Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-07
pany D, 9th Battalion, has rendered his res
ignation. =
Board Of Examination.

pany D, 9th Battalion, has rendered his res
ignation.
Board of Examination.
A meeting of the brigade board Of exam
nation will be held a O'Clock next We'd
nesday evening, when the practical exam
nations of Captain e. E. Skinner, Com
pany C, 9th Battalion: Captain John b.
Moore, Battery A. Light Artillery, and
First Lieutenant r. b. Clayton, Battery A.,
Light Artillery, will occur
Musician w. j. Saunders, brigade band
has been appointed corporal.
The "Navvies'" Good Showing.
The showing made by the Naval Battal-
ion, 100 strong, Tuesday last has done
much to interest the public in that organ
ization 1t was generally remarked by both
naval officers and citizens that the jackies
made an excellent appearance as they
marched in review before Admiral Dewey.
Not only were their lines perfect, but their
swing and manner betokened careful in
struction and practice. The I'd Division,
acting as artillery, followed the infantry
division. with two 3-inch rapid-fre field
pieces The men had been at work on these
guns for ten days sandpaperfng the wheels.
backing the hubs and enameling the gun
sleeves. They were one of the neatest fea-
Gently presented by Mrs Westinghouse,
used for the first time, were carried by
Quartermaster first class Jourdant and
Ordinary Seaman Simon. The markers were
carried by Apprentices Smoot, Hendley and
Terrell. Admiral Dewey evidently took con-
siderable interest in the showing made by
the reserves, for when they hove in
sight" as a man on the Fern expressed it.
he first saIuted then DOTTED his chapeau
and finally clapped his gloved hands Wig
orously. All this was naturally very graf
flying to both officers and men of the bat
TALON.
noticed that Admiral Dewey displayed
great deal of interest in the local Naval
Battalion as the organization passed in re-
view at the Capitol. In a recent interview
he had this to say of the Washington sail
ors:
The reserves followed the various mill
tary organizations Of the National Guard,
who saluted the admiral by coming TO port
arms but when within about twenty PAGES
of 1.-THE reviewing stand Capt. Hopkins di-
rected the band leader to sound four ruff
fles,' the admirals salute, and to follow it
with Aud Lang Syne.' The reserves
marched by with such remarkable precis-
ion and alignment that the admiral arose
from his seat and DOTTED his hat, and when
the I'd Division passed, dragging their
rapid-fire 3-inch field pieces, he dropped his
chapeau and capped his hands vigorously.
The gun carriages newly enameled in
white, presented one of the best features
of the parade. 1 heard several officers re-
mark that Washington should be proud of
its local reserves.
Pretty Feature.
One of the prettiest features of the pa
rade was the stand of colors. There were
in all six magnificent pieces in the stand
a United States ensign, a naval reserve
flag of blue with an orange diamond. con-
tanning an anchor in the center and four
guidons of navy blue. AS stated, the set
was presented to the battalion by Mrs
George Westinghouse. and was prepared
at expenditure of $3.50.
Shortly after the formation of the bat
talon some time ago the enlisted men, as
we'll as the officers, felt the necessity of
the colors, but there We're no funds avail
able for the purpose. Lispt. Sidney Bic
Der, paymaster of the battasfon, who is a
personal friend of the contributor. ad-
dressed a letter to her in regard to the
matter, and she replied by sending her
check for the amount above stated. 1t
was intended to have the colars presented
at a public ceremony on the White House
grounds, but the arrival of Admiral
Dewey was thought to be the most appro-
pirate for the first display OF the magnifi-
cent emblems.
1t is probable that during the latter part
of next week Capt Hopkins will be di-
rected to take the Fern down the river to
Indian Head for target practice, both with
small arms and three-inch guns. The men
will then be given an opportunity to exhibit
the knowledge gained by them on the re-
cent practice cruise aboard the U. .. B..
Prairie, and during the war.
A number Of serious casualties have
been recently recorded among the Fern 8
crew, including the death OF Water Tend
er Lear and Landsman Shaner. Bailey,
fireman, first class, fell recently in the
navy yard, fracturing his skull and Boat
swains mate, first class, JAS. F. Croker,
regarded by the officers as one OF the
ablest seaman Of the battalion. had MS
foot crushed, while in the line of duty in
charge of the shipping crew Of railroad.
Both are doing well. detail of men act
ed as pallbearers at the funerals of Lear
and Shancr.
The Fern has been stripped of all avn
ings and summer gear, and is now in read
mess for winter. Next week her main deck
will be painted
General Notes.
Lieut.. r. B. Brummett acted as advance
guard in the parade Tuesday.
Chief Engineer Thomas w. Power,
popular officer of the battalion, received
several floral remembrances during the
turnout.
Upon the return of the Naval Reserves
to the Fern after the parade three cheers
were given in honor of Mrs. w estlnghouse,
followed by a similar recognition for Ha-
ley's Band, which headed the command
The death of Abraham Shaner. killed last
MONDAY IlBHt from Tie eAeCeo u g. e|'Pttie
an electric wire, was deeply felt by the
members of the battalion, to which organi-
cation he belonged. He was highly thought
of and popular with all who associated with
him. The officers of the battalion also
spoke in the highest terms of young Sha-
IL
The cake walk and rag time music rem
dered by Haley's Band made quite hit
along the line of march. The band spent
the a. ternoon on board the Fern.
The Naval Battalion is expected to par
ticipate in the sesQui-centennia exercises
in Alexandria, Va, next Thursday. The U.
S. S. Fern will convey the men to Alexan-
dria and return.
LEGAL POSSESSION.