The times., 1899-06-13
Two Regiments Try Their
Skill in Mimic Warfare.
Rainy Weather Causes Discomfort
at Camp 0rdway.
The Signal Corps Strings Wires and
Opens Up Electric Communica-
tion-Sick Men Sent Home.

ment For four days the sun has failed
to stand by the District boys and there are
wet feet and ponchos under everybody.
The soft clay has been cut up by the
horses and men and there is no such thing
as being dry Since Thursday night when
the bad weather set in there has not been
a pair of dry shoes in the camp, but the
men are becoming used to it and take it as
one OF the experiences Of life under can
vas. The health of the men has not been
impaired by the moisture, and in spite
Of the dampness they are in better shape
physically than when the brigade left
Washington. Everybody is cheerful and
there is no complaining. There is a firm
belief among the majority of the guards
men that Friday. when the return is made
will be a beautiful day. This morning
opened cloudy but with indications that
the backbone of the rain had been broken.
At II o'clock, when every indication point
ed TO clearing up. rain set in, which con-
tinued until after o'clock. The plans
which had been made for the Syisit of Cen
eral Miles, the Commissioners, Assistant
Secretary Meiklejohn. and the Board OF
Trade, were consequently spoiled. Major
James Bell sent despatch this afternoon
saying that the inclemency of the weather
would prevent the distinguished men from
being present.
A sham Battle.
One of the most interesting of the exhi-
billions given by the District soldiers was
held yesterday morning in the form of a
sham battle, which began at 10 o'clock.
The battle lasted two hours. resulting in
a victory for the First Regiment after
hard fought contest in which it was said
as much skill was shown as though San
Juan Hill were being stormed. The pres
ence of many OF the volunteers in the war
with Spain added additional interest.
The First Regiment was opposed to the
Second. but the defeat of the latter is no
reflection on the abilities Of the men. The
First Regiment was ordered 10 a meadow
about a half mile south of camp, where
ammunition In the form of blank cart
ridges was given out. This regiment then
lookup the march across the hills in the
rear of the camp. The rolling ground Of
tered excellent opportunities for concealins
troops. The Second Battalion of the First
Regiment, under command of Captain Ed
wards, occupied the rear OF the crest of
the hill as the firing line. The First Bat
TALON, under command of Capt. Jesse B. K
Lee, was the support, occupying a valley
to the right of the Second Battalion, and
afterward when the attack on the left was
developed was moved to a position on the
firing line.
The First Separate Battalion, colored, was
attached TO the First Regiment, and was
held in reserve. II rendered good service.
The plan of attack was feint on the right
with the main attack on the centre. Such
strong resistance was met that the attack
failed. Company A. Company B, and Com
pauy c, First Battalion, showed that they
had been thoroughly drilled, and did con-
siderable toward saving the fight for the
First Regiment. For time a vivid min
iature battle ragged, and many of the Off
GERS and men who served in Cuba ex-
pressed themselves by saying that it was
almost the real thing" Many visitors
from Leesburg were interested spectators.
General Harries and stan occupied posi-
ton at the rear of the First Regiment.
Colonel May and Colonel Ross commanded.
General Harries expressed himself as being
pleased with the showing made by the
boys. In the confusion Private Raymond
Brown colored, of the First Separate Bat
talon, received serious wound in the
right shoulder. A man In the same COM
pany behind him placed his gun against
Browns shoulder Just before he pulled
the trigger, and wound six inches in di-
ameter was made under the shoulder blade.
The injured man was taken Immediately
TO the hospital where he was treated by
Captain Weaver.
AT 2:30 O'Clock a regimental skirmish
drill was held, which proved to be an in
teresting exhibition. The Sixth and Fifth
Battalions were combined under command
OF Capt William Hodges. The Fourth Bat
TALON was commanded by Captain Walsh,
the Second by Captain Edwards, and the
First by Capt Jesse B. X. Lee. The drills
were given independently.
Dress Parade and Mess.
At O'Clock the regular dress parade.
which is a part of the programme every
day, was held. An excellent showing was
made. The sun appeared for few min
utes over the Blue Ridge, and though the
clouds thickened again, the effect was felt
by the men. General Harries reviewed the
brigades. After dress parade the last mess
call was sounded. The men all display
remarkable and never failing appeutes, and
the various dishes disappear rapidly. The
bill of fare for today was:
BREAKFAST.
Liver Bacon
Bread and butter Coffee
DINNER.
Tomato soup
Corned beef Cabbage Potatoes
Pickles Bread and butter
Coffee and milk
SUPPER
stewed apples Pork and beans
Bread and butter and coffee
The bill for breakfast tomorrow will be:
BREAKFAST.
Oatmeal Corned beef hash
Hot corn bread and butter Coffee
There is great good humor at the mess
tents and jokes are taken as part OF
the course. The men are pleased at the
rations which are issued by the company
cooks, and thank the latter profusely
whenever a new dish is brought in from
the kitchen. The mess tents are in good
condition. Friends Of the soldiers and pa
rents need not be afraid of the treatment
the boys are receiving. II II were not for
the almost continuous rains the encamp-
ment would be the most successful ever
held. AS Il is, the weather is the only
disagreeable part Of the camp life.
The y. VI. C. A. Tent.
One of the distinctive features of the
camp IS the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation tent, just north of the collection
OF canvas houses. The tent is in charge
Of A A. Protzman, assistant secretary oi
the association, and c. A. Holton, assistant
physical director. They have taken charg,
Of all mail for the guardsmen. and theii
tent is the rendezvous during the day fol
officers and men. Stationery is provided
free and tables where writing materials ar,
laid are taken advantage OF by many
Current magazines and a number of copei
of The Times. which are scattered about
keep the boys in touch with all that II
happening In Washington. Games ant
baseball outfits are also provided. Afte
dark there Is singing OF college songs ant
hymns until a late hour.
There are but few who have no, mad