Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-04-18
AN INTERSTATE DRILL,
The Fencibles VIII Probably Compete
at Little Rock

Considerable interest has been awakened
among the District guardsmen by several
statements that have appeared of late to
the effect that an Interstate competitive
drill at Little Rock, Ark, this summer is
certainty. Although no official circulars
have appeared as yet in relation to the af-
fair, Capt Domer of the Fencibles is in re-
ceipt of a number of private communion
tons bearing on the subject.
AS the matter now stands Il is proposed
to hold the drill in connection with the an
nual er campment of the National Guard of
Arkansas. Should the contest come off it
Will be under the auspices of the McCarty
Light Guard, which more than once has
held the championship title. A stock COM
pany has been organized to provide the A.
nancial backing necessary to insure the
success of the drill, and over 81, 600 of the
required $4,000 has already been subscrib-
ed. The amount to be offered for prizes in
all classes is 81, 400, of which 81. 500 will be
set aside for first prize in the big infantry
drill; $500 will be the reward of the second
best set of men, while those coming out
third must be satisfied with $500. Iii the
maiden infantry drill there are to be six
prizes, the largest amounting to $500
The encampment, should 1t come off, will
be held from July 2 to 6. inclusive. the in
fantry drill occurring on the 4th, which is
to be made the big day. Undoubtedly the
affair will prove the most successful of it's
kind ever held. Little Rock Is not far from
ltAdS, ltllIeSSee ana tTSOTRla. wnere the
crack companies of the United States are
located. Another important factor is that
the expenses of the latter to the drill will
be comparatively small. In addition to the
McCarty Light Guard the renowned F1etch-
er Rifles are residents of the capital city of
Arkansas.
AS is generally known. the National Fen
cibles, company c. second battalion, Dis
trict of Columbia National Guard. at pres
ent possesses the Galveston semi-centennial
championship cup and the title of cham
pionship infantry drill team of the United
States. After the official announcement of
the drill fifteen days are allowed for any
and every similar organization to challenge
the Fencibles for the cup. The adjutant
general of Texas has the sole power to de-
eide whether or not the proposed interstate
drill Is of sufficient Importance to place the
cup open to competition. AS the first prize
at the Little Rock drill is $500, there is
no doubt that the Texas official will direct
Capt. Domer to either again win the cup
surrender possession of it.
But the Fencibles will be ready for the
fray on the coming anniversary of the sign
ing of the Declaration of Independence
According to Capt. Domer. 1t Is not a ques-
ton of getting the best men, but of obtain
ing those who can go. Many of the Fenci-
bles are studying professions, and it is hard
work for them to get away. Two thousand
five hundred dollars would no more than
pay expenses of the local team to Little
Rock and return, but the captain is quite
sure that he will have no difficulty in secur-
Ing the enllre team, WIN the exception or
five six men, that won fame and glory
at Omaha In 1892. The Fencibles will have
at least two months TO get into shape
which is ample time, drilling three times
weekly the first month and every night
during the remainder of the time.
The McCarty Light Guard is composed of
young men belonging to the very best fam
lilies of Little Rock. and should the Fenci-
bles go the fact that they are the cham
pions will give them a certain standing and
alole guarantee a most enjoyable social
visit