The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-03-24
STATE SOLDIERS READY.
Many Anticipate Active Service-Wyan-
 dotte to be Put to Use.

dotte to be Put to Use.
 Never has there been such keen in- terest manifested by the public in all that is being done by the local compa- nies of the National Guard as at pres ent. Since the Maine disaster and the resulting war talk the armory has been visited by ever increasing crowds. Last evening the First battalion, under Major Dickinson, held it's battalion drill and the biggest crowd seen in the armory for long time was pres ent to watch with keen interest the fine manoeuvreing of the states soldiers. So great was the crowd in the galleries that several expressed their apprehen- sion to Captain Allen that the gallery supports were not strong enough to stand underneath the weight. The regular battalion drill was the work of the evening. At it's close the regi- mental officers held a meeting to dis cuss the Ottawa trip of the regiment, and Colonel Burpee laid before the meeting whatever plans have been definitely arranged. The regiment will make the journey in two trains of eight cars each These will consist of a headquarters car, drawing room car, baggage car and passenger and sleep ing coaches sufficient to accommodate the whole command. The regiment will leave here May 23 and return the 26th.
 Colonel Burpee said jocosely in an swer to inquiry that the officers had O 1,1o Of mo linO a flank movement on Cuba on the return trip. Seriously, he denied that there had been any war talk at all. Whether war or not, it is certain that there is a strong feeling among the officers and men of the several companies that they may be called out for active service soon. All the companies now have their knapsacks packed ready to march at a moments notice. The companies are supposed to hold themselves thus in readiness at all times, but most of them never have heretofore. The drills of several companies of late have been largely battle formations, and the men have been familiarized to receiving or ders by hugle.
 Another change of interest is to be noted. Commencing with tomorrow night, the first division of the Naval battalion will hold its weekly drills on board the Wyandotte. The division has never drilled on board the monitor before. Tomorrow night the men will be trained in the handling of the two big fifteen-inch guns on the boat, in the use of oars and in the general du- ties aboardship. The engineer division of the city has held several of it's drills already on board the Wyandotte, and the members of the division have ac- quainted themselves with the manage ment of the monitors engines, which have recently been put in good repair. The signalmen of the division are ac- tive, and form a very important part of the local division.
 There is said to be plan on foot for the establishment of signalling sta- ton at Morgan's Point near Light house Point, where it has been propos- ed to erect battery for the protection of New Haven. The story, which has not been confirmed, is that Commander Buckland will establish the station at the request of Washington authorities. The important use such a station might be is evident On the whole, the feeling is strong in the armory that while the Second regiment is planning to go to Ottawa, Uncle Sam may want it for other purposes.