The Washington times., 1895-01-13

themselves in front OF the center Of the bat
talon. and in three-company formation
such rs this was, this should be done. re-
gardiess OF the position of the color. They
should also be in the rear OF the line of off,
GERS.
A mistake of this nature should be cor
reeted by the adiutant and not later by the
major as was the case at this drill. First
sergeants should also leave CIT the ''ali'' in
reporting When the officers are marched TO
the front the senior captain should omit the
word Officers in his command for this
movement In forming line by two move
ments the dressing OF all companies is to the
point of rest In this movement no guides
from the left company were posted by the
sergeant major as should have been done.
On the right into line, from halt in col
umn of fours the adjutant failed to post the
leading guides at the preparatory command.
The movements by the bugie were finely ex-
ecOted, but one error being noticed.
THE SIXTH BATTALION.
The regular battalion parade and drill of
this battalion took place on Wednesday last.
Every member had cause to glory in the fact
of his membership on this occasion. for, in
spite of the snow and sleet and rain, the line
was formed with full so per cent. present for
duty. Major Bartlett expressed himself as
hardly fit to venture out on such an evening
but was fully repaid therefor by this flatter-
ing turnout. The companies were equaliZed
before parade. thing unusual, and finally
three companies were marched on the line In
double rank, ard parade was formed without
the battalion color. But two errors were
made. and both OF these were minor ones and
made by officers. The first lieutenant of the
first company dressed to the left instead OF TO
the right at"oPen ranks, march,, and the
captain Of the third company failed to exc
cate the "orier sword" during the manual.
The men were very steady in the ranks, the
! guides were well posted and always correct,
and the manual OF arms WAS exceptionally
well executed. and the battalion was enabled
/ 10 put up a parade such as is seldom Wit
] messed this early in the season.
The Mount Pleasant Drum Corps furnished
I The music. The drum major is reminded
4 that he does not salute the commanding officer
/ il passing down the front-of the battalion or
on his return. also, that il reporting the
! field music be should carry his ''baton" op-
posite the let shoulder in salute. and not
/ luck it under his arm. The drill following
parade was fairly well executed taken as
whole, but there were several errors. The
adjutant being detailed as assistant instructor,
,no lieutenant was assigned to actin his place,
1 ard this omission gave rise to mora or less
confusion IN every successive formation that
was ATTEMPTED there being no one for the
leading guide TO cover. This was true when
the LEI; was in front. az the sergeant major
was not on duty. nor did n sergeant act in his
place In rectifying the alignment the cap
! tain of the second company should not pull
/ his guide into his Bew and correct position:
the left guide j. q man and can walk. IL
! .'close column" 10 take full distance, the
captain OF the FIRST company should not halt
his company when it has advanced company