Evening star., 1897-03-20
THE NATIONAL GUARD
Appearance of the District Militia in
the Inaugural Parade.
CRITICISM OF THE UNIFORM WORN
Companies That May Visit New
York April 27.
MOVEMENTS OF THE MILITIA

The question of dress uniform has be-
come, since March 4. quite an important
topic of discussion among District National
Guardsmen. The subject is treated very
significantly by Henry Loomis Nelson. the
well-known writer and authority on mill
tary matters. In a detailed description of
the recent inauguration, published in the
current issue of Harper's Weekly. Mr..
Nelson's comments are particularly timely,
those referring to the dress uniform being
as follows:
THE regular army made splendid show
at McKinIey's inauguration and 1t took
part. as have already said, in the holiday
parade clad in its holiday clothes. 1t was
a very interesting, and perhaps very sug-
gestive. fact. that after the last column of
regulars had passed. the men whose busi-
ness is fighting, in their shining helmets
and well-brushed frock coats, they were
followed by militia clothed in all the pam
oply OF war. II gave the spectator queer
sense of the Unrealty of things-the sight
of the militia in brown leggins. soft felt
campaign hats. and with cartridge belts
fastened threateningly about their waists.
Do not let there he any mistake 1t was
not all the mlitia-perhaps il was not most
of the miiitia-that appeared In the be-
trimmed streets on this gala occasion in
the tOggeTy of the campaign. The list,
from New York. and some Maryland and
New Jersey troops, besides smaller bodies.
judged rightly of the occasion and wore a
dress that did not indicate immediate
Intention to slaughter an enemy; but it as
interesting TO note that the gay regulars
were Immediately followed by the District
of Columbia militia. equipped for the fray
that Il probably no nearer today than 1t
was four years ago. when the same and
- nynr ay1iA md hot toll
showed their warlike side to the spectators
OF Washington
The consensus of opinion locally seems to
be that Mr.. Nelson is about right. Inaugu-
ration is holiday occasion, and although
lhere have been some somber ones and
there may be some more of similar char
acter. yet il IS day when everybody tries
TO lay aside his politics. the vanqushed
the same as the victors nut on their best
and mean TO have a good time. and it is
believed that the military should do the
same.
skill in organizing Pnrndes.
"A column of fifty companies of infan-
try. with a front of fifty men each, in
campaign uniform. marching solid in mass,
would be an impressive signt and worth
seeing" said Major Gilbert Thomson.
commanding the Engineer Corps. in speak
ing OF the matter with a Star reporter
even in an Inauguration parade. but a
greater number would be monotonous and
tiresome- And right here an important
fact Is OverlCOked-that even a column of
ten thousand United States cavalry in full
dress would ever be subject to some criti-
clsm- The real skill in organizing such a
par2ue. which Is a spectacle provided that
there was an abundance of material 10
choose from would be to nicely Judge lust
now Hiucn OF certain type of organizalion
and appearance would be pleasing and en-
tertainirg. The regulars March 1 owed a
e
mat there were not tco many OF them
therefore. although the District of Column
pa National Guard did break good form
oy It's appearance In fatigue uniform l.
cei fanny preSe med a pleasing contrast and
variety and marched we'll as the rest
N''Etrtneiess. the guard should get into
...I uress. continued Major Thomson
As long as ii will exist IL Will have an IN, =,
portrait position in public cerer,onies 7,
Is seldom that as large a force of reeI,-
Iars appears in an Inauguration parade
anu tAe nearer the guard approaches the
regular army in appearance and discin,tre
the less Will be the feeling of necassity
oL drawing on the army for such occa sionS
Also' as the requirement of full dress uni
ior'ns nj present is mainly brought about
py the enterprise OF COMPANY oryaniza
tons. the only way 10 encourage 80 a.
Neiop this movement is not on,y 10 nsr
mt put require, that such orga nfzations
On an occasions Of ceremony snail annear
IN full dress, even If good form rocsiyss
another twist
me Parade In New York
company c, I'd Battalion, In all probabi,-
lty: the ID Battalion possibly. and nerb.ns
other organizations of the District Nat,on,I
Guard. will visit New York city during tho
last week of April to participate in tho
'ieiiohies attendant upon the dedication
vi tne Grant monument. The matter is
no" being asitated with Some vigor
An Interesting announcement is ono N
Ihe erect that Captain Domers command
cohtenpiates taking a trip to the Ten,ss-
see centennial exposition at Nashville In
september and going into camp on the ex-
position ground. The Indications are that
there viii be no interstate compe,itive drin
during 1897. III "
captain Domer has appointed the follow
ing non-commissioned officers-Serpeants
rice. walker. Cromwell. Crist and Not
unsham: corporals. Costigan, Swieart.
Butter. Lewis, stelle and Caruthers.
Theft From the Gymnasium,
The gymnasium Of the National Guard
Athletic Association has again been entered
by some miscreant. who stole a new baske.
ball, recently purchased.
The following officers of the associa ton
to serve during 1897 have been elected
captain E c. Edwards president: Lieut.
e A Meyer. vice president: Sergt Josenb
Guista. secretary. and Private McC;lne
treasurer The officers named with Messrs
VIM Thompson. John Rolin AMI W
OConnell. have been appointed an execu.
i've committee 1t is the intention to add
largely to the equipment of the gymnasium
within the next few weeks.
Guard Duty Mt the Armory,
Company A. I'd Battalion. Monday las,
engaged in a very instructive drill and