The Washington times., 1902-08-17

the battalion out on n cruise. 1t is in
tended to increase the strength of the
Reserves by recruiting about thirty or
forty more men. and by that time the
monitor Miantonomoh will be turned
over to the battalion.
There is no truth in the report that
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Dar-
ling has criticised the management Of
the Naval Battalion, except on the point
that it was not represented at the meet
ing of the naval militia organizations Of
the country in Baltimore recently. Cen
eral ifarries is authority for the state
ment that Mr.. Darling is satisfied with
the conduct OF affairs and is anxious
to render whatever assistance possible.
Fern TO Make River Trips
1t is not unlikely that the United
States steamer Fern will make several
trips down the river in the near future.
While it is true that the old craft is
about to be condemned this viii affect
its usefulness only so far as to keep 1t
off the ocean. 1t is said there are a
number OF Potomac River boats which
have been condemned, and sCme of them
are used as excursion steamers.
II Is lh1thttu W liNt Il l'pi Aibh VI Lh'
battalion out at a time and they will.
be given thorough instruction in hand
ling the small boats. Every encour
agement is TO be shown the organiza-
tion, and periodical visits will be paid
the vessel by the commanding general
and members of his staff. It is appre-
ciated by those in authority that it is
no easy task to run the organization as
it should be. number of States have
already given up the idea on account of
the hard work involved.
Preparations are being made for
trip on one OF the yachts on next Satur-
day night. aLicut. Sidney Bieber is look
ing after subsistence for the trip. and
the craft will be under command OF
Lieut.. R. B. Brummett, the navigating
officer of the battalion. Trips will prob
ably be given every Saturday night
and the boat viii return on Sunday
evening.
Funds for Athletics.
Capt E. C. Edwards. the manager of
the Athletic Association has asked for
an appropriation OF $500, with which to
put in fifty new lockers and make other
improvements about the gymnasium.
Since the Athletic Association was
formed three years ago but s165 has
been used in making improvements a.
the gymnasium.
Last year $500 was appropriated for
furniture in the armories and the gym
nasium, but OF this only 800 was
turned over fer the gym" the re-
nainder being used in refurnishing
militia headquarters and for. other pur-
poses. This year it is more than prob
bile those in charge of the athletics
will secure all the funds they desire.
for this feature has done much to keep
interest in work in the National Guard.
Minor Guard Matters.
Private owen J. Cleary, Company A,
Sixth Battalion. and Second Glass Elec
triciaE Adolph Johnson, Second Di
vision, Naval Battalion. have been hon
orably discharged on their own appli
cations.
Because of removal from the District,
First Battalion; Corporal Lorin C. Pow
ers, and Privates J. D. Curtiss and Ed
ward NJ. Lewis. Company A, Third Bat
talon. and Corporal Joseph T. kerney.
Company c, Fourth Battalion. have
been discharged.
Private Earle w. Edgerton, Company
c, Fourth Battalion, and Landsmen AL
tert O'Neill. William C. Pinkard, and
Frank c. Waldccker. Second Division,
Naval Battalion, have been discharged
in the interest OF the service.
Tho commanding officer of the First
Battalion has been granted permission
by headquarters to take a company OF
thirty men and three officers 20 Chesa-
peake Beach the 2Sth inst, and there |
give an exhibition in trench digging.