that most of the
men kept comparatively comfortable.
Some Rifle Practice.
Reveille was sounded at $40 o'clock, and
was promptly responded to- Shortly afteu
breakfast the march to the range wa
taken up and by O'Clock the crack Of ths
rifle was to be heard. The shoot LASTED
till noon, with the following result at 3O(
yards:
Capt. Wilson. 2. 4. 2. l. 4. 4. 4 T. o. OA2s
Lieut.. Fairly. 2, 8. 4. 8. 4. 4 3, 4 3, 2-34
Sergeant Major Watson. 4. 8. 2 4. 3. 0. 4
4, 4, "a
Acting First Sergeant Feaster. 8. ?. 8. 4