The Washington times., 1903-07-27
GUARD SENT AFIELD
FOR MANEUVERINC

went eastward on the field, and did not
Gre any shots. After a brief rest they
were given instructions, and made
charge westward, firing a volley and then
advancing about twenty-five yards and
rept ating the same movement until their
ammunition was exhausted.
On Dress Parade.
Then they were recalled and after
little more social converse with their
fair visitors they were called out for
dress parade. the first since camp was
established. The visitors lined up on all
four sides Of the brigade and fenced 1t
in completely. Everyone who saw the
parade declared It to he the best ever
put up by the National Guardsmen of
the District of Columbia since they be-
gan going to camp each year.
The Second Regiment was formed on
the right of the line near the band, and
Lieutenant Colonel Ross formed his com
mand on the left The First Separate
Battalion. commanded by Major Brooks,
lined up near the men directly under
Lieutenant Colonel Ross. while Captain
Marion, with the First Battalion OF
Field Artillery. took up position on the
left OF the line. General Harries and his
stan took their stand in front OF head
quarters and watched the men line up.
When the brigade was reported formed
the general put the men through the
manual. and later they passed in review
and the colors were trooped. The last
named ceremony consisted OF placing
the colors in position near headquar-
ters, and the Guardsmen saluted them
with port arms as they passed by.
Debut of the Artillery.
Everything went of smoothly and
there was not flaw in the whole per-
formance. The artillery looked unusu-
ally good. and although II was the first
event of the kind 1t ever participated
in, Captain Marron's men acquitted
themselves IN an admirable manner and
reflected great credit upon the captain
and Lieutenant Marshall. both of whom
have worked hard and earnestly to bring
the battery up to It's present state OF
perfection.
After dress parade the boys were
given leave, and the visitors were ac-
| cOmpanied to the station and returned
10 the city. The boys loitered around
| town and some OF them attended church
| services
| Altogether, 1t was a strenuous Sun
| day. filed with lots of hard work. but
not without its pleasures. Chaplains
| Dudley and Pierce conducted the relig-
ious services in front of headquarters
in the morning. but did not have a very
| large crowd for a congregation.
Commissioner Macfarland, in speak
ing today of the trip of the Commission
ers to Leesburg, said:
Every year the encampment of the
| National Guard of the District OF Co.
lumbia shows Improvement; but this
year 1t Is more marked and evident
| have expert authority for the state
nent that there is no better National
Guard camp in any of the States In
the thorough inspection which the Com
missioners made on Saturday we had
| The advantage of the views of regular
army officers, and therefore were able
70 see all the features OF the camp al
through experienced eyes.
THE thoroughly business-1ihs AM
soldierly character of the camp. tn,
men. and their work. could be seen b.
anyone. The improvement is. no doubt
largely due to the efficient adminigtra
ton of the Guard, which has set a higi
standard. and steadily through years ha
sought to bring the Guard up TO II. an,
20 the cooperation OF the GuardsmeI
themselves. who are men OF superior in
| telligence. But the officers and mel
have been greatly helped by the new
militia law. which has made it possibl
20 secure better service, and at the sam
time has provided better compensation
II was surprised to learn that II
some cases It was difncult and in othe
cases impossible for National Guards
men TO get leave from their employer
10 go to camp. II seems inexplicabl
that any intelligent business man woul
not be desirous to promote the success
of the encampmcnt, with all its valua
BILE practice work. At any time any bust
ness corporation or establishment ma
need the protection OF the Eationa
Guard. and all business men ought to b
eager to promote its efficiency.
The camp work Is Invaluable.
ought to he longer than ten days. Blu
certainly the GuaTdsmen should be en-
eouraged to 90 for the ten days. II tn
business meL of the District who hav
any doubts about the value of the en-
campment would only visit ii they wOul
te actively in favor of II.
THE Leesbu~g site is an admlrabl
one. healthful, convenient. and comfor
table. / was pleased TO learn that tn
Guardsmen. as usual are making a goo
reputation in the reighborhood as hon
oraLle and well-behaved representative
of the District -