The herald., 1897-09-06
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES!
NATIONAL GUARD NOTES


the new armory will be ready for occu-
patton is the all-absorbing topic of con-
versation among the national guards
men this week. Nothing else, excepting
the new uniforms, has awakened half
the interest. AS soon as the building is
finished there is to be two or three days
of merry making, dances, theatricais
and all kinds Of entertainments A small
admittance will be charged and the
money raised by this means will be laid
away to form the nucleus of a fund to
help defray the expenses of next years
camp. 1t is expected that the sum thus
raised will be in the neighborhood Of
$500.
The drill hall is to be 100 by 1O3 feet.
This will give ample room for extend
ed order company drills as we'll as
species of restricted battalion formation.
The only point is this: If the floor is
used for dancing and is kept up as such,
it will be so slippery that rapid move
ment will be out Of the question. Those
who remember the old drill hall in the
armory on Broadway will call to mind
the ludicrous spectacle that was pre-
sented one muster day." by one of the
companies. The right guide of the rear
Iduh s4iPPCQ anu III IL luS " leCONCl
himself caught the next man, and in
half minute half the company were on
the floor, all scrambling to regain their
footing.
General Last has committee at work
trying to bring the terms for the pro-
posed purchase of the camping grounds
to focus where something can be done.
The judges who have the awarding OF
the prizes won at the recent encamp-
ment in hand have been little remiss
in sending in their reports, but they
will in all probability have them finished
some time this week. General Last has
sent east for the Bussicott cooking out
fits and the silk guidons which are a
part Of the prizes, and they will be here
in time to be awarded as soon as the |
winners are declared.
Is the drum and bugle corps to be re-
organized? That is question which is
exciting great deal of discussion just |
at present. AT one time there was one,
and persons in position to know said |
that it was the finest organization Of |
its kind and size in the United States. |
When Colonel Berry took command of |
the Seventh regiment he dsbanded this |
organization for the reason that there |
was no provision made for its mainten- |
ance, while there was provision made |
for band. A band does very we'll when |
there are only three or four companies,
but where there are twelve companies |
marching in a column of fours the last |
six or seven cannot hear the band at all.
This was proved at camp, for the men of
the rear companies asked on their ar
rival at the camping grounds, did the
band play coming out?" With the drum |
and bugle corps it was different The
reaE companies could hear the music as
well as those at the head of the column.
OF course where the marching is done in
closed hall the band is the best, for
the drums and bugles make too much |
noise.
About the only way that the corps
could be reorganized would be to ell
list the men as supernumerary members
of the band. This haSits disadvantages,
as the appropriation for band purposes
would not be large enough to go around.
If the men could be enlisted in the diff
ferent companies as privates and as
signed to duty as supernumerary COM
pany musicians it might be effected.
Colonel Berry has expressed himself
as being in favor of drum and bugle |
corps if possible, but said that under Tie
state law there could be no official stand
ing, and consequently no state money
for the men as an organized company.
A number Of the officers when seen ex-
pressed themselves as in favor of a
drum and bugle corps in place of the
band. Almost all said that in their opin-
ion it was far more of military organ
ization than any band could ever hope to
be, but no one could see any way to have
them equipped by the state.
The officers Of the Seventh regiment
hNd their regular monthly meeting and |
banquet, a. the Maison Dore last Satur-
day evening. Matters appertaining to
the good Of the guard and regiment
were discussed. The last Saturday Of
next month the officers banquet board |
will be graced by the presence Of their
ladies. A paper will be read by Colonel
Berry on the subject Of company COM
manders, and will be discussed by those
present. Each following month paper
will be read by some Of the company
commanders previously designated by
the colonel. These monthly meetings
and banquets are in reality their schools
for they are the only time that the off1c-
eTS CAN get together anu exchange IDEAS
and receive their instructions.
Cavalry Troop D is still without
captain. Captain Solano's resignation
was accepted while in camp and no elec-
tion has been ordered as yet. Senior
First Lieutenant Howland will probably
be a candidate for the vacant office. The
troop is drilling steadily and getting up
to a standard which should win many
prizes If it is maintained.
The signal corps are going over their
men and wedding out those who do not /
show up to drill regularly as well as
those who are undesirable for other rea-
sons.
Company Of Pasadena seems to be
having quite number of little disturb
ances. On their last drill night they
had another one and as a result one Of
its members has been given his dis
charge. "for the good Of the service"
Company L Of Santa Ana has made
quite a number of promotions among
the "non-coms," consequent upon the
removal of one of the sergeants.
Religious Differences
'"The divorce was brought about |
through religious differences wasn't |