The times., 1899-06-03
MILITARY EXCURSION
down The POTOMAC
Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines
Picnic Together
For the Benefit of Needy District
Volunteers.
Complete Success of the Project for
Raisine Funds-Largc Number
of People Attend.

The excursion down the river yesterday
the First Regiment District OF Columbia
Volunteers, who served during the late
war, attracted nearly 1900 people and was
a complete success in every way. Three
boat loads of merrymakers were present
to aid in the good cause, and to swell the
fund which will be used to care for the
sick and unemployed volunteers.
While the first steamer left the city
early in the morning, the big crowd did
not assemble until the arrival of the last
boat, which carried the Marine Band, at
1880 p. m. The grounds were we'll filled
with picnic parties during the afternoon
and old fashioned basket lunches were in
evidence everywhere.
The largest crowd of excursionists en-
toyed the trip down On the last steamer
The Marine Band, which occupied the up
per forward deck, furnished a splendid
musical programme, and later at the
grounds added to the general enjoyment.
1t was unique affair, in that it was
military picnic, and about one-half of those
on the grounds were in uniform. Many of
the members of the National Guard were
equipped with rifle and bayonet while
marines, cavalrymen, artillerymen, and
other regular troops hobnobbed with mem
bers of many volunteer regiments who
were present.
The lady friends of the volunteers were
present in full force and did much to aid
in the success of the excursion. None OF
those wearing uniforms were allowed to
so hungry or athirst, and great attention
was shown these who were i'll or Grip
pied. 1t was also a reunion of the mem
bers OF the District Regiment. as many of
these had not met for months. Officers
and men mingled together in informal style
and old times were brought back wildly.
Dancing was indulged in until late
hour by the young folk, while the
more conservative looked on and applaud
ed. An enjoyable concert was rendered
by the National Guard Band under Leader
Macleod, while Prof. Santelmanns har-
monious organization made the waters of
the Potomac TO dance during intervals
| An exhibition drill was given by the
Morton Cadets and the National Fencibles
early in the evening. Both organizations
executed many difficult maneuFres in very
| creditable style and were applauded again
and again.
feature OF the programme was bas-
| ketball game between teams from the Ma
| tional Guard Athletic Association and the
Morton Cadets. The prize was a hand
some silver cup suitably engraved This
was followed by an Individual competitive
| drill between members of the various COM
panies of the National Guard. Each COM
pany was represented by two privates and
for over an hour the candidates executed
and repeated the most difficult movements
in the manual of arms.
Several of the members OF the symna-
sium team Of the National Guard Ath-
letic Association gave an entertaining ex-
hibition Of ground and lofty tumbling,
which attracted great applause.
The eXcursionists did not return 20 the
city until nearly midnight, and everybody
was completely happy and well satisfied.
| The affair will net the depleted treasury
of the Volunteer Association a goodly sum,
and the success of the excursion is due
to the energetic work of the committees
having it in charge.
Commissioner Ross was chairman of the
| reception committee and had an able
corps of assistants. Mrs. Calvert was
chairman of the ladies' auxiliary reception
committee.
The officers of the committees are as fol-
| lows: General committee. Col NJ E. Urell,
chairman; Captain Mayer, secretary. Ex-
ecutive committee, Major +. s. Hodgson,
| chairman; Major Graham, vice chairman
Lieutenant Walker. secretary. Amuse-
ment committee, Major Sims, chairman.
| Athletics. Captain Edwards, chairman.
Committee on order. Colonel OBrien,
chairman. Programmes. Captain Beatty,
chairman Public comfort, DR.. c. A.
Weaver, chairman. Tickets, Capt. W. l.,
King, chairman.