Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-02
Social and Routine Matters Give
Way to War Plans.
ORGANIZATION OF ARTILLERY BRANCH
Report on the Field Maneuvers at
Fort Washington.
CREDITABLE SHOWING MADE


possibility of hostilities and preparations
therefor have been significantly out of
| sight during the week, SO far as the Dis
trict Of Columbia National Guard is con-
| cerned. 1t appears that every guardsman
Is confidently expecting the issuance of a
call to arms, and, therefore, all steps of a
routine OF So ill nature have. for the time
being, been discontinued.
The uHderstandinE-and il is based on
undisputed authority-is that the local
brigade will be called into the service OF
the United States within an hour follow
| ing the official notification that 4 state OF
war exists. The supposition is that the
troops will go into camp near this CITY,
where they Will recruit and kEuckle down
to hard work at once. A wel,-ieiined pos
s.bi!ity exists. however. that the District
forces may be dispatched forthwith to a
locality within half d i:uIdi ed miles of
the national capital that the War Depart
ment officials consider OF decided import
ance from strategic point of view.
Should the latter plan re adopted the work
OF recruiting would continue actively in
THIS city, the recruits being sent to join
| the troops in the field without unneces-
sary delay.
Sfx-Gun battery.
l. A gratifying announcement is to the
effect that. should tie District National
vided with sx-gun battery, With such
prospect, it is believed nearly every man
who was come ted with the organization
formerly a part of the guard and tesie-
rated as Light Battery q, would return to
the service without Hesitation. First Lieut..
j. II. Grifhths. who is at the head of the
present artillery organization, would be
glad to hear from al who mean to vol
unteer, in case Of hostilities, for service in
the artillery branch HIS address is GIL
9TH street.
1t Is not unlikely. in the event war is
determined upon. that Ole or two other
parts of the brigade will undergo a de-
cided reorganization.
Activity to degree never before known
or probably never contemplated has been
the rule during the week from one end OF
the brigade to the other 1t is considered
unfortunate that the command should be
without an armcry il st at this time, but
the handicap has not been such serious
drawback as might have been expected
All the commissioned officers of the bri-
gade assembled at Headquarters Monday
| issued instructions and directions. using
very plain language, which readily con-
WINGED everybody that 1t would be wise for
all who were not engaged In preparations
arena at once
Plans for Any Emergency.
The members of the general staff met
SiiO Soiiii-ioAuii6 GCiSid lueSNdy evening
| when a clear understanding was had
among the heads of departments and aids
of plans for any emergency. AS a result,
it is believed that the brigade would re-
spond to a rapid assembly call, if need be-
and take the field in decidedly better
shape than would have been possible ten
days ago.
An important announcement by the COM
mandi1g general was that all residents of
the District who might desire to volunteer
their services to the United States would
be required, on authority of the War De-
partmert, to do SO through the medium of
the District National Guard. This ought
to make plain the status of the companies
and bodies Of larger size which, rumor
has it, are in process of organization. The
forces that may be accepted for the SER
vice of the United States from the District
will be under the command of District
National Guard officers.
The regimental and separate organiza-
ton commanders have reported to head
quarters the status of their commands
and of the preparations which have been
made to respond to a call. Careful medi-
cal examinations have been conducted and
auxiliary rolls prepared. The showing of
the commands was very satisfactory.
First Separate Battalion.
The gas meter exploded at the armory Of
the LIST Separate Battalion Tuesday last
after battalion drill. and the fact that the
armory and It's contents were not destroyed
by flames is stated to be due TO the calm
ness of Lieut.. Robert Boavie Covington.
At battalion drill Tuesday evening. with
the companies formed in a hollow square,
Major Brooks after some general remarks
as to the possibility of a call for service.
requested that every man who was In po-
sition to answec such a call would signify
his willingness by bringing his rifle to a
right shoulder Immediately the piece of
every man was raised as suggested and
cheers broke forth.
The recent enlistment Of DIR. N. w. Pur-
nell as hospital steward has been OF great
value to the medical department in the
physical examination Of the battalion now
In progress. His past experience as ex-
aminer is said to be of particular advantage
Company D has elected Oliver B. Davis
second LIEUTENANT. Lieutenant Davis is at
present captain Of Company B, High School
Cadets. The vfgor with which he has en-
tered upon his duties has made him gen.
eral favorite, his drills being well attended
by visitors from other companies.
Major Buckner Of the 9th Battalion, ILL.,
rois National Guard, visited the armory
Tuesday He expressed himself as being
much pleased with the company and bat
talon drills.
Report OF Capt.-Chase.
The bureau Of military information, War
Department, will soon issue publication
relating to the organized militia of the
United States. Under the head Of District
OF Columbia win appear a report Of the
field exercises held during the last Camp.
written by Captain Constantine Chase. 9TH
United States Artillery, who states that a
very creditable showing was made In at
tack and DEFENSE
After reciting the plan for the exercises.
outlined by the brigadier general commando
ing. Captain Chase says:
'sThe 18th of June was assigned to field