St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-08-20
A SUCCESSFUL MUSTER.
Company ID Returns from Fort Ethan
Allen.

"A 0OOSEooC-OL WO0 LIN
Company ID Returns from Fort Ethan
Allen.
Company returned Wednesday from
the state muster grounds near Fort
Ethan Allen after a weeks encampment
that proved to be one of the most enjoya-
BILE and successful in the history OF this
company. Probably never before was
so marked an improvement in the work
OF the company shown in so short time
The daily inspection reports showed that
Co. D ranked among the very first OF the
regiment in the care of camp, quarters
and equipment, and the officers have
every reason to be proud of the COM
panv's work and record. The only mem
Der of Co. to receive service badge
this year was Sergeant Herman A. Page,
who has completed five years of service.
A rather unusual compliment was paid
Richard E. Russell of Co. D. He was on
guard on an obscure post and the Off
GERS, observing the soldierly manner in
which he performed the duties, changed
him to the post in front of regimental
headquarters which is the most conspicu-
Gus in camp.
The food furnished was excellent and
the boys were extremely fortunate in
| having as chief cook, Ira st. Jock, who
has acceptably filled that position on
previous occasion. Musician Albert j.
Gale acted as chief musician Of the regi-
ment for time and was offered the posi-
ton permanently, but refused to accept
it.
The competition for the trophy cup did
not come off. The cup has been awarded
temporarily to Co. c of Brandon. This
company has received the highest aver
age at the indoor shoots which were
held last winter. The average of the diff
ferent companies for the outdoor shoots
are not yet made out, but will be soon,
and the trophy will then be transferred
to the company receiving the highest
average of both the outdoor and indoor
shoots. New rules governing the award
ing of the trophy have been adopted for
next year. There will be three indoor
shoots between the first of January and
the first of March. Only two men from
each company will be allowed to, com
pete and each man will be allowed ten
shots. The outdoor shoots will be par
ticipated in by all the members of the
companies, who will have ten shots each
at distance Of 200 and 800 yards.
Cavaral of + La Lor
said that this encampment was the most
successful from a military point of view,
in the history of the regiment. Editor
Greene of the St. Adams Messenger who
was for many years a member of the
regiment, truthfully says of the muster:
ut would surprise some of the old
timers to see what a change has been
brought about in the character, disci-
pline, efficiency, and purpose of the Yer
mont National Guard. The annual en-
campment, or muster as it probably
always will be popularity called in Yer
mont, is no longer weeks festival of
social affairs with a picturesque back
ground of mimic militarism. 1t is
school of instruction for $50 intelligent
and patriotic young men of Vermont
who are devotlng mauy hours of their
leisure from year to year to hard, serious
study and work in preparing themselves
Tor the duties and responsibilities Of the
volunteer soldier should a national emer.
gency or the internal policing of the
state demand such service from them,
These young men are now learning to be
soldiers, to make up that great second
line OF national defence upon which Uncle
Sam relies in times of trouble. They are
trying to profit by the experiences Of vol
unteer troops in 1861 and 1898 and to
learn the lesson of being always pre-
pared for war. The Messenger is pleased
to say that in its opinion the Vermont
National Guard was never in such
thorough state of discipline and efficiency
and, so Tar as an equipment is concerned
was never so near ready to take the field
as it is today"
1t is understood that Capt. ]. Harry
Estey, adjutant Of the regiment, is to re-
sign from the national guard during the
coming year. Col. Gray Estev went
to camp with the firm intention of re-
signing when muster was over, but when
this became known a petition asking
him to remain was circulated and signed
by every officer of the regiment from
Lieut.. Col. Bonett down to the junior
second lieutenant. 1t is said that a sim
liar petition was being prepared for cir
culatlon among the enlisted men but
Col. Estey got wind of it and headed the
| movement off The Governors Day re-
view Tuesday, was held on the parade
grounds of Fort Ethan Allen and the
regiment was joined by three troops of
! cavalry and one battery of field artillery
/, from the fort. Lieut.. Col. DimmicE
commander of the post, paid Col. Estey
the high complement of turning the
command OF the brigade over to him,
and Lieut.. Col. Bonett was in command
Of the Vermont regiment during the re-.
view.