The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-07-29
AT THE SAN ANTONIO DRILL AND
cur As WELL.
A PROUD MOMENT FOR THE BOYS
They Have Secured the Greatest
Honor of Their Lives In Captur-
ting This Rig Prizc-The Nor
tons Came Second and the
SenIys Third.

San Antonio, Tex, July 2J.-(Special.)
If the citizens of Austin do not turn
the city upside down tomorrow when the
Governors Guard arrive at home they
ought to. If any of them could have
seen the Guard this afternoon when
Capt Roberdeau received the prize Of
$4,000. which carries with it the Calves
ton cup. they would have yelled them
selves sick.
The hour was G:1O o'clock All day
long the troops had been busy at work,
striking camp but that did not in any
way deter them from many inquiries
about who had won first money. In re-
ply TO most of these interrogatores it
was stated that the Governors Guard
had won first place. In fact, the general
impression has been that the Guard were
winners ever since last afternoon. 1t
syas not known for certainly, however.
and hence there was n suppressed silence
around the grandstand and the grounds
as the companies formed in front of the
grandStand in their last review. The re-
view was not imposing. for very few of
the troops took part in it. All compa-
MES who were contestants, however,
were represented, and when their cap
tains, thirty-iive in number, were called
TO the front and formed in line before
Gen. Openhemer and the drill committee
70 hear the prizes announced, silence
reigned everywhere. There were very
few spectators in the grandstand, but
all the military boys were deeply inter
csted in the outcome and they gathered
around, all cagerneSS TO hear the result.
Secretary Geo Il. Eichlitz of the Drill
association opened the report of the drill
committee slowly, and after CHANGING ut
at a moment, asked if Capt Robcrdcau
of The Governors Guard would please
step forward. He did so midst the
mighty shout of all the companies and
received the first prize of the interstate
contest which was in the nature of n
check for $4,000. After him came the
Sealy Rifles in the order named, re-
-ceiving $1,000 and 5000 respectively as
second and third prizes.
When Capt Robcrdeau approached the
Judges his cheek was mantled by flush
and his eye had n CLEAN of joy in il that
made every one feel the joy of the mo-
ment. The crowd burst into Il yell. and
even Gen. Openhcmer, who was sitting
IN review for the moment. almost forgot
his dignity to such an extent as to give
"A warwhoop, but quickly rcgaincd him
sself and told the boys not to make any
noise while the awards were being given
.Ont.
The awarding of this prize to the Gov
errors Guard is one of the greatest vie
tories of the times. II means that the
Governors Guard is II company that has
no equal in the United States. They are
now the proud poSscssOrs of cup that
mas travelled all over the country. and
been held by the best companies who
- have ever marched on the field. They
captured it from companies who Were
fighting for its possession with Il national
! reputation behind them.
The victory is thrice welcome for the
reason that it is most complimentary to
both the Guard as II company and to
Capt. Roberdcau. In fact, the latter
today is considered one of the ablest mill
tary men in the south. His interpreta-
ton of the program was the finest work
done by any captain on the field. He
read the program perfectly, and the other
captains made errors.
AS predicted in these kilograms several
days age, the battle narrowed down to
captains conflict, and Capt. Rober-
deau won the prize, and he is entitled
to all honor for the same. 1t was the
greatest victory of his life. He reflect
ed credit on the Guard, on himself on
the Capital city, and on the Volunteer
Guard of Texas.
While his Interpretation of the pro-
gram was perfect, it must not be forgot
ten that he had good company back
ing him, and while it is generally con-
Ceded that he is entitled to all credit for
abe glowing score that won the prize, the