Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-17
G ETS REACH CAMP
Washington Boys All Ready for the Big Con-
test Next Week.
Even Betting on Them and the
Thurston Rifles for First Place
Incidents of Camp.
Sped al Dispatch to The Evening Star.

SpcCial Dispatch to The Evening Star.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas. July 1.-THE
greatest interstate drill and encampment
the south has ever seen is a reality and
5000 soldiers, regulars and volunteers
are under canvas at Camp Culberson. The
Morton Cadets are among the number, the
Washington boys being already thoroughly
at home and eager for the championship
strife. The Mortons reached San Antonio
after their long journey at > O'Clock yes
terday afternoon in remarkably good con-
dition considering the distance Travelled.
Then followed circumstances which taxed
their patience to the utmost. The special
Car of the Washington boys was shifted
back and forth on track after track for
an hour. Then the Mortons were hauled
out to a dense wood and there left for
what seemed an age. Finally engine ar
rived and more uneXplainable shifting fol-
loved Toward night the boys were landed
at the camp where they found eight small
tents assigned them TO accommodate the
ferty-fiVe members of the party.
\ Plunge in the River.
No complaint was made. however. and in
an instant it seemed every Morton Cadet
was immersed in the San Antonio river
that flows directly by in the rear of camp
Inc bath removed the stains of travel
ana frightened the spirits of the boys, and
prepare ioEs for the night. No one left
camp, and all slept soundly. Bright and
early this morning Lieutenant Tralles had
the boys on the field for practice drill, and
Tor two hours their work was eagerly
watched by the members of other com
panies. From all that can be learned
at this early sage the Washington COM
pany, greatly handicapped rs it has Leen,
compares favorahly with the other crack
companies All the interstate companies
will give exhibition drills this afternoon in
front of the grand stand. After dress
parade the commissioned officers are to Ge
presented to the sponsors
Contest Begins Monday.
The contest in the big drill begins Mon
day, when the Thurston Rifles face the
judges. The Mortons take the field Thurs
day. The drill grounds are all that could
be desired The judges are Lieutenants p.
Whitworth and n. F. Crate of the 18th
United States Infantry and Lieutenant a.
Shaker of the list Artillery. All the inter-
state companies are now in camp. The
Well-known Mccarthy Light Guard of Lit
tie Rock at the last moment decided not
TO attend the drill.
Following the decisive announcement Of
Adjutant General Mabry that the Morton
Cadets is the champion military company
comes the statement that at dress parade
this evening Gen. Mabry will formally turn
over the cup to the company.
At all events, the inscription Morton
Cadets. May 16. 1896, Savannah, Ca, is to
be added to those already engraved On the
trophy. In the betting the Mortons ami
Thurstons are even favorites, with the
Sealy Rifles and Company ID of St Paul
even for second. The Belknap Rifles are
third. The bookmakers decline to consider
the Mortons and Thurstons lower than
Sc cond.
Have No Sponsor.
The Motions lave no sponsor but are
liaI tin of l,f
honor Miss Reed, Miss Pfeiffer and Miss
Preston. They will entertain the company
in an elaborate manner Tuesday evening.
Although camped side by side, the Mortons
and Thurstcns do not speak as they pass
by. The city is in gala attire, and the
champion company from Washington Is
confident OF victory.