Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-24

the most rigid politeneSs. The ThurSton
Rifles and the Washington boys cannot
truthfully be termed cordial comrades Not
the slightest sign of recognition passed be-
tween the two companies for several days,
although they were encamped side by side
at Memphis. To be sure, the Thurstons
went out Of their way to salute Capt. Shil-
ling ard his lfeutenants. but Capt Foye
and Capt Shilling apparently are unaware
| Of the existence of each other. These
crack companies give example Of rivalry
carried to the very last degree. Since their
drill Monday. however, the Omaha boys
have Bonded to an extent, and several of
them have INDUCED In very respectful con-
verSations with some of the MortonS.
Models Of Discipline.
The Thurston Rifles are the very ideal
disciples of discipline. Never has there
been, and never will there be, more perfect
obedience to military requirements, either
in or out Of the regular service, than is ex-
emplfied by the representative company of
the Nebraska National Guard. Not a
sound of hflarity has been heard from the
direction of the, Thurstons' camp. They
have absolutely no personal relations with
their commissioned officers all business be-
ing transacted through the first sergeant.
The latter conducts the company to mess
and return three times daily, and is in
complete control of the men. except on the
drill field. If steadiness and discipline were
the ruling factors In interstate competi-
tions, the Thurston Rifles would retain the
Sho"pioiiSihP pci pttudliy lHtS nave Win
them as Goa chers captain and sergeant
of the regular service.
Seven small tents for forty-fve men are
rather limited quarters, but the Mortons
have adapted themselves to circumstances
Tent flies and the mess tent have been
pressed into service. and the champions
manage to sleep comfortably With the ex-
cept1on OF Tuesday evening, when the COM
pany attended the reception in its honor
the boys have not left camp and their
habits are perfect. After the review and
exhibition drill each evening the Mortons
assemble in the company street and sing
Tor an hour or more. Then, regularly as
though In compliance with the official pro-
gram, they proceed to a refreshment stand
ana partake of watermelon, such as is not
procurahle In Washington. After the water
| melon the boys retire, and the day is at
an end.
FmvOrites With the Regulars.
In addition to capturing the good will of
everybody In San Antonio, the Mortons are
great favorites with the officers and men
of the regular army. Uncle Sans troopers
are constant visitors to the Mortons' quar-
tiers, and whenever the boys drill the army
men are the spectators who applaud most
enthusiastically
Great have been the efforts of the powers
that be to compel the visiting companies to
perform an onerous routine of camp duties
The Morton Cadets journeyed all the way
to San Antonio to again win the CHAMPION
ship, not to perform guard duty and par
ticipate in extended order and battalion
drill. The same is true of the other COM
panies from afar. and all have combined to
thwart the plans of Major General Open
heimer, In command of the troops Popular
Bob Green, formerly captain of the
Belknap Rifles, is major Of the interstat e
battalion, but he has had the several CAP
tains command the battalion in turn at
dress parade. as Major Green is seldom
present. Captain Bean of the Minnesota
company, by reason of priority of COM
mission, Is in reality the battalion COM
mander. Following is correct report of
the daily effort to compel the visiting COM
panfes to labor unnecessarily:
Daylight. Staff officer of high rank
arouses Captain Shilling from slumber with
this announcement: General Oppenheimer
this battalion form for drill In fifteen min
utes.'
Captain Shilling: Where are the orders?''
Stan Omcer: THE orders are verbal"
Captain Shilling: II refuse to recognize
verbal orders; they must be in writing.
Staff officer departs. Captain Shilling re-
sumes slumber.
Tries His Hand on Neeley Zouaxes.
STAFF officer expends seven minutes, much
energy and considerable patience In a par
TALLY successful effort to arouse Capt Def
frey Of the Medley Zouaves
Staff officer-"Gen. Oppenheimer says the
battalion must be ready to drill in fifteen
minutes"
Capt. Deffrey-"Ten Gen. Q. r. x. Y. OPP
penheimer to go to thunder. and you can
go with him. I won't drill. Get outr'
Staff officer departs, but soon returns with