Evening star., 1900-07-26

particular interest to those from the War
Department for the reason that 1t is not
included in the army regulations and up to
this time has not been observed in the reg
ular service. Finally the troops marched
past in review before the Secretary. Upon
adjourning to headquarters the latter held
an Informal reception, in connection with
which most of the officers of the National
Guard We're presented to him.
Secretary Root and those with him re-
mained in camp but a short time after the
conclusion of the evening ceremony. The
commanding general and his staff escorted
the party to Gaithersburg On reaching
there special car was boarded and the
visitors started without delay for Washing
ton.
notwithstanding the inclement weather
a large throng of visitors were in camp
last evening to enjoy the concert by the
National Guard Brigade Band. The pro-
gram of twelve numbers was well arranged,
and Chief Musician Mcleod was generous
as usual in responding to encores.
Drenched by the Rain.
Although wet and uncomfortable the
guardsmen were most certainly contented
and enthusiastic, for during the evening
they assembled in the regimental streets
and seemed to have a thoroughly good time
singing and cheering. Before taps had
sounded all was quiet and nothing out of
the ordinary occurred to disturb the night.
During the early morning the omnipreSent
rain evidenced renewed energy, and this
morning, in consequence, thoroughly
disagreeabe. Clothing and equipment
throughout the brigade were wet and there
way to dry them. Guard mounting
was conducted in a drenching downpour.
Good Work Of the Signal Corps.
The Signal Corps accomplished its most
successful work yesterday. Flag stations
were established along the road leading
from Gaithersburg to camp to announce the
arrival of the Secretary of War, and about
five minutes after / o'clock the signal
wagon started out with a reel of common
IRON wire, with one lance pole, some in
sulators, telephone and a few other
things, and constructed a temporary tele-
phone line from the adjutant generals tent
to the Ciaithersburg road and down the
read to a point about 800 yards from camp.
1t required just about twelve minutes to
put up the line and get it in operation
The wire used the ordinary iron wire
that one sees along the telephone and tele-
graph lines. 1t was not insulated. and
therefore had to be kept clear of any con-
tact with the ground. This was accom-
plished by throwing the line over buggy
tops. wagons and fences and fastening 1t
to poles with small pieces Of insulated wire,
and in enc instance by attaching to a lance
pole. which held in place by on" OF
the Signal Corps men, until they were
through with the telephone.
In order that those interested In the
guardsmen may have some idea If how the
boys in blue are DelnS taken care or so
far as breakfast. dinner and supper are
concerned, the following extracts are given
from the bill of fare arranged and followed
by Major L. H. Neumeyer, the commissary
general:
Sunday dinner-Chicken broth with rice,
chickenspie. sugar corn, potatoes. pickles,
rice pudding.
Monday supper-Hot sausage. potato
salad, stewed prunes. bread, butter and
coffee.
Monday breakfast-Bacon and eggs, hot
corn bread. butter, coffee.
Wednesday dinner-Soup, roast beef. po-
tatoes and tomatoes.
With all his troubles and tribulations