The Washington times., 1902-06-29
Major Neuneyer and
Lieut.. Smith Arrange
for Camp Site.
OUTING TO LAST TEN DAYS
Preparation for Annual Event Assumes
More Definite Shape-Much Out
door Drilling Must Be Done-Rifle-
men al Practice for Sea Girt.

Georges farm for the leasing of the
place TO the District National Guard
as a camp ground for the troops dur
ing the ten days commencing July Il
next.
The terms agreed upon are the same
as last year, and the same have been ap-
proved by Brig. Gen. George H. Har-
ries, the commanding general of the mil
itia, who has signed the contracts. While
at Leesburg the two officers met Sheriff
Russell and a number of prominent cit
izens OF the town, who all expressed
their pleasure that the guardsmen We're
to return with them for the third time
for their encampment.
Camp Life Near.
As the time for the annual camp
draws near the preparations continue to
assume more definite shape, and when
the special train rolls out OF the depot
at Ninth Street and Maryland Avenue on
the morning of Thursday, July II, it will
carry 200 as well-drilled boys in blue
as ever left the National Capital.
For week past the company COM
manders have been putting their organi-
cations through a thorough course OF in
struction preliminary to camp. Guard
duty particularly has engrossed much Of
their time and attention. and it is ex
pected that every man shall know well
every duty required of him.
Much outdoor drilling is being done,
and extended order has to a large extent
taken the place of the manual of arms.
During the coming week it is expected
Major Charles H. Ourand, the inspector
general, and one or two assistants will
make visits 10 the armories to see that
the men are being drilled as directed.
At camp, Major ourand has special
charge of guard duty, and last year he
reported that the men on guard appear
ed TO lack instruction in this important
subject.
No Room for Complaint.
1t has been determined that there
shall be no cause for complaint this
summer. and those officers who are
derelict in giving proper Instructions
to their commands will be stringently
dealt with. The commanding general is
desirous that all the men shall be pro-
ficient and the inspector general will
make q thorough inspection of all the
organizations. The usual delay incident
TO establishing camp should also be
done away with this year, inasmuch as
b the organizations will occupy the same
positions as last. and the men are being
taught the art of pitching tents.
There has been much complaint heard
at each camp of the amount OF work
the men are called upon 10 perform on
the ten days outing The encampment
is far from being an outing, for almost
every minute of the time is taken UP
with military duty from reveille in the
morning to taps at night.
Two hours of each forenoon is taken
up with drill in extended order. and two
mors hours in the afternoon the boys
are put through hard exercise in the
broiling sun. Dress parade is held ey-
cry evening. and almost every day they
must turn out for inspection by some
visiting officer. besides which there are
a hundred and one other things TO be
done.
The effect OF the hard work is no,
ticeable after each camp by the numer-
Gus applications for discharge. The
ranks are thinned each summer. and it |
requires no end OF hard work TO keep
the membership up TO the required num- |
Der. II is difficult TO understand where |
the recruits come from, but it is a fact |
that large percentage OF the men who |
90 with the Guard each summer have |
their FIRST experience in the field.
To Tighten the Work
1t is possible that something may be
done by the commanding general to |
tighten the work Of the men at the com
ing camp. for there is no gainsaying the |
fact that the troops are oyerworked |
Not only the enlisted men, but the Of |
fcers themselves feel the effect of the
arduous duties, and on returning home IT
Is necessary for them to take two or
three days 10 rest. While the outing no
doubt is beneficial it is thought more
might be learned If the men we're given
an opportunity to observe other organi-
cations at work.
No selection has been made 10 fiji the
position OF quartermaster general of
the militia made vacant By the resigna-
ton Of Major H. Il. Parmenter. who
vacated the place to become chief of
ordnance of the militia. General Harries
has looked the field carefully over, but
has 50 far been unable to secure q
man fitted TO fiji the position
Il IS understood that II was first tend
cred 10 Major X. y. Simms. comma anding
The Fifth Battalion, but he could not see
his way clear 10 FIN :he place. He is
senior major In the National Guard and
In line for 4 lieutenant colonelcy Can't
a. p. Robbins aide on the general staff. /,
was also forced 10 decline the tender ,
because Of his private business affairs.
and others who were offered the place
turned il aside
II Will be impossible to secure a man
who can go into camp and take up the
duties OF the Office, and Major L. II.
Neumever, the commias3ry general, will
Ae called upon 70 perform the exacting
duties at the head Of the quartermast-
er' department, as well as those OF
commissary at camp.
Lieut.. Piackney ". Smith has been
suggested for quartermaster general,
end IL would be difficult to secure a man {
better fitted for the position. He has !
been associated with Major Parmenter !
FOR number OF years past and Is pos :
sessed of all the qualifications for the Z
place He is enc Of the few officers who s
could take Up the duties at this time and
conduct the department in camp. He has /
teen connected with the Guard for q | I
number OF years and held commission Q
IN state militia organization prior TO :
coming 20 Washington. G
When seen yesterday General Har-