Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1902-09-18
TROOPS DELIGHT GOVERNOR.
He Compliments Regiment at Cam
Thomas A. Smyth

He Compliments Regiment at Camp
Thomas A. Smyth.
Camp Thomas A. Smyth, Newark, Sept.
I'LL am opposed to large standing
army, but am greatly in favor of an efficient
citizen -soldiery for every State, and Della
ware should have as good as the best.
This remark was made to the officers and
men Of the First Infantry, National Guard
of Delaware, in an address to them, by Gov.
John HUM, while they were on dress parade
yesterday afternoon. 1t was the second time
in the day that the governor and his party
had seen the troops on parade, and the chief
executive accepted an invitation extended by
the officers to address the men. While the
soldiers were drawn up in line the governor,
accompanied by his staff, Adjutant- General
Wickersham, Col Townsend, Lieut.. Col.
Stevenson and the other regimental officers,
took position in front OF the men where
all could hear him, and made most en-
couraging speech.
II am greatly pleased today" he said,
with everything / have seen and heard at
the encampment. / am delighted with the
evolutions in the field, and the drilling of
the men has given me extreme satisfaction.
1t shows that some persons, presumably the
officers, have worked hard, and the result is
magnificent. This could only have been ac-
complished with good material. 1t is evident
to me that the men here at camp are an
extremely fine body of soldiers. You are
y
have intense interest in fine guard.
You have shown by your acts that you con-
slider that the reputation of the State is at
stake and that the efficiency Of the National
Guard depends upon your conduct.
II have talked with number of people in
Newark and they have expressed the hope
that an encampment of this kind could be
held here every year. hear only good re-
ports of the conduct of the men in and out
of the camp. They have given no trouble in
camp, SO far as have heard, and have con
| Quoted themselves properly in Newark aud
the country hereabout.
Il am opposed TO a large standing army.
but am greatly in favor of citizen-soldiery
for every State, and Delaware should have
as good as the best, and all we want is the
help of the Legislature and the support Of
the people, SO long as the officers and men
deserve it as they now do. | trust that the
guard will continue to manifest the same
spirit, and | am sure that it will be upheld
by the people.
II shall insert a clause in my next mes
sage to the Legislature in favor of proper
| support, financially, to the National Guard,
30 long as the conduct of the conduct of
the men entities then. to this consideration.
1t is on record at Washington that from
| the time of the Revolution until the end of
| the Civil War no Delaware regiment ever
This speaks volumes for Delaware soldiers
ana it is record that feel confident the
State will continue to maintain
In speaking OF the regiment to the
officers and Others the governor said 1t gavb
him a great deal OF satisfaction to know
that the National Guard was composed of
such good material, and he was gratified to
| lind that the encampCient was conducted on
strictly business principles, which he felt
could result only in good.
One of the most deeply interested specta
| tors was Gen. j. Parke Postles, who was
| adiutant- general of the State for nine years.
| Gen. Postles is considered one of the beat
authorities on military matters in the
| country. He has had much experience, in
| addition TO that in the State, having been
| in the Army of the Potomac, and won q
medal of honor. He was delighted with
| what he saw at the encampment, and did
not hesitate to say SO. This camp is in an
ideal LOCATION he said, in speaking to one
OF the officers after dress parade, land the
organization, equipment, cleanliness and
| discipline of the regiment shows military
| control, and the manner of the men on drill
and on guard post shows a remarkable de-
| gree of military efficiency, considering that
| probably nine-tenths of the men composing
the regiment have Just been brought
| together, many for the first time in battalion
! movements. The order, discipline and
| policing of the camp is excellent. 1t is a
business camp for military instruction and
improvement and not for nonsense, frolick-
! ing or anything of the kind.
In my Judgment the admirable military
| department of the state deserves the en-
| couragement of tho State, which can only
be given through recognition by the Legis-
lature in an adequate appropriation for its
| auppnrt "