Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-29

on duty in the State. Both inspections
were by company. The programme was
| as follows: Afternoon; books and Other
records, the company fund, the condition
OF the armory, the target range, and a
careful VerificatiOn of property. Eve
ming; ceremony of inspection, drill of the
company under captain and lieutenants,
and of squads under noncommissioned Of
hcers, pointing out good and bad things
to the entire company. For the drill the
regular officer substituted over an hours
practical instruction in guard duty in
which three reliefs We're regularly posted
followed by instruction of officers and
non-commissioned officers by catechism.
A separate report on each company Gin
detail. was rendered to the adjutant gem
eral by each inspector. Form of report
is enclosed, marked Is. Companies were
IN general proficient, although a few fell
below an average standard All were
much interested. In camp there was a
daily guard mounting in each regiment,
and also daily parade. Some five or
SIX drills were held by each battalion
The first regiment drilled twice in close
order but the second regiment did not
drill at all. One battalion of the second
regiment drilled once in extended order
but this was all the extended order at
tempted The brigade was reviewed by
the governor in line of masses. All drills
and ceremonies were creditable. The drill
of the first regiment and the review were
excellent. great fault, prevalent in all
drills. was that movements were rarely
explained, or criticised after completion
This led to the perpetuation of errors
which might easily have been eliminated.
No field exercises were held during the
encampment, the day set apart for the
same being rainy. A fall field day is now
being planned. In physique the guard has
high standard. With few exceptions
medical examinations are conducted with
much care and the material to choose
from is excellent. Mentally the men are
Nof unusual intelligence. They are apt and
eager to learn In moral character the
guard has steadily improved. There was
almost no drunkenness in camp, and it is
believed there was no case treated in hos
pital which arose from excessive drinking.
Men went freely to the city of Augusta.
where liquor is easily obtainaDie. but We're
well behaved, and at no time was it nee
essary to send a guard to make arrests.
This was not SO much the result of Stric:
discipline, which did not prevail. as it was
of the good moral character of the men
themselves. Many officers, from colonies
down, seem more anxious to be popular
than to improve the discipline of their
commands. Passes were issued, but many
men left camp without them. Many men
absented themselves from drill, without
being made to attend. Military courtesy
was very well observed. The police of
camp was good. although moreN atten-
ton should have been paid to this matter
in the second regiment. A company at
Bangor and one at Hampden have been
disbanded this year on account of inef-
ficiency. A new one has been organized
in Bangor and one in Gardiner. These
new companies are composed of the best
young men of their respective localities.
and add greatly to the general tone of the
guard. Several other companies, notably
the four on or near the eastern frontier
of the State. and Co. E. first infantry.
Portland are quite as exclusive as to the
quality of their membership. and the re-
suits in efficiency are apparent. The con-
centration of all the troops in Portland in
their new armory has greatly increased
their tone and spirit of emulation.
Range practice is held by every COM