The San Francisco call., 1897-07-19
Signal Corps, Third Brigade.

SACRAMENTO, CAL, July 1.-THE Signal
Corps, Third Brigade, is making very active
preparations for its camp, which commences
on the 22d inst
A comm unication by telephone from Briga-
der-General Muller to Major Douglas, signal
officer, received last day, created a good
deal of conservation among the members.
The message was to the effect that the general
wanted his signal corps with him at Santa
Cruz ON the 18th of August. along with the
rest of the brigade. On receipt of this in
form mation Major Douglas Immediately com
municated with Lieutenant Fred L. Martin,
who al the meeting last Tuesday night fully
discussed the matter. The history of the
whole affair was gone into, and ii was shown
that the men were acting under instructions
received by wire from Lieutenan Colonel
Miles, division signal officer, June 90 to the
effect that there would be no divisi on camp
for signal corps, and for ajor Douglas to in
struct Lieutenant Martin TO 60 ahead and
make his own camp arrangements
Acting in good faith and III accordance with
these instructions the corps i'm mediately COM
menced thorough canvass OF the situation
The most convenient time Tor the members to
be absent, most suitable location for encamD-
ment, ETC., were thoroughly discussed, and
the understanding in both committee and
open meetings was that the camp be held
about the middle of July and al some point in
the noun tains, in order that all facilities for
heliographing and other signal work be taken
advantage OF.
Al the meeting Tuesday night Major Doug.
las explained the situation, and said that GEN
eral Muller, though very much disappoin ted
to learn that such arrangements ad been
made, would lot act ar Ditrarily in the matter
especially If matters were fully explained to
him and would doubtless give his sanction to
the camp the men themselves propose.
The report of the committee on camp was
then adopted: That, subject to instructions
from the brigadier-general the corps go in to
camp in the vicinity of Summit, commencing
July %, and returning to Sacramento on the
1stof August.
The corps has decided to name its camp
"Camp Douglas" in honor of its popular sig
nal officer, Major W. w. Douglas, Deputy State
Controller.
On account of the distance from Sacrament to
the corps has decided to ride one way only
and will ship its horses to Sum NIT on Wednes-
day evening, the mem bers following on Thurs
dag. The ride back Will commence about Fri
day, the 29th, bringing the corps back home
about Sun day, August /.
A full attendance of twenty men is assured
which would not have been the case had the
men gone 10 Santa Cruz. and it is very likely
knowledge gained in the way of genuine camp
life and signal work than they would shoul d
they go to brigade encampment. The facilities
for signaling in the mountains are unlimited
aud squads will be sent out on days march
from camp to open up communication with a
squad that has gone in another direction. thus
placing them two days march apart Pistols,
carbiues, targets and ammunition will also be
taken up and the men will no doubt be greatly
benefited.
Lieutenant Martin. however, believes in the
old maxim that "All work and no play will
make Jack Tor Tommy Atkins) dull boy,'
and will see that his command is provided
with plenty OF amusement. A baseball outfit
aud football will be taken up; the lovers of
the rod are raking up their old tackle, and
those who prefer other game are polishing UP
shotguns aud rifles.
THE CALL has made arrangements with the
quarterma ster-sergeant to receive a mum Der Of
lri1
doub less prove interesting to the military
men of the State. W.