Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-02

ES.
ment. reinforced by one two-pounder IL. F.
Hotchkiss gun and the remainder of the
Engineers.
THE umpires were Capt. Constantine
Chase, 4th United States Artillery, chief
umpire; Capt. Chas. H. Heyl. I'D Emitted
states infantry, umpire for the ofe. i've,
and Capt. H. L. slocum. It'll United States
Cavalry, umpire for the defensive. The:e
were assisted by the brigade STAFF duly as
signed.
Offensive Contingent in Movement.
The offensive contingent was placed in
movement about forty-five minutes before
the defensive. ard, by bearing wen to the
north and then eastward, by instruction,
took course which led It backward along
the road to Fort Washington.
THE defensive contingent reached its
groun6-the defensive postion-shortly be-
fore noon. The I'd Battalion was thrown
forward to a rail fence running north and
south, where two companies were halted
supports just north of a road, while two
companies were deployed as skirmishers
and pushed forward among bushes and un-
derwood east and north. The LIST Battal-
ion formed the reserve, and was held in
ranks on the knoll west and south of the
2-pound r. F. Hotchkiss gun. which was
placed on spur. The engineers took pos
session of a knoll southeast Of the LIST Bat
talion's position, where it dug rifle pits. and
threw forward the sharpsnooter company
in open order into the wood on the ridge to
the east of the rail fence.
THE signal for the maneuver to begin was
fired at O'Clock pm. Meanwhile the Of
fensive contingent had entered the road
south Of and parallel to the main road.
This road and the country was secuted
far as the southern edge of the ridge, from
which point few struggling shots caused
a company of the reserve to be sent in
,so<f
half an hour. when suddenly some fifty of
the LIST Separate Battalion opened brisk
fire upon the defense from the WOOD to the
right and front of the defensive line. and
was succeeded by well-pronounced fire at
tack along the center and right, which
caused considerable firing on both sides.
DeplOyed Into Firing Line.
1.-The skirmishers Of the defense were
gradually withdrawn to the supports, and
the latter deployed into the firing line.
Meanwhile, the extreme left of the de-ense
was suddenly confronted by three COM
panies of the 4th and 9Th Battalions (Which
had succeeded in crossing the deep ravine
at that point, and a determined attack w 9
delivered. driving back the defensive troops
westward toward the woods. So sudden
was this development that the defensive
troops found themselves outnumbered at
that point. and the attacking force fired
its three volleys' at barely 100 yards.
"A halt was called and judgment claimed
as to the success of this attempt, which was
conceded to the offensive. The maneuver was
resumed, for it was then doubtful as to the
outcome of the frontal attack. This part
of the line was still stubbornly defended
by infantry and artillery, for the gun had
been moved to the knoll southeast Of its
first position.
THE left of the defensive was now re-
inforced by two companies from the re-
serve. The fire in that quarter became
heavy and the attempts of the offensive
more determined. Meanwhile strong adj
vance was seen to be organizing on the
front and toward the right of the defend
ers position.
.At this point, the men were becoming
excited, 1 stopped the maneuver. Success
was awarded the offensive, and unexpended
ammunition was fired at the close-order
drill which followed.
I'm this maneuver the brigade was held
to duty some five hours without cessation.
1t was the first in which it had ever taken
part, and 1 consider it generally creditable.
Each man was issued twenty rounds Of
blank cartridges. but the expenditure In the
maneuver averaged thirteen. SO far as
could be ascertained."
Irfsh-American Battalion.
Company A, 4th Battalion, at a meeting
Tuesday evening last directed Captain Har-
ry Walsh to strengthen the organization
by the enlistment of ex-members and
friends of the company who may be avail
able for military duty.
This is a step toward preparation for pos
sible war service and looks to an increase
of numbers that will warrant the forma-
ton of battalion of Irish-American Wash
ingtonions should the government call for
volunteers.
Captain Walsh is already receiving appli-
cations for enlistment from former men,
bers, and, from present Indications, there
will soon be four or five hundred militia
veterans on tn, rolls of the company ready
for any duty.
A special meeting of Company A, Cd
Battalion, has been called for Monday
evening next, when matters Of Importance
will be considered.
Workn1en are engaged night and day at
the Center Market Armory. The altera-
items are rapidly nearing completion. and
within ten days. 1t is stated. the building
will be in readiness for occupancy.
The court of inquiry appointed to investi-
gate the conduct of First Lieut.. F. c. Mat
tingly, Company D. 9Th Battalion. in con-
Eection with the request for his resigna-
ton by the battalion commander, has COM
pieted IT'S duties and forwarded a report to
headquarters.
1897 have been received at headquarters.
They will be presented to the officers and
men entitled to them, with appropriate
ceremonies, at the first favorable oppor-
tunity.
Candidate Quartermaster Sergeant James
c. Sergeant has been appointed sergeant
major of the 5th Battalion, to fill the va
cancy caused by the promotion Of Charles
e. Sxigart as quartermaster OF the bat
talon.
Sacred Concert at Foundry.
One of the especial features Of the Ep-
worth League services at Foundry Metho-
dist Episcopal Church during the winter
has been the introduction of some fine solo
singing into the Sunday evening devotional
meetings. During the fall and winter a
number of sacred songs have been rem
dered by different well-known singers OF
the city. and on two or three occasions
almost the entire evening has been de-
voted to music.
1t is the intention of the precenfor OF