The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-27

CAMP ORDWAY. Gaithersburg. Md,
July ga concert by the National
Guard Band for $50 to $50, followed by
dancing. was given last night at Masonic
Hall. The entertainment was given by
the general staff of the District of Column
bia National Guard to the citizens of
Gaithersburg as a return for the reception
held in honor of the Guard last Saturday
night. and as an acknowledgement of
their many courtesies. The affair was
well attended. The effect of the gay col
ors Of the costumes of the ladies' and
the bright uniforms of the Guard, as they
revolved in the dance, was picturesque and
striking.
The sham battle has again been post
poned. Rain is the responsible factor. and il
appears now quite probable that the en-
campInent of 1890 will pass into history
without sham fight. The only eneour-
agement to a belief that the project has
not been abandoned is found in the con-
tinuance of the work OF the engineer
corps Maps have been made Of the coun-
try itacent TO the camp, and the corps
reports that the character of the ground
is well adapted for the field maneuvres
Ravines and hollowS offer excellent posi-
tons where the defensive party can be en-
trenched against attack.
The encampment of this year will long
be remembered for the amount Of rain
which has fallen during the period No
day has been free OF showers, and tents
and clothing, roads and camp site. are all
soaked with water. Camp duties have
been interfered with to such an extent
that the ten days spent here may be re-
garded almost as wasted, as a source Of
instruction in military duty. Drills and
dress parsdes and rife practice and out
door work. Of every character have had TO
be abandoned on many occasions. The
guardsnen are experiencing no end of
discomfort in clothing that it is found i'm
possible to dry, and in many Of the tents
sleeping accommodations means wet co.'s.
Guard mount this morning was con-
Quoted in the rain. which has fallen in
eessanty. The morning drills were omitted
Special instructions from the officers are
given 10 the seDtinels and pickets nightly
These instructions are of material benefit
10 the men, who have but recently had
their first taste OF mounting guard
The members of the signal corps are
elated with their performance of last
Eight. when, in a very few moments, they
installed a telephone connection with
Gaithersburg in time to announce the ar
rival OF the Secretary OF War at the depot
The report Of the court-martial in the
case OF Musician NcrDeck. OF Bzttery A,
Light Artillery, charged with Giso5cdience
OF orders. WAS submitted 10 the command
ing general this afternoon by Majo- Ourand,
president of the court. The accused is
found guilty OF the charge, and it IS req
commended that he be confined to the guard
house during the remaining time in camp.
The sentence will probably BE- imposed.
report of the supposed attempt of
members Of the First Battalion TO rush the
guard las bsen called for, as has also a re-
port uGon The refusal of certain members OF
Company ID. Fourth Battalion 10 act as
marker curing rife practice. Members of
Company d state that an explanation of
their refusal to serve will be forthcoming
at tho proper time.