Evening star., 1897-06-11
THE NATIONAL GUARD
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expected on the steamer River Queen,
which leaves Washington at 4:3O O'Clock
and reaches Fort Washington in ample
time for the concluding ceremonies of the
day. A large bell has been erected at the
edge Of the camp. near the main guard
tent, and 1t will be sounded for the benefit
of visitors fifteen minutes before the de-
parture from camp Of the excursion boats.
Under this arrangement there will be no
excuse for any person being left at camp,
as happened on one occasion during the
last outing Of the guard.
VIII Build a Bridge.
Major Gilbert Thompson. commanding
the engineer battalion. this afternoon de-
cided to construct a bridge across q deep
ravine separating the camp Of the I'd Regi-
nent from that of the 1st Separate Bat
talon. The work will be done by Company
b, the construction company Of Major
Thompson's command, and Is to be COM
menced the early part of next week. The
signal tower erected by the engineers at
the last camp is still in position and as
seryiceable as on the day it was completed;
The efficiency displayed yesterday and
today by the District National Guard has
really been a surprise even to those who
expected good showing. OF course. as
might naturally be expected, some slight
whole all the work has been quite as well
performed as could reasonably be desired.
The camp was raised in a manner and with
such speed as reminded one Of the regular
army, and the mounting of the provost
guard was accomplished as though every
one participating knew his business. The
croWning feature of the day, though, was
dress parade. The regiments and separate
organizations formed on their respective
parade grounds at o'clock and proceeded
to the spacious brigade parade field, where
the ceremony was held. Adjutant General
Mosher formed the parade, the I'd Separate
Battalion reporting on the line first Other
organizations took their positions prompt
ly, and the ambulance corps with its new
ambulance. participated. The National
Guard Band and the corps of field music
looked after its share of the ceremony in a
creditable manner, when it is taken into
consideration that the band has been in
eA1stence but a few weeks.
Passing in Review.
After the officers had marched to the
front and center. and the parade had been
dismissed, the beautiful and patriotic cere-
mony of passing in review before the colors
occurred. The regiment and battalion col
ors, with the color guards, were aligned in
front OF the center of the brigade. and the
troops marched past, saluting in turn, the
oand playing THE Star Spangled Banner"
Ihe coiors next passed before the first and
second regiments, the commanding officers
olrecting that the proper homage be paid
Inc colorS were then returned to their re-
spective battalions as the troops presented
arms. Ranks were broken and but a short
time elapsed before the sounding of mess
call for supper.
1t is worth a trip of much greater dis
tance than that from Washington to wit
ness the ceremonies of dress parade and
passing in review before the colors The
Dlstrlct ! National Guardsmen are not at
tired in full dress or fancy regulation uni
fern, but nevertheless the display is we'll
worth witnessing, not merely cnce, but day
after day. Dress parade will occur every
evening. Sunday included, at & o'clock, the
weather permitting. The steamer River
Queen. which leaves Washington at 4:3O
O'clock. reaches Fort Washington in ample
time for visitors to inspect the camp and
reach the parade ground for the parade
The Band Concert.
particularly enjoyable feature in camp
each evening is the band concert. The
band stand Is located about the post flag
staff, directly in front of headquarters
post Office The musicians appeared shortly
after o'clock, in white duck trousers,
with the regulation blouse and cap. and
1or an hour Or more the band entertained
the entire camp with popular selections, a
renoltion OF Narcissus being particularly
pleasing. The guardsmen unquestionably
enjoyed the concert last evening, and were
generous with their applause.
Tattoo roll call was in order at 10 O'Clock.
the men forming line and answering to
their names when called by the first ser
Geants. Taps sounded promptly at 1890
o'clock; the fascinating call being repeated
by several buglers stationed at different
points throughout the camp. AS the final
note Of the last bugle died away, nearly
1,OO persons listened intently to a cornet
solo. Tom Moore's "Oh, Believe If All
Those Endearing Young Charms" which
seemed to have an enhancing effect. There
was spontaneous outburst of applause
from everywhere, and then all was quiet,
with but one exception. until reveille at
o:4o o'clock this morning.
Posted the Provost Guard.
The first ceremony at Camp Washington
was the posting of provost guard, at
o'clock yesterday afternoon. The organiza-
ton assigned for that duty was Company
d. 1st Battalion. Capt. Jesse B. K. Lee of
Company C, 1st Battalion, acted as officer
OF the day, while Adjutant General Mosher
formed the guard. Lieutenants Beall and
Marshall lwere the officers of the guard
Inc ceremony occurred directly in front of
the office of the adjutant general The re-
Gently organized National Guard Band
made Its initial appearance on this occa-
sion, and pleased every one the greater
part of the membership of the brigade be-
ing on hand to witness the guard mount.
AFTER the guard marched away the men
devoted their attention to the base ball
score board Of The Evening Star, located
on the band stand. where the scores of ali
National League games were received by
innings and promptly posted.
The provost guard is a novelty, never be-
fore having been included in the routine
Of the camps Of the District National
Guard. 1t Is a sort of police protection.
the men not being required to walk posts
as sentinels. The provost guard is held in
reserve to quell any possible disturbance
that may arise in camp.
With the exception of the provost guard.
q ntyfn y.o0
last night. the first regular guard not be-
Ing mounted until 8 o'clock this morning,
Hereafter, however, the camp will be
guarded day and night until the departure
for home the 10th instant
Not Hero for Fun.
If any member Of the guard imagines
that the brigade is in camp just for the
FUN of the thing. he will undoubtedly come