The Washington times., 1901-08-03

their men In certain duties which can be
learned as well in the armory as in camp.
The most notable instance is that of
instruction to sentinels The duty of the
men on guard during the encampment
was excellent as far as Keeping close
watch was concerned. II was more diff
cult to run the guard than 1t ever was
before. But the technicalitieS of the
challenge We're quite ragged. showing
that many of the men had not been prop
erly instructed. Some of the companies
were pleasing exceptions to this condi-
The requirement of a permanent camp
ing ground for the District National
Guard is subject which is often talked
over by officers and men of the Guard.
Permanent camping grounds have proven
decided successes in other States, New
York and New Jersey being notable ex-
amples of their benefits. But it Is nn-
likely that any steps looking toward the
establishment of such camp VIII be
taken by the militia
If the present plan of Secretary Root
to establish great maneuVring centres
throughout the country goes into effect
not only the regular forces but the Ma
tional Guard of the States Will be In
cluded in the annual maneuvres. When
such a plan natures one OF the great con-
centration centres will in all probability
be not far from Washington. The length
of encampment win doubtless be length
ened to thirty days instead of ten as at
present and field maneuvres on most
extensive seal. will be conducted. All
these matters are now being investigated.
A report to be made to Congress during
the coming session will be awaited with
interest by those who study the future
of the National Guard.
The people of Leesburg appear anxious
for the Gllar.lsmen to encamp there again
next summer. The Camp Ordw2y OF l91l
was one of the most pleasant and health
ful in the history of the District OF CO.
lumbia militia.
more pleased with their outing than are
the members of the Naval Battalion with
their practice cruise, which ended when
the Fern steamed up the Potomac last
Sunday There have been three cruises
of the Naval Battalion since It's establish
ment. The first was on the old Pralrle
and the others on the Fern; The last
battalion's history. The jack tars learned
more about real sea life than ever be
fore. Gun practice of a high order of
accuracy showed that the efficiency of
the citizen sailors is well up to par.
AS "A rule all the officers of the Naval
Battalion highly commend the action of
the naval authorities whlch resulted
in Robert G. Tegeier. a coal passer, be-
ing sentenced to three months imprison-
ment for refusing to oDey the orders OF
Lieutenant Commander sherburne g.
Hopkins. of the Naval Battalion. The
case, which has been thoroughly aired,
has attracted general attention and has
apparently settled vexed point as to
whether or not an enlisted man of the
regular service is subject TO the orders
of a militia officer Hopkins was de-
tailed to supervise certain repairs on
board-the Oneida. of which Tegeler was
the shipkeeper. Tegeler has carried the
matter into the civil courts, seeking re-
lease from imprisonment. The outcome
of the case is awaited with interest.
Commissions have this week been re-
ceived at headquarters for j. f. =. des
Garennes as second lieutenant, Company
D. Fifth Battalion; Lieut., William Me
meyer, commanding the Signal Corps, and
| t'OmDdnN
Second Battalion. All these officers serv-
ed in their new positions during camp
without having formally received their
commissions.