The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1903-07-17
THE ENCAMPMENT,

over week, and nothing but favorable
comment regarding their department has
been heard. 1t is true that there was
some little excitement when they first ar
rived, but the officers speedily demon
strated that the men were expected to be
on their good behavior and they have
chcerfully acquicscd with thisrequirement
The streets of the town OF an evening
present an animated appearance, being
filled with good naturcd crowd.
The citizens of Bel Air appreciate the
visit of our State Militia and the time
will long be remembered by all those who
daily visit the camp grounds. The rain
on Sunday unfortunately prevented many
persons from attending, and, had it not
been for this, it is estimated that there
would have been several thousand people
on the grounds. The regimental parade
is the most attractive drill, and each
evening hundreds of carriages can be seen
making their way to find choice positions.
For time the Fifth Regiment attracted
the most attention because it was the
first to reach on entering the grounds.
Interested persons found, however, that
the Fourth and First were making equally
as good showing, and for the past few
days their parades have been the chief
drawing card. The encampment proper
now reaches in the neighborhood of
1000 men and officers. This includes
the two regular United States Cavalry
Companies, which arrived on the grounds
on Saturday.
1t is said that Camp Saunders will
go down to history as being the most
successful ever held by the Maryland Ma
tional Guard. The discipline has been
we'll nigh perfect, and both officers and
men have entered in the affair in an car
nest manner in order to make as good a
showing as possible for the amount of
money that the State has generously pro-
vided for the instruction of its citizen
soldiers. The drills have been somewhat
fatiguing and have lasted much longer
than usual. By the time the boys are al
lowed to come into town they are so
thoroughly tired out that it is a pleasure
for them to rest quietly until the call for
Fcgimental parade. They are then allow
ed to return to Bel Air, but all hands
must be in camp by 1890 O'Clock. The
provost guard is diligent and etlectual.
1t is we'll nigh useless for any manin uni
form to attempt to be out of his quarters
after the prescribed time, and the result
is that very little evasion of this rule is
attempted.
Ii is with regret that the citizens of Bel
Air find themselves unable to offer any
entertainment which could accommodate
everyone. A dance was at first projected,
but it was found that the public halls
were entirely inadequate to entertain the
vast number who would probably at
tend SO the officers and men will be con-
tent to know that only the kindest feelings
exist between the citizens and their brave
guests. 1t is needless to say that this re-
quires no outside demonstration for the
hospitality of Bel Air is only bounded by
its ability to make an outward showing.
Today, Friday, is Governors day at the
encampment and elaborate arrangements
have been made to receive His Excellency
in true military style. The drills will
include several evolutions out of the
ordinary routine of the daily life ofcamp.
| The Governor will be attended by his en-
tire staff. 1t is expected that the num-
Der of visitors will run up into the thous-
ands and every one who can make it
convenient should attend, as this is a
sight not often witnessed i'll this county.
| The brigade formation will take place on
the field of MIR. Joseph T. Deckman, near
Bynum, as this place offers ample room
for the purpose.