The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-07-22
Naval Reserves Have Aquatic
Camp ss Result Of OownpouT.
1000 FEET OF TRENCHES DUG
Sham Battles on Program for Today with
Boat Drills and Machinery instruction
on Steam Cutter.

Although the language and appearance
ef the men at the state camp OF the
Rhode Island naval battalion at Quon
sett Point resembles that OF any ordinary
man % wars man. there was an order or
two given yesterday morning which was
way outside eths- part Il was during the
downpour shortly after Z o'clock when
the men were at mess. and as the water
came down in sheets the camp was in i'm
minent danger OF being swamped.
All hands were turned out 10 dig
trenches and for about an hour the men
Of the various commands stripped as II
1or action, were iaboring with intrenching
tools or any old thing that would move
dirt and mud. endeavoring 10 direct the
waters from the vicinity OF the big Sib-
ley tents where they had spent such a
comfortable night.
On board ship they would have been
required TO man the pumps" but the
difference wasn't remarked seriously. for
they were too busy keeping their bedding
dry. In record breaking time about 1000
feet of trenches were carrying off the
muddy food 10 improvised catch basins
and the reserves were not obliged 10 re-
course TO the boats or 10 swimming al
thou hgit looked remarkably as IL some
though II looked remarkably as II some
at one time.
The company streets were several
inches under water at one time and a
pool is inches deep formed behind the
hospital tent.
The men then went and got into dry
togs and the belated ceremony OF qua rd
mount was observed with proper dig
nifty by a detachment OF 3S men and all
but eight were dismissed at the close. In
this squad were two men. a petty officer
and machnist, who were detailed as boat
guard for "a hours TO stand watch and
whose duty is 10 keep the boats clean and
ready for use at all times.
man with a rife is kept pacing before
headquarters at all times, but the chief
dates OF the rest OF the guard consists
OF policing camp and attending TO odd
Jobs.
The shrill batswain's pipers were heard
summoning the men OF the various COM
mands to drill shortly afterward and by
noon the men had an excellent appetite
for the dinner and after an hours rest
battalion dress parade observed with
creditable accuracy. c.<sider.ng the la ok
of pra ctice the battalion has uad. The
afternoon drills closed with a lively skr-
mish in which the men advanced by
rushes taking advantage OF all cover TO
the bugle orders.
All hands were piped away for a swim
after drill and this was a welcome cali
to many who disported themselves In the
cool salt water OF the bay amphb.ous
eoldiers should. All were ready for sup
per call at six O'Clock and at taps all
were ready for the sea bag pillows and
blankets.
Today more OF the extended order drills
are 10 be taken and n sham battle will be
IN order with blank ammunition and the
commands will be divided into attacking
and defensive parties under commands
OF Lieuts Lawson and William Bliss.
thorough overhauling VIII be given
TIE machinery OF the steam cutter ana
the machinists will get some thorough
instructions in the uses of the various
parts.
All commands are getting some good
training and are rapidly acquiring famil-
hrity with the various calls ~ that at
sound OF the shrill pipe or bugle the men
are ready before the ecnoes have hardly
died away
The experience OF yesterday in the ram
has brought from Commander Sims the
euggestion that the state under DIR ain
the camp grounds as n precautionary
measure TO prevent sickness of the men
during spells of bad weather which may
occur.