The Washington times., 1895-06-02

dusty and soldierly looking, and most
| of them were sorry that the trip was over
| Thus ended the march-an unqualified sue
cess. Militia cayairymen have shown that
they can take the field daDdundergo the hard
| ships and priyations OF field life without
| q murnur.
To march seventy eight men, ninety
seven horses, with equipments, cooking
utensils, and tents over 200 miles OF
country is in itself a job which would
appaI many.
The Presidents Troop, of Washington,
has, no wever, done this " 18th an energy and
snap which might well be envied by many
veteran cavalry troops. The subsistence
department, of which Capt. E. Fl. Neu-
meyer had charge, and the quartermaster' s
department, which was looked after by
Sergt. Rennle, were each conducted, not
withstanding many difficulties, without
q hitch Both men and horses were well
taken care OF, and received plenty of the
best food which the country produced.
From a military standpoint the trip
was a perfect success, and those who are
best qualified to judge are OF the opinion
that the practical kno wIedge obtained has
been of inestimabIe value to the men.
From the start to the finish, in sunshine and
in rain, the troopers exhibited soldierly
qualities of the highest order.
Lieut.. Perry, U. S. A, worked hard
to instilI the practical ideas of camp life
in the nen, and the improvement made
by them in making and breaking camp and
in drill clearly proved that his labor was
not thrown away. Lieut. Perry consid-
cred the march success in every way, and
expressed his surprise at the easy manner
in which the men fell into the habits and
discipline OF regular soldiers.
The men improved materially in health,
and on their return presented the appear
bulance corps, although always ready,
were agreeably disappointed that their
services were so little called upon. The
men became thoroughly familiar with the
work OF attending to and grooming their
horses properly. and throughout the march
the horses improved in condition. No loaf
ing in the saddle or careless riding was
permitted, the result being that only six
horses returned with sore backs, which
the animals than by the manner in which
they were ridden
Guard duty was regularly and efficiently
carried out, the old guard each day acting
as escort to the wagon train.
The Presidents Troop, since the COM
pIetion of its great undertaking, has con-
tinued to be- and is, one OF the best organ
izations in the National Guard Of the Dis
trict of Columbia. Capt. Barbour, whose
hard work, enterprise, executive and mill
tary ability did so much for the success
of the practice march, is still its captain,
while the first lieutenant is Charles L.
Beatty, and the second lieutenant E H
Pilsbury.
NEXT MONTHS MARCH.
Arrangements are now nearly completed
for the second practice march, which be-
gins on the 10th inst, and which is ex-
pected to even exceed the famous trip of
the Troop four years ago. AS before, the
Troop viii be accompanied by number OF
troopers from New York's crack cavalry
squadron, commanded by Major Charles F.
Roe. The march this summer will be made
through a most beautiful and historical part
OF Virginia, where one is continually re-
minded OF the heroic deeds of Sheridan and
others.
The itinerary VIII be as follows: To
Fairfax Court House, via Fort Myer to
Bull Run, via Centerville; to Warrenton,
via Gainesville; to Marshall, to Fort Royal. :
to StrasbuTg, to Winchester, to Castleman's
Ferry on the Shenandoah, to LeeSburg, via
Round Hill. to Falls Church, to Washing
ton. The total distance to be marched is
about 2O2 miles, and fifteen days viii be
allowed to cover the entire route.
This allows sufficient time to spend
two days in WaTFenton, Winchester, and
Leesburg, where the command has been
assured of a most hearty welcome. The
discipline and conduct of the march viii
be strictly on regular army lines. and much
good viii be gained by the men in military
training. Lieut.. w c. Short, Sixth United
States Cavalry, will accompany the troop
for the purpose of giving instruction, and
also to report the results to the War De-
partment.
Some idea may be formed of what an
undertaking this march is when it is esti-
mated that the minimum cost of the trip
will be $4.100, the greater part of which
will be paid by the troopers.
Before starting on their long march how
ever. the troop will on June give an ex-
cursion to Marshall Hall Here they hope
to meet all their friends, have good time
and say goodbye to their girls and others
they will so soon leave behind.