The Washington times., 1895-06-02

No one win deny that there is fascina-
tion about the cavalry branch OF the ser
vice which is not TO be found in any
other. The clashing sabers, jingling spurs,
waving plumes, prancing horses, and, OF
course, handsome men make civilians al
most wish they were soldiers.
The desire to be cavalrymen took posses
sion or the minds of a number of prominent
young men IN the city Of Washington to-
ward the end OF the year 1888, at which
time wave OF military enthusiasm swept
over the city. and steps were taken TO organ
ize cavalry troop. The project had sew
eral times been discussed, but did not
receive tie sanction OF National Guard
officials until the movement Just re-
ferred to- The founders, receiving every
encouragement from Gen. Albert Ord
way, commanding the District of Colum-
bia National Guard, after several meet
ings, organized the Presidents Troop, and
on December 20, 1888, the members
thereof were mustered into the military
service OF the District of Columbia.
II had been determined, almost before
the formation of the troop, and certainly
before il was equipped, that every effort
would be made 10 attain sufficient pro-
rciency in cavalry drill To permit it to
make its debut at The Inauguration OF Presi-
dent Harrison, on the 4th OF March, 1859,
Just two and one-half months from the date
OF its organization. Officers OF the Army,
when consulted as TO the practicabnity OF
successfully carrying out such an intention,
were much amused at the enthusiasm OF the
wOuld-be troopers, but, with hardly an ex-
ception, pronounced it impossible to make
a crsditable military display with such a
brief period for preparation
Nothing Gauntad, the troop went earnestly
to work, aud drilled three times a week.
About SIX weeks before the inaugural On the
troop, appfeciating the advantage OF Army
methods, secured the services or sergt.
Major Peter Rennies OF the Sixth United
States Cavalry, now adjutant OF the Sixth
Battalion, ID. C. n. G., TO act as drill
Instructor. At this time very few of the
men knew even the first principles OF mill
tary tactics, and the sergeant expressed
his doubts or his ability 10 put the troop in
proper shape in so short a time.
PRACTICAL BEGINNERS.
The object sought was requirement of
practical knowledge. rather than pre-
cision in the manual OF arms and expert
ness in fancy movements, and, through
the untring efforts OF the instructor. aided
by the hearty cooperation OF the men,
tie troop rapidly advanced in knowledge.
The troopers Were put through a severe
and thorough course of mounted exer-
cIses al Tie riding school, and soon acquired
military seat in the saddle. The result
was that the troop turned out, mounted at
President Earrison's Inauguration, pre-
sented soidleTly appearance, executed
the various movements Required of it with
precision, and gained many favorable COM
ments on It's military appearance from
army officers, civilians and the press
But what a day il was for any organiza-
tion TO make its maiden effort. The morn
ing opened with dreuching rain, which
continued throughout the Gay. varied oc-
casionally only by a heavier dowupour.
IL was . beginning not calculated to in
Bpire a great degree OF enthusiasm, but it
has always been a popularity Of the Pres
ident troop to rise in spirit in proportion
20 the discomfort of the situation. This
quality OF weather has followed the troop
with singular persisteDcy, aud it early ac-
Quired the name of being a wet weather
troop.
The troop during its short existence of
ak years, has been singularly unfor-
tunate until now in the location and un-
suitability OF its various armories 1t
has lately made its fourth move, and is
now comfortably settled in Desirable
quarters in the handsome new armory,
built expressly for the District of Columbia
National Guard.
The first taste Of camp life, and real
sure enough soldering, were given the
troop l9 July, 1883, when il took mart
80 the encampment Of the brigade at Fort
Washington, distance by road Of about
tFenty-stx miles, down the Potomac river,
from Washington city. While the In
fautry Of the brigade 5ourneyed to the
scene OF the encampment by boat, the
X resi- dents troops marched the entire
distance, with saddles packed in true cav
airy style. The meu, although they
took the field directly from their desks.
were entirely unaccustomed TO such long
ride, according to regulations, stood the
march like regulars, and not q man after
wards failed to attend TO duty as a result
of 1t.
CHOOSING A CAPTAIN.
Rain fen during the whole week in camp.
but the troop made the record of not
missing drill. Notwithstanding the in
experience Of the men in the onerous du-
ties of cavalry camp, which are never
light even under the most favorable con-
ditions the troops behaved well. and
gained much practical knowledge Of camp |
Rnd field work. Up TO this time the troop /
had only one commissioned officer, Sec
ono Lieut.. Harrison S. Barbour, but upon
its return from camp. this gentleman was |
elected captain, while John r Eiker and |
Arthur w Ferguson were made first and /
second heEtenants respectively.
Capt. Barbour is a prominent, we'll
known and popular citizen of Washington,
Rnd has proved himself an efficient Of
ficer. The two leutenants are also well
known Washin gtonians, and have each
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