Evening star., 1900-06-05
RAPID ASSEMBLY ORDER
QUITE THE REVERSE.
Experiment.. 1t is Alleged. Reveals
Neglect or CareIessness-Ffrst
Regiment Caught Mapping.

There was a hurrying and scurrylng 10
a considerable extent among certain DIS
trct National Guardsmen last evening, the
cause being the issuing of an order by
Lieutenant Colonel Burton r. Ross, COM
manding the 1st Regiment, directing
rapid assembly of the I'd Battalion, COM
manded by Major Joseph W. Anderson. 1t
developed that neglect or carelessness or
something equally undesirable existed, and
the matter will unquestionably be brought
to the attention of the commanding gem
eral. In the meantime, however. 1t Is sa1e
to assume the battalion will very soon
have another opportunity-perhaps several
chances-to assemble on short notice.
In view of the possibility of rapid as
sembly of the brigade Instructions We're
recently issued admoniShing organiza ton
commanders to oil their hasty gathering
machinery and have everything in readl-
ness for possible orders in that connection.
Without communicating his intention to
any one. Lieutenant Colonel Ross decided
to see in just what condition things were.
SO far as the I'd Battalion was concerned.
1t seems that he had been assured by Ma
jor Anderson that the I'd Battalion could
be. in line, ready for business, on notice of
not more than one hour and thirty min
utes Lieutenant Colonel Ross concluded
to allow fifteen minutes leeway and made
ii hoer and three-quarters. Promptly
at .b-4.s q CLOCK last evening tIt
adjutant. Captain De Groot. delivered an
order to Major Anderson, providing that
the 2d Battalion should be in line, in the
drill hall of the Center Market Armory. at
1:3p o'clock.
The Results.
At precisely 1:3O o'clock Lieutenant Col
onel Ross put in an appearance at the
armory. He had a long wait, however.
The battalion was not formed until SIS
o'clock. some~ time after the appointed
hour Company A. under Captain Edwards,
appeared. Fully forty-five men were in
line. but it Is only proper to remark tnat
IT CHANGED to be the evening for the regu-
lar weekly meeting of the company. The
membership of the other two companies.
numerically speaking. which reported was
not sufficient 10 speak of.
Lengthy reports setting forth the why's
and wherefores reached Lieutenant Colonel
Ross early this morning. They found him
in state of mind that. to be truthful, was
not as calm and unruffled as Is ordinarily
the case. As intimated the matter will be
laid before the mandng general. in
language that cannot reasonably be expect
ed to be complimentary. II is explained
that certain officers did not receive the or
ders from the battalion commander until
after 7:30 O'Clock; that one company COM
mander had gone on excursion down
the river and his first lieutenan. had not
been provided with the rapid assembly
roster. The excuses other than the fore
going were many and varied.
The battalion staff was present as
whole. From Company A there were forty
eight officers and men In line. the total
membership being fifty-nine; from Company
B, eight the total being forty-two, and
from Company d, one officer, the total
membership being sxty-one.
II is pretty sure guess that not only the
"a Battalion, but the 1st Battalion and the
1st Regiment as well. will be required to
obey rapid assembly orders during the next
few weeks until executing the same will
become something in the line of second ma
ture 10 the officers and men. Lieutenant
Colonel Ross means that his command shall
be thoroughly efficient, no matter what en-
erey must be expended to attain that re-
suit. -