The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-03-22
SHALL WE HAVE THEM?
An Opportunity for Madison to Secure ths
Annual Encampment Of the State
Militia-What viii the Oitisens
Do About It?

State Land Commissioners Thos. n.
Ruth spent last night In the city on his
way from the southern part OF the state
TO his home at DeSmet, and furnished d
DAILY LEADER reporter o prize sugges-
ton for the citizens of Madison. The
Major, who ID now colonel OF the First
Regiment OF the state militia, and takes
much interest in its welfare and improves
ment as an organization, is reall, n \
ious that the boys should have an annu-
al state encampment for drilling pur-
poses and the better instruction OF the
men in company and regimental disci-
pline. But the state appropriation,
about $4,000, 10 inadequate to the cost OF
getting the men together and maintain
ing them during the six days OF the pro-
posed encampment, and ii win be neces-
sary for some city which desires the en-
campment to aid the project to the ex-
tent, probably, OF $1,000. There will be
about 600 men OF the militia, besides the
large attendance Of camp-followers and
sightseers which usually attend these
gatherings. The governors staff, regi-
mental officers and attendants, viii DO
present, and no doubt a large inter7
change of politicians, this being the year
OF political wlre-pulling. Any sum OF
money from $1,000 to $1,000 put up to
secure this gathering by the citizens Of a
place, would no doubt be amply recouped
by the money spent In the city by the
visitors. All the provisions and Leces
saries for the encampment, except the
tents and arms, would be purchased
through local dealers, and the money
spent by the militiamen themselves
would not average less than go apiece.
This in itself would be sufficient TO re-
coup the citizens without counting in
the expenditures OF the visiting multi
tude. No annual encampment has been
held for four years, and though always
largely attended, this one win naturally
be 70 this year, owing to its nov
felty and other peculiar attractions at
this time.
The regiment consists OF twelve COM
panies-eleven infantry and p battery.
In consultation with the men, Major
Ruth says many OF the companies have
expressed a pr~eferencefor Liable Madison,
the Sioux Falls company, the DeSmet,
the Brookings, the Fandreau, the
Mitchell, the Elk Point and the Yankton
companies especially desiring TO come
here. The decision Of course rests with
the officers OF the regiment and they
have to figure on the cost. Mr.. Ruth
thinks transportation could be saved by
coming here and thus save SO much
more towards expenditures while IN
camp, though he cannot tell yet just
how they would come out.
But here il an excellent opportunity
Tor the business men Of Madison to cap
ture q gathering which will be . renown
to the city for q long time to come, an in
spira.ion to loyalty Of her citizenship,
and d quickening OF her business enter.
prise. The encampment would be held
at d time beforeor after the Chantauqua,
which would not interfere with that as-
sembly, and merely prolong the business
activity Of our enterprising city. Il il
to be hoped that our business men will
take this matter into serious eonsidera-
ton al once and make m earnest effort
to capture the greatest, the most ut
tractiys and the best regulated South
Dakota gathering Of The year.