The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1903-05-29
MILITARY INSPECTION.
Gem City Guards Made a Most
Creditable Showing on
Friday Night.

one of the biggest days in Palalkl
military circles since the memorable
18th day of May, 1898, when the local
military company left to join the
volunteer forces in Tampa,
While the excitement was not so
rife as at that time, still the interest
shown was nearly as great in view
of the inspection of the troops by
Major John c. w. Brooks, L. S. A.,
detailed by the government for that
p cial purpose Maj. Chas. NJ.
Bingham, jr. of Daytona arrived in
he city Friday morning to assist in
the inspection. Maj. Brooks arrived
from St. Augustine at 1870 p. m. Col.
II. NJ. de Montmollin was also in the
city,
For many days previous to Friday
the soldiers had been preparing by
many hard drills for this event.
At o'clock p. m. the company be-
gan TO assemble in the Arnory Hnt
when the members took their places
in line preparatory to roll call by
First Sergt. r. f. Neck, each and
eV cry one pres, ntrd neat, sOldierlA
appearance. First Lieutenant f..
| Noble Calhoun then assumed COM
mand and marched the company to
the parade facing the north of the
hall, where Majors Brooks and Binp-
ham made the inspection of arms
and equipments. As the inspectors
passed down the line nothing escap-
ed their observation, but Co. "D''
was in such excellent condition as t.
warrant little or no criticism by thu
officers. After this part OF the cerc-
ImOny the company executed several
field movements, acquitting Itself
creditably and well. The extent OF
the proficiency of the company can
brtter be told in the words OF Maj oI
Brooks, who. when he addressed the
company took occasion to say THAT
considering the number of men you
have in ranks, your company is re-
markably well drilled and excellent
appearing one, and | have nothing
but words of the highest praise for
your organization. You have clear
ly demonstrated this evening that
YOU are earnest in your military
duties, and if your efforts in the flu
ture to bring your company to the
front are as great as ! have reason to
believe, you have fine chances fol-
success Mai. Brooks also stated
that this inspection was made pre-
paratory to equipping the state mill
tia with new accouterments and
Krag-J magazine rifles such
ms are now used in the regular SER
vice, in accordance with the recent
act of congress.
The competitive drill for the medal
came afterwards and in this feature
much interest was manifested not
only by the members of the company
but by the large and enthusiastic
audience. The judges in the contest
were Col. H. NJ. de MontmolIin, Majs.
Brooks and Bingham. Nearly the
entire company entered for the hon
ors and after very pretty exhibition
in the handling of the guns, one by
one the line of blue disappeared un-
til First Sergeant r. f. Neck was
left standing alone, and he was pre-
sented the handsome gold trophy
amid loud applause.
. Many words of cOngratulation Were
showered upon First Lieutenant E,
Noble Calhoun and Second Lieu
tenant st. John Wigg for the man
ner in which they instructed and
commanded their company.
The dance which followed was the
most largely attended of any this
year. There were at least 80 couples
on the floor at one time and those
who did not dance enjoyed watching
those who did. 1t was quite late
when the ball terminated. And thus
came to an end the inspection of the
Gem City Guards, n complete sue
cess, and the starting point of that
organization on the road to even
greater victories.
Major Brooks served in the Cuban.
PHILIPPINE and Chinese campaigns.
and is widely known throughout the
country by reason of his valiant ser
vice and many brave deeds. He
! is now stationed at Fort Barrancas,
near Pensacola, Fla.
Maj. Bingham is commander of the
I'd battalion, I'd regiment. being the
senior major. He is one of the best
officers in the military, having serv-
ed since 1884. Heis a very promi-
nent man in all circles of life and
has a host of friends in Palatka.
Col. de MOntmollin is a member of
the governors staff, but is better
known as Captain Harry of the Gem
City Guards. He is the peer of our
mllitiamen and has the confidence
and esteem of hundreds throughout
the state. Col. de MontmOllin takes
great interest in Co. "Dn whose men
feel very near to him.
All of these officers were guests of
the Guards during their stay in the
city and seemed very much pleased
with their entertainment. On Fri
day afternoon and Saturday morning
| L Il. 4 L L.