Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-12

Of about 80; lead bullet with nickel,
| steel or copper envelope; length of bar
| rel, measured from the base of the bullet,
| Of about % calibers; a bcttle-shaped
cartridge with unusually large but short
| powder space to reduce the length of the
| cartridge as much as possible, and charged
with quick-burning powder; the energy
of the recoil to be utilized to extract, load
and COCK the firing pin or device; this Will
admit of a light pull, say not over four
pounds; cooking device for single-shot
firing, Il detachable magazine to hold four
to eight cartridges, simple, efficient
safety catch, convenient to the touch, but
protected against possible disturbance
While drawing the pistol or returning it to
the holster or frog, while being carried
In one or the other; a smooth exterior, as
Tree OF projections; a strong, powerful grip;
lastly, as great simplicity and strength
OF parts as are consistent with proper
hghtness and other qualities. What desira-
bic qualities may be sacrificed to secure
absolute efficiency only experience in serv-
Ice can decide. 1t is too often forgotten
that arms must be suited to those who
want to use them, and many desirable
features must often he omitted, or their
presence may make the weapon almost
valueless for its designed use
Some honorable and DishOnOra bic
Discharges.
The following named enlisted men have
been discharged upon their own applica-
tons: George A. Gilliland, company A, en-
gincer corps; William NJ Bailey, private
company B. third battalion; John NJ Bre-
gazzi, private, company b, third battalion;
William II. Smoot, private, company a,
NTH battalion; Robert l.. Clark. private,
company ID, fifth battalion, and j. Boyd
Dexter, quartermaster sergeant, second
battalion.
Private James c. Graves of company A,
first battalion, and Private J. n. NesbauIn
Of company B, third battalion, have been
diShonorably discharged.
Pleased With the New ArmOry,
A prominent officer of the engineer corps
makes the following statement: 1T may be
doubted If any other organization of the
guard will be more pleased than the en-
gineer corps by their transfer to the new
armory. Their present quarters in the
News building is the same almost as being
without heat. During cold weather over
coats and caps have had to be worn at all
meetings or drills for the last two years.
There has been no great grumbling, and it
is but one example of what the men of the
ID. {. n. q. contend with to keep UP its
organization"
Changes in Troop A.
First Lieut.. John T. Eiker of troop A has
been forced to tender his resignation be-
cause of lack of time to devote to military
duties. The resignation has been accepted,
and Second Lieut.. Charles L. Beatty, on
Monday last, promoted to fill the vacancy.
At the same time. Sergt E. II. Pillsbury
was elected second lieutenant. AS soon as
the weather permits, Lieut. PillSbury will
give oyster roast and reception at the
Hotel Belford in honor OF the troop. The
Sunday rides of the members OF the organi
zation are to be continued on favorable
days.
Now Owns the Drill Medal.
The monthly individual competitive drill
Of company A, second battalion, was held
in the Center Market Arnory Drill Hall on
Thursday evening last. Sergt. w. H. Smith
proved to be the successful competitor. and,
having won two previous similar drills, he
becomes the owner of the company medal.
Private Hazard stood up second best.
The company has arranged TO hold big
benefit entertainment and hop on Febru-
airy 22, in National Rifles Armory. Efforts
are being made to secure the best talent in
the city to add interest to the occasion.
Notes.
The first battalion continues to move
rapidly to the front, so far as member
the organization has passed lowwater
mark, forty, and 1t is said that company
d has at least seventy-fve men on its
rolls. The battalion is making elaborate
preparations for smoker, to be held In
the armory on the evening of January 80.
Company c, second battalion. at its resu-
lar monthly meeting, on Tuesday last. de-
cided to hold the annual full dress bail OF
the organization on the evening of Febru
ary Z, in National Rifles armory.
At the next meeting OF the officers
school of the fifth battalion, to be held on
January 81. Maj. Suess will lecture on the
company and battalion in extended order,
and the duties Of company commanders
and platoon and section chiefs.
The President has accepted the resigna-
ton of Capt. Fabian Columbus, company
3, fifth battalion, and that of First Lieut..
John T. Eiker of troop A.
An examination of candidates for war
rants as non-commissioned officers in bat
terry A, light artillery, will be held on the
10th instant. Lieut.. Griffiths is to conduct
the examination.
An election has been ordered for Thurs
day, January II, to fill a vacant second
lieutenancy in company b, third battalion.
1t is probable that the second regiment
will be ordered out for drill and instruc-
ton on February 30.