Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-21
The NATIONAL FEkCIBLES
VIII Again Be Mustered Into the District
National Guard.
Capt. Domer Tells Of the Lesson
Learned and Makes Promises
for the Future.

In military circles today, when it leaked out
that the National Fencibles, for several
years the champion military company of
the United States. and a company of the
District Of Columbia National Guard from
the date of the organization of the latter, in
1887, until year ago, had decided to again
become military company in the eyes of
the law, by re-entering the District Guard.
1t will be remembered very well that last
July the Fencibles were mustered out of
the National Guard for general ineff1ciency.
The action occurred soon after the conclu-
sion Of the brigade encampment at Fort
Washington, where the command, then
designated Company c. I'd Battalion, had
reported with a woefully small attendance.
The disarmament Of the company as a Ma
tional Guard organization created a good
deal Of talk, and for some days the news
papers We're in receipt of communications
setting forth vigorous arguments pro and
con regarding the situation. The Fencibles
secured quarters at 913 E street, and estab-
lished q military club. Being without arms,
equipment and facilities to drill, the mill
tary spirit gradually degenerated. The
company was refused entry in the recent
Savannah interstate drill because 1t was
not enlisted in the National Guard, and in
other ways felt the handicap that invariably
marks independent" military companies.
What Capt. Domer Says.
Eyes, 1t is true that we are to again be a
part of the District Guard" said Capt.
Domer to Star reporter today. Because
Of the absence of facilities for drill and the
necessary outfit. the military spirit in the
company has fallen Off to a great extent,
and some months ago realized that strong
measures must be adopted If 1t was desired
to continue the organization as a military
company. We were existing beautifully as
q club, and could have continued to do so.
In fact, we have received several offers TO
consolidate with other organizations, but
the old members did not take kindly to the
idea OF ending the existence of the National
FencibleS, after it's successful career as q
military company.
Some weeks ago at a meeting OF the
beard of directors l argued In favor OF
winding up the affairs of the organization
pursue the only other course open-to
re-enter the National Guard The question
was put to the company, and 1t was de-
cided almost unanimously to adopt the lat
ter course. The officers were appointed a
committee to wait on Gen. Ordway, and
the hearing was had by appointment.
explained TO the general that our visit was
in the nature OF a return OF the prodlgal
son. l explained to him that We though,
his object in mastering us out had been &C
compliShed. 1t was d lesson In discipline
to the remainder of the National Guard,
and We realized its value and were ready
10 return ana make the WOFk OF Gudru
our first consideration. Gen. Ordway re-
piled that he also thought that mastering
out the Fencibles had been a decided les
sen, that fact being attested by the salts
factory results of the last annual inspec-
tion. He added that he was not only will
ing to receive the company back, but was
very glad to have us return.
VIII Again Compete in Drills.
Il very frankly explained to the general
that one object we had in again joining
the ranks of the brigade was to enable us
to participate in interstate competitive
drills in the future. / still maintain that
am right in claiming that the National
Fencibles or any other Independent COM
pany Is eligible to compete for the Calves
ton championship cup. However, obsta-
cles would be thrown in our path, and the
simplest way out Of the difficulty Is to en-
ter the Guard.
AT the next interstate competition we
shall endeavor to show that as a drill team
we have not seen better days, but as
have stated, the company will attend strict
ly TO Its National Guard duties. and there
VIII be no complaint TO follow on that
score.
sent from forty to forty-eight men ready
to enlist. dozen more of our best
members are at present out of the city and
cannot be mustered in until next winter
We Will have an associate membership, to
which those who do not care to enter the
Guard will be transferred. We will retain
our quarters on E street for the present,
because We have a five years lease on the
property, and because there IS no room for
US at present in the National Guard ar
mCry. We have recently completed the
erection of a spacious locker room in the
rear of our building and are fixed very
nicely indeed. 1t is not yet determined as
to our assignment. but in all probability
the National FencibleS will be again Off
cially designated Company c, I'd Battal-
ion."