Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1902-02-01
A Matter of
Discipline
ByDAvID II. TALrADcE


rial. The occasion was the regular sn-
nual encampment of the -th regiment
of the certain states national guard.
Encampments of citizen soldiery
are odd things conceived by a wise
government on the general theory that
nen who sleep in tents one week dur
ing each year will be better prepared.
N case they are called upon for actual
service IN the field, toendure the expos
ure and other incidentals thereto;
also that the Oficers-more particular
Iy thu regimental officers-wil learn
the requirements OF successful disci-
pline, which is an important matter
among other important matters.
I deny nothing, nor do 1 affirm. But
am free TO state that a regimental en-
campment is one Of the most entertain
ing of functions. Citizen sOldiery. be-
ing nothing more than an organized
purpose TO protect the commonwealth
from its foes, naturally lacks its most
saliant feature when there are no foes
IN a condition OF warfare. II is quite
unable 10 shake of in one week the
civil atmosphere by which IL is sur
rounded during 81 weeks. Conse-
quently il is amusing, as everything is
when IL is out Of It's element.
Private O'Mailey, who. IL must be con
fessed, looked well in uniform. ad-
dressed the colonel as "Bill" at those
times when they chanced to meet. and
the colonel. who was a good-uatured
chap from whom O'Mailcy rented his
blacksmith shop at home. was utterly
unable 20 restrain a smile. which. OF
course. precluded al possibility OF
reprimand.
whats a man TO do2~ The colone
appealed TO the major. They were il
the coloners quarters with a bottl,
between them. and they had encoun
tered O'Mallfy in coming down th'
company street. "Here's O'Malley
as good Z soldier o. ever drew
breath"
~Or double rations," growled IN
major.
Meets me in the company street an
calls me Bin. It's contrary 20 reguia
tions. I'm the colonel OF his rrcimepl
and he is under oath 10 address his su
perior officers as bc their rank; but
by thunder. sir, 4 don't see how I'm Q
punish him. Suppose I go to him an
tell him kindly that he's making mis-
take. What viii happen? know We
enough: he'll Hash np like a can G
powder. and I'll be forced 30 The p'
eessity OF finding another renter fo
that building of mine, which isn't a
easy thing TO do; whereas. IL l sa
nothing. the chances are that he'll bu
the property within . year at ny oW
figure"
what does your oath require
you?" asked the major, softly.
The colonel frowned. I'm perfect
well aware what should do" be sal
with sudden stiffness. for his temp,
was easy on the triggers "but what
must do is 8 horse OF another color
"Yes, yes" The major drained b
glass and arose TO depart. III / wel
YOU. Silsby." be said. turning AZ u
door. "rd enforce my authority
whatever cost. or''-his lip ourled "a
er unpleasantly--"I'd resign"
whereupon he was gone. aud Il
colonel was striding back and for
across the tent floor splitting an
themas. for he and the major had be-
riva.s for the colonelcy. and were nC
in rivalry for the love OF girl. He I
covered himself presently, aud 5
down. laughing.
"Bomley's sore as = eOrn,"
thought, because I'm more popul
among the men than he Is, and becau
well, I'm sorry we happened 10 be
gether when we met O'Aalley, Ii "
afford him an opportunity 10 make
bit of capital against me-poor dis
pEnarian, hasn't the proper respect
the men. and ali that sort of thing.
may be true. but ! don't believe
Discipline 6oesn't consist eltogether
the exaetion of titles. O'Malley has
the slightest notion OF being ins ubor
nate. III ne had he wouldn't call
Bill, and he'd refuse 70 salute. IN
nothing about it."
And he did nothing about il for 4
days, during which he avoided O'MaI
aud preserved relations of 6istil
frigidity towards the major.
On the third day there was sh
battle.
The regiment was divided into {
parties, one commanded by
colonel, the other by the major.
eoloners party intrepched itse,f o.
hill perhaps mile from the camp, a
dehed the party Of the major 10 4
the position-. Whereat the party of
major, in which Was included the IA
company, stretched q portion Of AZ
into long line and ambled leisurel,
attack. popping of its rifles now
then. and retreating at each vol
from the hilltop. into the thick wo
at the base,
In the meantime the other portion
the party. including the local compa