Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-07-18


bovs Is sufficient. They form natural
dislike for the work and the State mill 4
tary officers do not have the trouble with
them that we have had as they never
seek to enter the guard, having formed
their adverse opinions while boys.
"But on the other hand, those who
remain with US arc those who love the
work and learn all they possibly can.
Most OF them are naturally bright, and
if they enter the guard after arriving at
maturity they manifest the same interest
there and become valuable and constant
members.
"Realizing this fact, the Third Regi-
ment, National Guard of Pennsylvania,
Of Philadelphia, has organized juve-
nile corps styled the Morell Guard. The
organization has been established solely
as a feeder for the regiment, but it has
not ACQUIRED the efficiency of the Boys
Brigade, which numbers about 1900
members in Philadelphia"
Col. Dougherty stated that there are
five regiments in Philadelphia and two
in the western part of the State.
"How is the Brigade maintained ?"
the reporter asked.
"By individual subscription In the
Baptist churches" was the reply. ut
requires from $40 10 $40 to fully equip
hoy, and every cent comes from fund
raised by the churches for the purpose.
No assistance whatever isobtained from
either the State or United States"
In reference to drilling, the colonel
stated that special rooms for the purpose
are provided by the several churches.
The Ixtl Is..a 80 t,at,alltr al tad
from the ranks OF the National Guard,
who are selected for their efficiency.
Col. Bowman of the First Regiment,
National Guard of Pennsylvania, has
kindly offered the use of the spacious
armory on Broad street for the use Of
the brigade whenever it Is desired.
"This year." explained Gen. Allen,
who had now approached Col. Dougherty
and the reporter, "has been one mainly
of organization. Most of the members
you see here with US have been recently
enlisted, and as it required so much
time and trouble in organizing and
equipping, we did not have great deal
of time left for drilling the boys. But
what we lacked at home in the way of
drilling we have made up in the en-
campment."
The officers stated that the boys had
improved wonderfully in drilling, and
also in craftsmanship. "Why, we
actually have some sharpshooters," Col.
Allen exclaimed. A target range was
put up in the wood near the camp
ground and the boys were allowed to
practice there under the direction of an
officer. The distance was about30 yards
and Col. Dougherty says one day he
noticed that not n single bullet struck
four inches from the bulls eye.
"When we came to camp" Col.
Dougherty stated, 1--WE were informed
that some of tho boys had brought down
revolvers with them, expecting to have
good time shooting when off duty.
We drew the whole command up in line
and told all to hand over any firearms
in their possession. We got a peck of
revolvers and some good rifles. After
ward the boys were allowed to have
their pistols occasionally when they
went into the woods, but they were
given to understand that they must turn
them in to headquarters as soon as they
returned from trip" g
BRAVE LITTLE OFFICER.
Capt. George Wideman of A Co., who
IS but 10 years of age, is the smallest
officer in camp. Friday he was officer
of the day, and the officer of the guard
was Lieut.. Gilbow Of Co, d, one Of the
largest in the encampment. Both belong
in the Second Regiment,
While the reporter was standingsat
headquarters conversing with the
officers, one of the boys in 90. A chad
40 t.x.. y 80 a.
tent and he was heard firing 9tf blsnk
cartridges right in camp. Gen. Alden
FASTENED to the scene, and when he
reached there Capt. Wideman, the
plucky little officer of the day, whoshad
heard the noise from the far end OF 1.-THE
camp, had FASTENED to the scene of,lshe
shooting, and he was about to ordersthe
offender arrested for disturbing the
peace, when Gen. Allen interferred and
demanded an explanation. On assur-
ing the general that no harm or dis
respect was meant, the boy was not
| punished.
GOOD LOCATION.
The officers stated that they were de.
lighted with the location, which had
been secured and the use of which was
donated gratis by the Wilmington
Steamboat Co. Gen. Allen thinks II is
one of the prettiest and most delightful
places that could be found on the Della
ware river. It is high and commands
an excellent view for miles UP and
down the stream, and the shipping lends
the scene Kaleidoscope variation that
is interesting and instructive. The gen.
eral says too much good cannot be said
of the steamboat people and the neigh
bors at Gordon Heights. They have all
been very kind to the officers and the
boys and their kindness is appreciated
WOULD LIKE TO RETURN NEXT YEAR
Gen. Allen was asked If he thought
anything about returning to Gordon
Heights next year He said he under.
stood the ground was to be cut up in
building lots, consequently he had moi
thought much about where the encamp'
ment would be held next year. They
would be glad, however, to locate some.
where in the vicinity.
EXPENSE BORNE BY THE BOYS.
Col. Dougherty stated that each boy
bore his own expense, which made the
encampment possible. 1t cost each boy
about $3.50, which included Transports
ton and board. The cooking for the
encampment was done by the Whining
ton Steamboat Co., at Gordon Inn.
LAST NIGHT IN CANT,
The last night boys got but little sleep
1t was the closing night of the encamp.
ment and everybody was thinking Of
the journey home Saturday. The officer.
had their hands full trying to keep the
boys quiet. Tricks were played on ons
another and all kinds of practical jokes
were INDUCED in. Some of the tents
were dropped right on the boys who
were lying down inside. The last nigh
at Camp Allen will long be remembered
CAMP wHIsPERIHGs.
NIL u q N.