Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-09
AN INTERSTATE DRILL
One is to Take Place at Savannah, Georgia,
Next May.
Qualifications Required of Competing
COmpanies-The Morton Cadets
Have Asked to Enter.

The District National Guard is interested
in the spring festival to be held under the
auspices Of the Military Interstate Associa-
ton of Savannah. Ga, which is announced
to begin Monday. May II. and to continue
for six days. The celebration embraces
military drills, rifle contests, cavalry tour
naHents, band concerts fireworks and
other features eliminating in big parade
of the visiting and local military. Savan-
nah claims the reputation of carrying out
successfully any enterprise undertaken by
her military. The city maintains nine in
fantry companies, one troop of cavalry,
one battery of artillery and one company
of naval reserves, and it is stated that
every effort will be made to make the fes-
tfVal q success
The parade ground is almost in the CEN
ter of the city, and consists Of nineteen
acres 1t is controlled by the military, and
all the contests except the rifle matches
will he held in this inclosure The rifle
matches are to take place on the Avondale
rifle range about two miles from Savan-
nah, and reached by electric cars. This
range Is declared to be by far the finest
In the south, and allows of matches at
200. 800. 800 and COO yards all at the same
time. In addition there is skir,nish line
$50 feet, which can also be used at the
same time.
Terms of Admission.
The interstate prize drill is open to all
infantry companies that are members of
the Nationa! Guard. Savannah companies
are barred from the contest. Three COM
ponies must enter to fill the class, and
each must consist of thirty-seven nor
commissioned officers and privates and
three officers. The drill will include the
scboo! of the company in close order, and
in extended order the platoon, and in ad-
therein al Inv,
fre ard the charge as prescribed for the
company. The blank cartridges for use
ia the EXTENDED order movements must be
furnished by the contestilg companies
froIe r tune viii be given between the close
ana extended order movements to permit a
change of uniform, if desired The first
prize in this drill is 5000 and the sec
ond tto. No mention Whatsoever is made
OF the Galveston Selni-centennial cham
pionship cup. and therefore. it may be
presumed that the drill does not carry with
1t the championship title
maiden drill, open to all infantry COM
panies inst have never won a prize in
interstate drills. Savannah companies bar
red, is also provided. Four companies must
enter t. make the contest. The companies
must consist of not less than .weuty-efght
nor more than thirty-seven non-commis-
stoned officers and privates, and three Off
GERS. Inc formation OF the company must
he front of four sets of fours. The drill
includes the school Of the company in close
order.
Must Go Into Camp.
Provision is also made for Georgia regi-
mental contests, college cadet drills and an
interstate cavalry tilt. The general rules
for the military drills make it compulsory
for all military companies attending the
festival to go into camp and be subject to
the regulations governing the same and to
attend all parades and ceremonies as or
Ian Of ba
Tentage will be furnished and it is an
nounced that there will be an abundant
supply of artesian water for drinking
cooking and bathing purposes. All COM
panieS conteStinS must be composed of
bona fide enlisted men, or where enlist
ment is not required by their state of bona
hde members. Companies must report in
camp not later than Monday, Nav H. and
entries must be made on or before May /.
NO entrance fee will be charged for any of
the contests, and, in spite of the decision of
'he war department to the contrary, it Is
announced that the judges at Savannah
Will be United States army officers
The rifle matches include the De Renne
trophy match the interstate military
ma.ch and interstate regimental team
match, a consolation match. a cavalry,
cafb!ne and revolver match, the Avondale
match and all-coners' military match the
Scheutzen match. the Theus medal match,
the Bartow memorial match, the Gordon
match, revolver match, a pistol nat..n. a
company team match. pool matches and a
bull s-eye target match.
Morton Cadets Want to Go,
From the expected opposition of the
commanding general of the brigade to The
participation hereafter of local companies
in interstate drills and the small prizes Of
fered in the rifle contests it would seem al
most certainty that the District will not
be represented at Savannah However
capt. Shilling of the Morton Cadets in a
communication to the adjutant general, has
formally requested permission for his COM
pany to attend the competition. Cape Shill-
ing took occasion to explain that notwith-
standing the attendance of the Morton Ca
diets at the Memphis drill the company
showed up in full numbers at the brigade
ercanipment and that during the entire
winter unusual energy has been exercised
in advancing the work of the company in
matters pertaining to things of a legitimate
military nature. Marked activity has been
displayed in rifle practice and a school of
instruction conducted for the advancement
of the military knowledge of the men.
Capt. Shilling is of the opinion that par-
tcipation in interstate drills is necessary
to the success of his company, and he Gu,r-
anteeS that If permitted to go to Savannah
the Morton Cadets will perform all military
duty expected of them in a satisfactory
manner. Maj. Wilson, commanding the
third battalion, in Endorsement has
fully approved all that Capt Shilling stated
and it is expected that Col. Moore, COM
manding the first regiment will do the
same. Action on the request will be awaited
with interest.