Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-17
F,R:wetL 10 FIRST.
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OrS gold championship medal matcI,
which was booked to come off, in the
forenoon, but which was not held on
account of the rain, took place in the
afternoon. and the crack of the rife
could be heard from the range when
the men were assembled for afternoon
drill.
The drill was one of the most salts
factory of the week. The men had been
having rather q lazy time all the fore :
noon, and felt prime for good hard
work. The entire regiment was drill
ed together and went through all the
maneuvers with ease and handsome eff
feet. 1t was the first regimental drill
of the encampment, and the officers
We're pleased with the good work.
An unusually large number of people
We're present to witness the dress pa
rade The clouds had cleared away
and it was the most beautiful evening
of the week. All other dress parades
excepting that held on Sunday have
taken place under wet skies ana
oftcntimes on wet grounds.
Something new was given for the
parade last evening, namely, what is
known as the Achelon maneuver 1t
has not been executed on the muster
ground since ~. 1t was beautifully
done The regiment formed in line as
usual, and then a convcrging f1rma-
ton was formed in a V shape and thus
the regiment marched the length of the
field. On the return two lines were
formed with broad avenue between.
through which passed the colonel and
staff, the band and the several battai-
ions. Many expressions Of admiration
were heard as the men went to quar-
tiers.
Ii was the last dress parade to be he'll
by the LIST Regiment during encamp-
ment. and ii showed plainly the won
derful Improvement, made by the men
during the week. 1t could hardly b..
recognized as the same regiment that
went through dress parade. Sunday
evening. Great credit is due the Off
GERS and men for the marked improve
ment in all the departments of work.
1t shows that they have taken hold
with the zeal and enthusiasm that has
always marked the citizen soldiers of
Maine. The First will go out of camp.
today, leaving behind an enviable rec
ord brought about by the ceaseless
work of the militia from the highest
officials down to the common soldier.
1t was reported, Wednesday evening,
that the Signal Corps had received a
call to go to the Philippines and the
story appeared in many of the news
papers. The story was all a hoax,
however; without the least foundation
of truth.
1t was started by somebody and
spread through camp like wildfire, that
Capt. Butler had received a communi-
cation to the effect that If the men SO
desired they could join the army in
the Philippines for active service. 1t
was even stated that the corps might
go to China.
The entire affair grew out of a joke
started by somebody evidently for the
purpose of making some of the men
nervous. There were many believers
in the story even among the officers of
the regiment and it was the joke of the
camp yesterday. Some of the men in
the Signal Corps thought it was fact
and accordingly began to make prep
arations. Two ex-mcmbers who served
in the Spanish war came all the way
from Boston to reinlist. A telegram
was received from The Associated
News of New York requesting Capt.
Butler to send 800 photographs of him.
self for newspapers all over the coun-
try who wished them.
1t was a joke that assumed rather
gigantic proportions and the enquiries
that resulted therefrom caused the
genial captain considerable annoyance.
There is no doubt but that the Signal
Corps would respond to any call of that
nature but as no call has been received
there is no likelihood of it's going to the
Philippines or any other foreign coun-
try.
The Signal Corps will break camp
today. but the Ambulance Corps will
remain during the encampment of the
I'd. Regiment A new recruit in the
shape of small boy II years of age
was offered the Signal Corps, yester-
day. He requested that he might join
the corps and go to China with it, stat
ing that he had his parents permits
sion. ~
It has. been rather dull day and
some of the men were anxious for
something to break the monotony and
jumped at this chance. Wait here
and will send for the examining ply
sician," said one of them After a
time a young man with a huge book
under his arm and a stern expression
on his countenance appeared and said:
'Is this the man who wants to enlist? 2
Being answered. in the affirmative, he
led the way to a nearby tent where the
boy was subjected to a course of ludi.
crous questions, all Of which he answer.
ed with the greatest sincerity anC
earnestness His examination was de.
clared satisfactory and papers were
made out by an impromptu captain
and as far as is known the new re.
cruit passed the night in camp firmi,
believing himself a member of the Sig
nal Corps about to go to China.
The Regimental Band gave con
cert, last evening, in front of the reg
mental headquarters and the excel
lent music was much enjoyed TIL,
band has given the greatest satisfac
ton during the encampment, and ha.
proved conclusively it's right to tn,
title of being one of the best bands il
the State.
! RcsimeniaI Rifle Championship.
The regimenta rife CHAMPIONSHIP,
match came off, yesterday afternoon. ant
was won hy Can't. ID. w Loyeioy of (,o