Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-02-28
ARMORY ECHOES
Local Militia Men Not Afraid
of the War Clouds.
They Continue to Enjoy Themselves
Capt. Joseph Eruso Retired With
the Rank Of Major

The disaster to the bAttleshlp Maine
and the possibility Of war with Spain
Is the chief topic Of conversation about
the streets, and, of course, is. warmly
discussed among the militiamen The
idea of war with Spain is not seriously
entertained by any of the men, but In
case they are mistaken, they believe the
trouble would be entirely on the water.
While willing to do their full duty, the
idea Of calling out militia in case of
hostilities with Spain, is absurd to many
of them, as there would be no use for
them. The only branch of the militia
that would likely be called upon would
be the naval brigades, Much uneasiness
has been felt among the relatives of
some of the local militiamen through
Tear that the militia would be called on,
but the officers of the companies de-
clare the fears are groundless. The
militia will not be called upon. In spite
of the belligerent feeling in the air, the
miatiamen do not allow themselves to
be disturbed, but enjoy themselves to
the fullest.
The past week was notable for the
presentation of Shenandoah" by the
City Guards and the social of the
Emmet Guards. Shenandoah" proved
itself worthy of all that had been said
In advance, and the company which pre-
sented it received the warmest praise
ever bestowed on an amateur organiza-
tion. The work of the cast was pleas
ant surprise, even to the individuals
closest friends, and Sergt. w. H. Plum
mer is being congratulated for organic
Ing such strong company. Capable
critics declare the professional company
was only few points better than the
City Guards company, which, with ad-
ditional time for preparation, would
equal any in many points. From fl
nancial point the production was as
great success as hoped. Lieut. F. H.
Lucke, who acted as business manager,
has been busy all the week settling bills,
the cost of the production being in the
neighborhood of $1100. He believed
when everything is settled the company
will net about $3.50 by the play.
It is possible the company will be
held together for a time as overtures
have been made to have the play put
on in Springfield. A delegation from the
City Guards of that city was present at
the two performances last Tuesday.
That company has been thinking of put
ting Shenandoah on the boards, and
believed it had good talent in Spring
field to take the parts. The presenta-
ton by the Worcester amateurs, how
ever, surprised the Springfield men, and
they frankly admitted there was moth
ing in their city that could compare
with such company. The delegation
had an interview with Sergt. Plummer,
and he named a figure for which the
company would go to Springfield. AS he
has all scenery and accessories needed
in the play, it would be cheaper to hire
the local company than to get new ma
terial, besides giving the people of
Springfield better performance
The local infantry companies received
their new fatigue caps last week, and
members of the City Guards were the
first to wear them in the armory. The
caps are the same as worn in the regu-
lar army, and give the men a natty APP
pearance. The caps will be worn only on
duty, as working suits, including cap,
will soon be issued for other work The
local companies are already preparing
for the state inspection. At the regular
drill of the City Guards last week the
company was drilled in platoon move
ments and guard mounting Orders were
issued that on and after next Thursday
the members of the company must re-
port at every drill in fatigue uniform,
including trousers and white gloves.
IdyIldSleE "A. y. fLOSOIl OI the Iu TSRl-
ment was in the city last week and mus
tered the following men into the City
Guards: Walter Burkhardt, Leroy C.
Hinckley, Arthur A. Hayward, Fred
erick H. Hays, William E. Moody, Geo.
M. Thompson, Samuel E. Clapp and
John G. Hagberg. The last two are re-
enlistments. The City Guards now have
full complement of men. The following
We're mustered into the Light Infantry
Emil Zaeder. William w. Gile, George
E. RiX and f. A. Springer. The first two
are recruits Rix was formerly a SER
geant in the City Guards, and Springer
is a re-enlistment. Corp H. w. Marsh
of the Light Infantry rounded out
years service. Friday, and is entitled to
a long service medal. Paymaster Dob
bins of the 9th regiment is expected in
the city Monday night to muster a
batch of recruits into the Emmett
Guards
On account Of the City Guards play,
the regular drill of the Light Infantry
was postponed from last Tuesday to
Saturday night. Next week the drill will
be held Saturday night, as the company
will hold its last social on Tuesday
night. The committee in charge of the
social-Lieut. F. M. Clark Jr., Corp. A.
S, Longley and Priv. w E. Barton
ihaYe made elaborate preparations for
the affair The decorations will be on a
much more elaborate scale, and will in
clude electrical effects which will be ar
ranged by members of the company.
The Infantry orchestra will furnish
music, and Bicknell will prompt. Invita-
tionS have been sent to all officers of the
second regiment all military officers in
the city, the officers of the Hartford City
Guards and Co. II, naval brigade, of
Springfield. One of the patrons Of the
social has arranged for special car for
Newton square after the social. The car
will leave at 115 O'Clock and will accom-
modate any one living in that section Of
the city.
The Wellington Rifles and Light In
fantry played in the whist tournament
Thursday night. the match resulting in
victory for the former by a score of
SO to 50. The teams and scores of pairs
We're as follows: Wellington Rifles
Capt. Holden and Lieut. Fish IS; Pri-
Yates Lamb and Sawyer, 25; Privates
Fellows and Taft, 25; Corporal Jordan
and Private Love, 25. Light Infantry
Lieutenants Allen and Clark. 25; Pri-
Yates Holbrook and McCallum, 20; Ser
geant King and Private Butler, IS; Pri-
Yates Gile and Wilmot, IA The City
Guards and Battery b played Friday
night, the Guards winning, 100 to 81.
The games FOR this week are: Wednes-
day night, City Guards and Welllngtons
Thursday night, Light Infantry and
Battery 3.
Adjutant General Dalton informed
Capt. Joseph Bruso, Jr., Saturday, that
his request for retirement has been
granted, and that his rank had been in
creased TO jor Mai Bruso is the first
member of the militia to whom the new
law has been applied, but there will un-
doubtedly be many others VINO will be
retired with rank next above before the
end Of the year. 1t is likely the settling
of Mai Brusos case will result in an