Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-03

sact. With such extensive facilities for the
presentation of ideas and interchange of
views. there cannot be alleged any neces-
sity for such a breach of regulations. If an
informal consultation Is desired it can be
secured by any officer.
''If official action is sought, the methods
are perfectly plain, and should be under
stood by every holder of a commission
Suggestions will always receive prompt
and fair consideration, If they are properly
submitted.
ut Is thoroughly understood that many
of the officers who signed the document in
question did thoughtlessly or through
Misrepresentation. This circular is to call
attention to the correct manner of tran
sacting official business
Naval Battalion Inspection.
The semi-annual inspection Of the Naval
Battalion, the first since the return of Com
mander Robert p Hams. took place last
Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. aboard the
United States steamer eFrn. Some time be-
fore the arrival Of the inspecting party
Commander Hams and his staff of officers
examined the ship carefully. from stem to
stern. and were well pleased at the excel
lent condition Of the vessel.
Shortly before II o'clock the officers Of
the first and second divisions lined their
men up on the starboard and port sides of
the Fern and awaited the arrival Of the in
speeding officers. At the hour appointed
the inspectors arrived and as they came
oDooio tACS hSlS piptu CCWu IN the reg
ular man-o-war style. At the same time
the two divisions were lined up on either
side OF the gang plank and the members
saluted the inspecting officers as they
passed through the files. The same proceed
tngs were gone through when the party
went ashore" at the conclusion Of the in
spection.
The attendance while not SO large as the
previous Sunday, brought out the men who
are taking interest in the affairs of the or
ganization, and making q strong effort to
rank among the first of the organizations
In this country. The officers, it may also
be said, made an excellent showing, only
one being absent and that on account Of
sickness The petty officers turned out In
good style and every man was present at
the inspection. Every officer, petty officer
and man was In uniform. with the exception
of few recruits, who have not had time to
procure them. 1t might be said in this re-
spect that the men made a fine showing.
Conditions Satisfactory.
The metal and wood work throughout the
entire ship was highly polished and gave
the effect Of a new ship. The storerooms
Of the paymaster, medical department and
signal and equipment offices were found in
a very satisfactory state.
During the past week the arm chests and
EQUIPMENTS of the ordnance were inspected
and found in first-class condition The
chest at the National Guard armory were
also inspected. This department is in
charge OF Lieut.. X. Is. Brummett.
The inspection of the books and papers of
the Naval Battalion was made Wednesday
afternoon last by Lieut. Col. James NJ.
Love- jr., who was accompanied by Mr..
Frank Sigourney of militia headquarters.
For the three weeks previous to the inspec-
ton Paymaster Sidney Bieber, who is also
aid to Commander Hams, and Pay Clerk
Howard Fisk have worked INCREASINGLY
every night on the books and papers of that
department.
Chief Engineer Thomas W. Power like
wise had every piece of metal work, drum
heads and mechanical part Of his depart
ment in tp-top shape for some time pre-
vious to the inspection
The sailor boys INDUCED in rifle practice
for the first time since the inspection last
summer Friday night last. in the gallery
Of the National Guard Armory. The men
were divided equally. under command of
Ensigns Covell and Lang. and put up
good exhibition. The distance was two hum
were made. Lieut.. R B. Brummett has
by Commander Hams, and instructed the
fcers also took advantage Of the occasion
and recorded high scores. The battalion
has been allowed the use Of the rife gal
lery for the instruction of the sailor boys
during the winter months. When the
weather moderatss sufficiently to permit the
rife work will be discontinued and the men
given instruction in seemanship.
The nights which have been designated
for rife practice for the battalion are Feb
ruary 2, %. March 2, Is. and April Q, q.