Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-02-23
Memoranda Issued Relative to the
Coming Inaugural Parade.
BRIGADE TO MAKE A FINE SHOWING
Completion of First Semi-Annual
Payment of Troops.
SIGNAL CORPS CHANG ES

With the inaugural parade only nine days
in the future, that event naturally is Of
foremost interest just now to the District
of Columbia National Guardsmen. Orders
covering the details of the turnout will
be issued to the brigade Immediately fol-
lowing the receipt at militia headquarters
of the orders of the grand marshal. These
are expected the early part of next week
In the meantime, however, Adjutant Cen
eral Mosher has taken the precaution to
forward to organization commanders the
following memoranda relative to the pa
rade:
by reason of the large number of re-
cruits in the National Guard, constant .lrili
and careful instruction will be necessary 10
enable the command to maintain its reputa-
ton, or even to make a creditable display
in the inaugural procession on March a. The
commanding general desires that ofhcers
will, during the short time now Intervening,
devote themselves with untiring Industry to
the duties of their positions.
Special attention should be given to the
instruction of recruits in such parts of the
Grill % are essential for parade. This in
struction must necessarily be superficial and
irregular and therefore, after, the parade,
the instructions of recruits must begin anew
and proceed in the regular way, as pre-
scribed by the published drill cards. Re
cruits that do not acquire sufficient knowl-
edge to make a creditable showing should
not be allowed to parade. One Ignorant man
will destroy the appearance and reputation
of the best drilled company.
Special attention should be given to in
struction in marching in double rank and
changing direction. Nothing can look worse
nor cause more unfavorable comment from
spectators, than a turn badly executed
The changes of direction on the line of
march of the inaugural procession are spe-
cally difficult of execution. To execute
these changes of direction creditably would
be difficult for experienced troops. A ragged
and struggling execution of them Will be
fatal to your reputation for drill. Officers
should study the ground carefully and drill
their commands persstently.
"All commanding officers will at once hold
special schools for the instruction of their
officers and non-cOmmissioned staff officers
in the manual of the sword, and in passing
in review.
'Undress uniform. with overcoats, forage
caps, leggings, and white gloves, will be
worn. Organization commanders will care
fully inspect all uniforms to be worn on
March to see that they are in good condi-
aion, and that such overcoats as may need
it pressed in ample time for use on that
day.
Recruits, in addition to being taught tire
most essential parts of the drill. must be
taught how to wear their uniforms and
equipments. On the manner in which the
belt and cap worn depends the Soldierly
appearance of the man.
when time and place of assembly are
determined, necessary orders will be pro-
mulgated, accompanied by such further
memoranda of instructions may be deem
ed Desirable.
Changes in Signal Corps.
AS a result of the resignation of First
Lieutenant Francis Carroll Mattingly there
will be several changes in the signal corps.
The position of first sergeant will be filled
by the promotion of Sergeant William Vie
meyer when the present first sergeant,
Will f. Sorrells, is commissioned first lieu
tenant 1t is understood that each of the
other non-cOmmissioned officers Of the
corps Will be advanced one grade. Lieu
tenant Mattingly has issued orders for an
examination for all the grades, and the as
pirants are entering into the spirit of the
contest with much vim
These examinations are a novelty in the
signal corps. They are conducted by a
board composed of non-commissioned Of
fcers, and embrace a thorough course of
training in the work of the command
| The standard text books on military
! signaling in by the regular army,
| and also the lectures delivered from time
| to time to the corps, are made the basis
| of the examination, and all applicants for
promotion put through course of
| sprouts before they permitted to ap-
| pear in the competitions.
| The newly elected lieutenant, Mr.. VIII E.
| Scrrells, was formerly the commanding
officer of the corps he having turned the
| command over to Lieutenant Mattingly.
He subsequently enlisted in the corps and
| was Immediately thereafter appointed first
| sergeant, since which time he and Lieuten-
| ant Mattingly have worked together In
building up the organization. Aside from
| the promotions incident to change in the
| commanding officers the corps will move
along in the same lines it has been follow
| ing.
| The new commanding officer Is very pop
| ular with his men, some of whom like him.
| self saw service in the volunteer army dur
ing the Spanish-American war. He was
for long time prior to the war identified
| with local militia affairs and held COM
| mission in the 1st District Of Columbia V OIL
| unteer Infantry. His new commission Is
| expected to reach him in time to permit
| him to command the signal corps in the in
augural parade.
Board of Survey.
At the request of Lieut.. Mattingly, board
| of survey, to consist of Captain c.
Fred Cook abide camp, District of Column
bfa Militia; First Lieut. Edward H. Grove,
Company D, 1st Battalion, D. c. N. G., and
| Second Lieut.. Ferris n. Smith, Company Z,
4th Battalion, D. C. n. g. has been appoint
ed The board is directed to examine INTO,
report upon and fix the responsibility for the
| loss of certain ordnance and ordnance
stores quartermaster's supplies ana sigma
Corps property, for which Lieut.. MattlnSly
| is accountable, and which, he says, mas peen