The Washington times., 1894-09-16
TRAINED LIKE VETERANS
Proficiency of High School Cadets in
March and Drill.
THB RECORD OF ADOZENYE
History Of the Corps Since Its Organization
in lss2-srsady Progress Under Difficult
ties-FarticipatiOn in Notable Local and
National Eveuts-Intorest Of the Public

Aside from the general educational excel
lence OF the students and alumni. by which
the reputation OF the Washington High School
has been established, there is perhaps no
other organization connected with the school
that has done as much toward developing its
good name aud character as the cadet regi-
ment.
This youthful body OF militia has been in ex-
istence but little over decade and yet by the
sodierly bearing and proficiency Of the mem
bers it has achieved distinction second 10 no
other similar institution in the country. The
cadets have won for themselves an exalted
place in the estimation OF the people, both
locally and nationally, and have captured the
admiration of large circle Of Army and Navy
officers In many instances they have been
given the hearty support Of members Of both
Houses OF Congress, as well as Of many other
high officials.
The proper history Of the High School Ca
det Corps begins with the year 1882 With
the opening OF the high school for that term
the late Prof Edward 4. Paul was appointed
10 the position es principal OF the school, ana
il Is due 10 his originality and ambition that
the regiment is now in existence. The ldea
a. at first conceived by him, was to create
military company which should equal IL not
ecliIse the then famous Boston High School
Cadets. Mr.. Paul lived to see only the begin
ming Of q successful career OF the organlza-
tion, but what he saw was enough 10 give en-
couragement that his unfinished work would,
in the hands Of others, be productive OF eI-
cellent results,
At once there arose numerous difficulties
and discouragements but these were quickly
overcome by the enthusiasm and zest with
which the interested parties took up the
project. An arrangement was made whereby
Prof. George Il. Israel, then teacher Of sci
ences, would devote a portion OF ms time 10
the instruction of those desiring TO enlist.
Two companies Of forty boys each we're
organized.
THE PIONEER BATTALION.
Wonderful progress was made IN this year
considering the many adverse circumstances
with which the cadets had to deal, and at the
end Of the term an exhibition drill was given
by the uniformed company. This battalion was
called the pioneer battalion. and was placed
in command Of Prof. G. r. Israel, supervising
commandant. with rank Of lieutenant colonel;
A A. Smith, captain OF Company A, and u.
H. Ayres captain OF Company b.
The organization of the battalion in the
next year Witnessed material development.
A loan Of 100 Springfield cadet rifles was Sc
cured from the government. Two fully uni
formed companies We're enlisted, and with
the appointment OF a regular army officer as
drill instructor a most promising aspect was
assumed for the future. Major T. II. Bates
was appointed to impart the military art, but
being uuacquainted with Uptons tactics,
whicn We're then used in the Regular Army.
Han vt hpn mt al Of
pany =, Washington Light Infantry, now
major of the First Battalion. ID. c. y. e.. was
prevailed upon 10 assist in the preparation Of
the corps for appearance in battalion drills
and dress parades.
The success Of the battalion the succeeding
year was pronounced. AS usual the parades
on Washingtons Birthday and Decoration
Day were participated in in a manner reflect
ing crediably on the cadets The officers for
this term were: Major. F. Sohon; adiutant, J.
W. Henderson; Company A, captain, S. 5.
Williamson; Company b, captain, w. 5. Arm
strong.
ANNUAL COMPETITIVE DRILLS.
In lsss was inaugurated the annual custom
Of an exhibition drill, making it competitive
between the companies. This was a new ven
ture and it wrought up the enthusiasm of the
school, besides that Of the cadets. TO an inter
esting pitch. On the night Of the contest the
hall Of the Central School was crowded 10 its
utmost The officers in command Of the
corps this year were Major T. /. Fishback
Adjt w. III. Cruikshank. Company A.
Capt. w. \. Fisher; Company B, Capt. r. r.
Upton; Company G. Capt. T. W. Williams and
Company d. Capt. J. T. Newcomb. Al the
conclusion Of the drill Capt. Constantine
Chase announced Company A the winner
The prize. which was awarded was a small
elegantly embroidered silk flag. the design
81 q of ha
school. This has been handed down from
company 10 company for six years until it is
beginning TO show the advances of old age.
During the year 1883 il was decided to hold
il addition to the company competitions
competitive drill for the most proficient Off
Ger OF the battalion. Capt. Ferree was the
winner Of the first officers drill. and later on
carried his company to success py winning
the red ribbons aud the prize lag. For this
term the staff officers comprised: Major W. j.
Barden. Adjutant q. Z. Garrett: Company A,
Capt. II. j. Ramey; Company B, Capt. J. b.
Endere Company c. Capt II. K. Kimball;
Company ID, Capt. S. Ferree.
For the year Of 1880 the battalion officers
We're Major i. c. Lawyer. Adult. T. Ross:
Company A. Capt T. +. Grafton: Company
B, Capt 5. c. Ford Company C., Capt. +. s.
Duyal. and Company d, Capt J. ii. Ford.
The distinguishing feature Of this battaliUn's
career WAS its participation in the pan-Ameri-
made such a good showing beside the Regular
Army and the District Militia. that in recog-
milton Secretary Tracy ordered ont the Marine
Band 10 head their column on the occasion Of
their final exhibition drill given in front CT
the Arlington Hotel.
TWO MORE COMPANIES ADDED.
when in the year 1891 the two branch
schools were opened one on Capitol Hill and
the ether in the Franklin School, two more
companies were added 10 the formation OF
the corps. Six companies composed the battal-
ion formation this year and they were com
manlcj by the following officers: Lieutenant
colonel. G.. J.. Moore; Gdjutant. G. H. John
son, company A. Capt. i. CocRrell; company
i, Capt. c. G. Roberts; company c. Capt. II.
Dec. Slater: company J.. Capt i. McC.
Smith company J., II. A. Dunn; company F.
Capt. C.. T. Edwards The officers drill Of
tins yoar. after prolonged and hot contest,
was won by capt. Edwards. In previous
wears DE competitive drills had been held at
the Central School. but as the establishment
Of TIE ,ranches would necessarily bring a
much larger attendance the Academy Of
Music was secured for the night OF May 80
with the intention OF having the drill occur
thc-c All OF the drilling by the companies
was nearly perfect, but company L. under
Capt. Edwards introduced what had never