The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1895-02-18

Sergeant Heanan, the instructor, displayed
a keen interest in their work. For several
hours they applied themselves with great
energy to the dull routine of swinging
their pieces into position, aiming and fir
ing. To an uninterested spectator, how
ever, the actions of the soldiers were anus
ing, but to the student of artillery defense
the practice was seriously considered the
proper caper. and grim veterans of war
watched the proceedings with thoughtful
brows. When the command was given the
artillerymen actively mounted their guns,
the gunner drew bead ON a fishing smack
that caressed the waves of the bay, the
deadly charge was rammed into the muz-
zle of the cannon and at the word fire q
small cap was exploded, and as the smoke
OF battle cleared away the small craft was
seen still rising and falling with the swell
of the sea. Was the aim of the gunner in
accurate or was the powder at fault?
These were the questions the unskilled in
artillery technique asked themselves. An
explanation was found, however, when
gunner coolly looked into the cannon
mouth and the next instant hauled a great
wooden projectile out of the muZZle of the
gun with string, winning commentator
from his superiors for his meritorious con-
duct and provoking smiles and laughter
from the undrilled multitude.
1.-The thing looks very SIMPLE" said Cap
tain jerks, who gazed admiringiy on his
boys in blue, "but it is just what the men
need to fit them for the service which we
are endeavoring TO improve.
when | began drilling the men in this
practice six months ago my superior Off
GERS did not think | would make a success
of it and withheld their appreciation and
encouragement. But the men took to the
work with assiduity and have accom-
plished much toward the perfection which
we hope IN the course of time to reach.
Now the officers are all with us. They are
giving us every encouragement in our
work.
Sunday is the only day we have to prac-
tice, and the commanding officer of the
Preside having given US the privilege of
using the guns we are taking every adj
vantage OF his kindness. 1t is hard work
for the men. See how they go at it," and
the young officers gaze followed the gun
ners as they ran back and forth to the
magazine, carrying wooden projectiles,
swinging the gun carriages around and
standing at their posts like soldiers in a
hot engagement. 1t was all very pretty,
all very interesting and all very instruc-
| tive.
| The best time made in loading and firing
was one minute and forty-seyen seconds,
which is considered exceptionally good for
amateurs in the art. The guns are the old
| 15-inch smooth boreS, which have been
| changed to S-ineh rifles.
There are sixty men in Battery F, and
the full force is expected to turn out on
| Washington's birthday, which falls on
| Friday next, along with all the regiments
of the guard. The regiments will parade
on the grounds of the Preside in the after
noon, and Governor Budd has promised to
be present and review the troops.
| In the morning of the same day the
Preside command will turn out, and at
noon saluteS viii be fired.
nr11<I fhaa Il
of military character will be presented on
the Preside parade-grounds. There will
also be band concert in connection with
the celebration.