Evening star., 1898-02-12
Brigade May Go Into Camp at Sea
Girt.
JERSEY Site UNDER CONSIDERATION
Joseph w. Anderson Appointed
Major of the Second Battalion.
RIFLEMEN FROM ADA

The most interesting announcement in
connection with the District National
Guard since it was made known that the
aImory would be transferred from 446 L
street to the Center Market, is one to the
effect that the brigade, during the coming
summer, will probably go into camp at Sea
Girt, N. ]. .--
The mere possibility Of such a step will
undoubtedly meet with the most decided
approval and marked enthusiasm through
out the rank and file of the brigade. 1t is
more than a mere suggestion, however,
Tor the commanding general Is giving the
proposition very serious thought indeed,
and personally 1t meets with his hearty
approval. Unless obstacles too formidable
to be overcome should loom up. it may be
stated to be practically certainty that
the troops of the local brigade will spend
ten days under canvas on the Jersey shore.
Ihere are many reasons why 1t Is de-
slrable that the guard should go into camp
81 Sea Girt under any circumstances. 1t
Will be necessary to look for a camp site
outside the District of Columbia, and as
some state must be visited there is no
reason why New Jersey, with its ideal
camp ground. should not be selected. This
location is the scene Of the annual en-
campments of the National Guard of the
state of New Jersey and is all that could
of ground as level as billiard table, so far
as camp purposes are concerned. Water
mains are in position, with hydrants in
profusion. Then, in the way of parade
ground, Is an almost unlimited territory.
Supplies Are All There.
Although the New Jersey officials have
not yet been consulted in connection with
the proposition, the supposition is that the
local brigade would be welcomed to Sea
Girt by those in charge. One of the most
desirable features of the proposition is the
fact that at Sea Girt are tents and like
supplies in quantities sufficient to accom-
modate an organization several times the
size of the District Guard. Therefore, not
one pound of camp eQuipage and the like
need be handled in the event that the
brigade visits New Jersey. Should the
camp be held at some point in Maryland or
Virginia, 1t would be necessary to trans
port tons and tons of such materials from
this city to the camp ground and back
again. At Sea Girt, in addition, there are
mess sheds, and, in fact, everything that
might be required in that line. Commis-
sary supplies could be drawn at the Phila-
delphia depot Us easily as they could be
secured in this city.
When off duty the guardsmen would
find Sea Girt much more desirable spot
than any point in the vicinity of this city.
Salt water bathing would be one advantage
that could not be had in connection with
camp in the interior.
Aside from the desirability of the site the
experience to be gained by the trip alone
could not be ether than valuable. The
loading of the troops on trains the main
tenance Of discipline and the control Of
the men en- route, and other matters per-
tanning thereto, would be exactly what
the guard might be called upon to undergo
In case 1t was ordered into active service.
All officers, those of the staff and of the
line, would have an opportunity to DEM
onstrate their ability in the direction in
dicated.
A question that. presents itself is, in ef-
feet. would the money saved in the trans
portat1on OF camp eQuipage and the like
be sufficient to cover the cost of transporta-
ton of the men? 1t is not desirable to call
upon the men for anything in the way of
funds in carrying out the proposition, and
such would not be done unless as a last re-
sort 1t would seem. however, that. every
guardsman would gladly contributed small
sum, say not to exceed 81 a man, to make
the proposed camp at Sea Girt a reality.
Everything at this time is naturally in
definite, but the matter will be viewed in
all It's phases and a conclusion reached be-
lore many weeks glide into history The
opinion of the guard as a whole will he
sought and considered. Quite a number of
officers have had the subject broached to
them during the past day or two and they
are unanimously in favor of the proposition.
Major of Second Battalion.
The commanding general has decided to
appoint First Lieut.. Joseph W. Anderson
major of the I'd Battalion. The probable
successor of Maj. O'Brien has been the sub
ject of much discussion since the latter was
commissioned lieutenant colonel of the I'd
Regiment. A number Of names were sug-
gested for the vacancy. but after taking
into consideration all the circumstances it
has been decided that Lieut. Anderson is
the proper man for the place. Further
more he received the Endorsement of all
the company commanders of the battalion.
Maj. Anderson is a thoroughly trained
soldier and will undoubtedly prove pop