The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-12-16

Brigadier-General j. p.
S. Goblin Much Pleased with the
New Armory-Says It Is the Finest
in the State--Batallion Drill Post
poned Until January.
The Thirteenth regiment Athletic as
sociation which was organized last
week, promises to have u successful
| career 1t was organized by direct
command of Colonel l.. a. Watres and
IT has not only his warm support but
the support of every commissioned and
non-connissioned officer in the regi-
inent. The constitution. which has
been adopted. is modelled after the
constitution of the athletic association
OF the Twenty-third regiment. OF
brooklyn, and the new organization
VIII be managed after the plans adopt
ed by this same association. The board
OF government consists of one repre-
sentative from each company. one
from the field and staff and one from
tn" non-comnissioned staff.
The president of the association is
to appoint at the meeting to be held to-
night, committees on schedules. handi-
caps. etc, and also Il committee to
make arrangements for the field day
which ii is proposed to conduct dur
ing the coming winter. 1t is proposed
to make this affair one of the best nth
lctic contests ever seen in this part Of
the state ana ii is believed that amit-
eur athletes outside of the regiment
will be allowed to compete as they are
in the big athletic games conducted
under the auspices of military organi-
cations in other cities. There will be
running events of all kinds. pole vault
ing. broad and high jumping and it is
quite possible that bicycle races will
also be conducted. A nine lap track can
he easily constructed in the armory
drill hail. The track in Madison
Square Garden. New York city. on
which the six day race was pulled off
last week is eight laps to the mile so
that IL nine lap track is by no means
impracticabe for racing purposes
They are telling II good story regard
ing the election of First Lieutenant
David j. Davis as president Of the new
association. The lieutenant was not
present ut the meeting and was one of
the most surprised men in town when
he woke up the next morning and
found that new honors had been thrust
upon him.
Now, the lieutenant has not been a
very regular attendant at the new ar
mory since it was opened. his duties as
adjutant of the Third battalion not
demanding his presence except during
battalion drills ana at officers meet
ings. His superior officer. Major Frank
Robling. jr., commanding the Third
battalion. had taken the lieutenant to
task on several occasions in a fatherly
way and had impressed upon him the
necessity of showing up at the arinory
once in Il while and thus encouraging
the men to take Il greater interest in
the regiment. But the lieutenant came
not and the major grievcd.
When Major RoblinE was detailed by
Colonel Watres to organize the ath-
letic association last week he saw his
chance at last. When it came time to
elect officers the major said he knew
Just the man and the only man for the
place. Dave Davis wants the place"
said he. ''He takes n great interest in
athletic sports and he's just dying to
be made president of this association
Elect him and he'll he the happiet man
in town tomorrow" and Lieutenant
Davis was elected forthwith unaui-
mOuSly.
Nov. | guess you'll have 10 come
around to the armory once in II While"
said the major to the president next
morning as he smiled Il diaboical smile
ySrjpIIiar (,pnnl.l I
commander of the Third brigade, who
inspected the new Thirteenth regiment
armory OH Friday night last in COM
pany with Colonel Ezra II. Ripple,
WaNcd enthusiastic over the new build
ing which he has been anxious to see
ever since it was opened
The finest arno,'y in the state" said
the general as he stepped into the
mammoth drill hall and guzed about
him." and II credit to the industry and
enterprise of your board of armory
trustees. | am delighted beyond meas
ure."
The officers who heard the general
thus express himself We're highly elat- /,
ed ana proud of the Thirteenth.
II is expected that the annual pres
cntation OF marksmens and sharp !,
shooters badges will be conducted In !
the new armory about the beginning
Of the new year. Lieutenant Carter,
Inspector OF rifle practice, has as yet
received 10 word from headquarters at
but believes that the bad
geS Will be sent on in II few days An
effort viii be made to bring General
Goblin and the members of his star to
the city on the occasion of the presen- /
lation.
The fact that the rife team OF the
several regiments in the state are TO
be furnished with Krag-Jorgesen rifles
Tor use next year is taken by local
military men AS conclusive proof that
within year or two the
Springfield rifles now used by the rank
lnd file of the guard. The excellence
If the Krags has been tried and tested
n the war with Spain ana their udop-
ion would be hailed with delight by
very member of the guard.
The swimming pool at the new ar
nory, which leaked when first put in
md which had to be practically made
'ver, is now ready for use and will be
opened during the coming week Ar
'angements have been made whereby
he water will be nicely tempered be-
ore turned into the tank SO that bath
rs viii Saffer no inconvenience during
he Wintap |