Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-20
MORTONS STILL FAVORITES
Their Chances for the Cup Enhanced by Erro,
of Thurstons.
The Washington Boys Are Working
Like Beavers and Failure Seems
Almost Impossible.
Special Dispatch TO The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch TO The Evening Star.
/ SAN ANTONIO, Tex. July Gothic
greatest competition of recent years in
the Interstate military drill is now fairly
under way, the Thurston Rifles of Omaha,
Neb., having yesterday broken the ice
The Thurstons took the field before thou
sands of spectators, and for thirty four
minutes meneuvered in a manner that,
speaking generally, was noticeably superior
to their drill that won the championship
at Memphis in 1893
Capt. Foye, however. made a most slar-
ing error. that may cut pretty much of a
figure in the rating of his company. The
manual of arms by the numbers was ex-
executed and then closed. The company
had loaded and was standing at ready
when one of the Judges interr,,oted the
orlil al d directed the attention of the cap
tain to number on the program Can't
foSe hesitatcd a moment. brought his
command to order arms again opened
ranks and proceeded to execute the manual
without the numbers. The fire by the
company was to complete flank right by
hle from column of fours and was poorly
executed, several Individual errors being
Loticed.
Boys Were Ucartbrokeu.
When they returned to their quarters it
is known that many of the Thurstons were
almost heartbroken. Aside from the draw
backs mentioned. however the drill was a
prize winner, and the Omaha team is by
no means out of the race
The Seeley Rifles. who always like a
prize, and the Lloyd Rifles will compete
this afternoon in class A. Captain BOYD
has been drilling his men constantly since
the opening OF camp, and will undoubtedly
make a strong pull for the cup. The in
specton of the See!eys this morning as
viewed from the grand stand was perfect.
After dress parade last evening the Nor
ton cadets gave an exhibition drill that
held thousands of spectators spelbound for
fully an hour. The maneuvering has not
been equaled by any company that has
yet appeared on the field. Captain Shilling
and the boys are working they never
worked before. AT daylight they are on
the field. and for several I ours during the
morning the company is formed in the
woods. near the river, where the utmost
care is given to the manual of arms, load
ings and tirings and inspection.
All spare moments are devoted to the
preparation of the inspection parapher-
MALTA, and until Thursday morning half a
dozen SergeantS of long experience in the
18th United States Infantry will be con-
stantly going over and over the rifles to be
used in inspection. These rifles reached
San Antonio from Washington yesterday.
Attending Strictly to Business.
Except for dress parade and meals the
Mortons are not permitted to leave the i'm
mediate vicinity of their tents. and at 0
pm. every cadet has retired The boys are
working conscientiously and faithfully, and
If the championship is lost 1t will not be
due to lack of earnest endeavor.
Directly beneath the Little Rock inscrip-
ton OF the National Fencibles the Calves
ton cup now bears the words won by Nor
ton Cadets of Washington, ID. c., at Savan-
nah Ga, May II, 1876.
The commissioned officers attended bril-
liant hail last evening at the Hotel Menger.
The MortonS this evening are to be enter
tanned by their maids of honor. Tomorrow
has been set aside San Antonio day at
camp. All the business houses of the city
will be closed and the 1eiknap Rifles and
Company ID of Minnesota will drill Tor the
cup The Morton Cadets have diStanced all
competitors as favortes in the betting,
which is brisk today. =. r. =.